Rovers march on towards the title

TWO more crucial points for C&W Rovers in their hunt for the holy grail of the Barclays Premier One title. They overcame the challenge of a battling Deutsche Bank Taverners side equally in need of the points.

The final margin was an eventually comfortable 18 runs, but Rovers could rarely be blase about the task ahead of them.

Put into bat, Rovers' senior players at the top of the order ensured that a few missing faces would not concern them.

Richard Headington led the way, making 37 at more than a run a ball while Tim Duke dug in. The openers added 66 before Headington was caught at cover.

Julian Turian hit lustily for 22 while Duke completed his half-century in the last over of the innings with a rifle-shot straight four past the bowler.

But 136 in 18 overs gave Taverners the smallest glimmer of hope.

Robbie Moore and Justin Scriven gave their side a decent start but Moore holed out at deep square leg the first time he opened his shoulders.

Matt Jeffery's delayed introduction to the attack threatened to change the game. Three batsmen fell to wickedly inswinging yorkers and when Scriven was bowled by Headington, Taverners looked doomed.

Andy Orme had other ideas. His 'rustic' style saw him take Headington for 18 in an over, with a six and a four, and even Duke's bowling was punished as he raced to 29 in just 11 scoring shots.

Nick Derbyshire had to be recalled and snared the wicket his captain wanted, Orme caught at backward point. Only thereafter did Taverners subside quietly.

Both teams now face crucial matches at different ends of the table to decide their fate this season.