Birkett stars as Over-50s cruise to five-wicket win

THE Channel Islands are back on the winning trail in the Over-50s' County Competition. After suffering defeat to Somerset at the weekend, the islanders travelled to Hampshire on Wednesday and came away with a five-wicket victory.

Keith Dennis won the toss at Hursley Park, near Romsey, and his decision to ask the home side to bat was soon rewarded with Barry Middleton and John Tall taking early wickets apiece.

The CI continued to bowl well and managed to keep Hampshire's run-rate below three for much of their innings with Ralph Anthony taking three middle order wickets while fellow spinners Tom Gales and Steve Birkett claimed two each as the hosts reached 145 for nine from their 45 overs.

Mike Webber and Paul Robson gave the visitors a fine start with an opening stand worth 50.

Although the CI then lost four wickets for the addition of just 28 runs, Birkett and Greg Sykes steadied the ship with a fifth-wicket stand of 58 before Paul Le Cocq joined the latter to seal victory with 4.5 overs to spare.