Rovers open their account

THIS was more like it from Rovers.

Their opening game of the Barclays Evening League season was one to forget for the Port Soif outfit, but last night they cruised to a 28-run victory over NRG Pessimists. But the blues' third stand-in skipper of the season insisted that they still have much to work on over the coming weeks.

'It was a good enough performance but not outstanding. There is still a lot of room for improvement,' said Tim Duke, before adding a reminder that Rovers still have a couple of experienced players to come back from injury, namely Richard Hamilton and Aaron Scoones.

It was a good night for Duke against his former club.

He made an assured 43 at the top of the innings after electing to bat and helped his side on the way to a decent total of 133 from 20 overs.

Richard Headington ably assisted him in an opening stand of 78 before Ed Benfield (15) and Tim de Putron (29 not out) both contributed useful runs, including big sixes apiece.

Steve Birkett was by far the most economical of the bowlers although James Warr picked up two wickets.

In their reply, Pessimists captain Tim Belton produced some excellent shots on both sides of the wicket on his way to a fine 70 not out from 69 balls, but he received no support.

Stuart Bisson was the pick of the Rovers attack and deservedly picked up three wickets from his five-over spell.

Nick Derbyshire and Duke both claimed two scalps each, the latter taking one superb return catch over his shoulder as Pessimists fell well short of their target.

Elsewhere, Paul Butler blasted 34 off one over for Total Cobo Colts.