Philp catch swings match Rovers' way

ROVERS snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in a see-saw battle with Randy Paddle Mavericks on Saturday. And by claiming their third win, the Port Soif outfit put themselves on top of the table for a minimum of 24 hours.

However, this was a game that the previous leaders let slip away.

Although they had lost three early wickets, all bowled by paceman Nick Derbyshire, Mavericks were put back on course by an excellently constructed century partnership between Gordon Irish and Justin Meades.

The opener displayed his usual strength through the offside as well as a solid defence in making 46, while the all-rounder hit the ball typically hard and with some style as he reached a fine 56.

At 134 for three with more than 15 overs remaining chasing Rovers' 193 in a rain-reduced 41 overs, Rovers stand-in captain Stuart Bisson later admitted that he felt his side's chances had gone.

But a fine one-handed catch at short point from Paul Philp to dismiss Irish and Derbyshire's capture of Meades three balls later without further addition to the score turned the game Rovers' way.

There was still work to do, but the introduction of Richard Headington from the Blancs Bois end proved to be crucial, with the former island skipper taking three wickets and Bisson adding two of his own to seal the match.

'We did not play to our best form but we showed great character,' said Bisson, the fourth on-field skipper Rovers have had this year, although Richard Hamilton, the usual first team captain, has yet to take charge.

Headington was also influential with the bat, top-scoring with 48, while Tim de Putron contributed a vital 42 from 44 balls including two sixes and five fours. For Mavericks, both Justin Scriven and Phil Cox picked up three wickets apiece.

The Clubhouse Optimists maintained their unbeaten start to the Barclays Premier One season with a comfortable victory over NRG Pessimists on Friday.

The joint leaders again showed batting strength in depth, with captain Andy Biggins mixing things around once again.

Ian Damarell took full advantage of his chance to open the innings and stroked an entertaining 65 not out made from just 55 deliveries faced.

He brought up his half-century in fine style with a straight six.