Tight CI bowlers strangle IoW

THE Channel Islands produced an outstanding bowling display to win their penultimate group game in the UK Over-50s' County Competition. The Isle of Wight batsmen were given nothing to hit after being put in to bat by Keith Dennis and were restricted to just 104 for nine from their 45 overs.

Off-spinner Tom Gales claimed four for 20 and there were also wickets for Steve Birkett (two), Barry Middleton and Ralph Anthony as each of the five main bowlers conceded fewer than 2.5 runs an over.

Paul Robson and Mike Webber almost achieved the winning score in an hour, putting on a classy 95 for the first wicket and striking 15 boundaries between them.

The Credit Suisse-sponsored side ended up winning by nine wickets with 28.3 overs to spare.