Deloitte ease relegation worries with last-over win

DELOITTE have given themselves a great chance of survival in Barclays Premier One. A six-wicket win over champions DHS St Pierre at the KGV last night moved Paul Finn's men into the bunch of teams, which now numbers four, with eight points and left DB Taverners rooted to the bottom of the table with six.

Now the meeting between Deloitte and Taverners on Monday 9 August looks set to decide whether the latter go down or a play-off - which could involve up to four teams - is needed to resolve the issue of which is relegated.

One thing is for certain, St Pierre were kicking themselves that they did not all but guarantee their top flight status for next year yesterday.

Dougie Mackay undoubtedly did his bit in the search for victory with an excellent knock of 69 which was the cornerstone of his side's 153 for five from 19 overs.

Going in at number three, he stroked 10 fours and hit a six over mid-wicket during his 43-ball innings, while the other main contributors were Justin Walker (31) and Paul Wakeford (18).

But Saints were mediocre in the field and, after Justin Meades had been dismissed early on, Bertie Salt and Dave Clark made them pay with a fine 100 partnership to take Deloitte to the brink of victory.

There was still work to be done but Neil Fitchet was not going to let the opportunity pass them by and he saw his side home in the last over.