Optimists cruise into CI league semi-finals

CLUBHOUSE OPTIMISTS became the first Guernsey side to qualify for the semi-finals of the CI league at the KGV on Saturday. Andy Biggins' side - the most successful in the history of the CI knockout and last year's winners - thrashed Guernsey champions

C&W Rovers by eight wickets to book a last-four place as group winners.

In Jersey, Old Victorians completed an equally comprehensive victory over St Ouen to finish second in this section, while Sporting Club Francais made easy work of their fixture with Romerils to guarantee their place in the semi-finals.

They will be joined from their group by the winners of yesterday's match between Total Cobo and PKF Wanderers.

On Saturday, Optimists made best use of a slow track with some accurate bowling.

Opting to field, they used just four bowlers and ensured runs were hard to come by for the Rovers batsmen.

Tim Duke's men lost their first wicket with the score on 35 in the 16th over, Richard Headington playing on against the nagging line and length of Steve Queripel.

Four overs later, Rovers were reeling at 51 for 4.

Ami Banerjee, in the last over of his miserly 10-over spell, removed danger man Duke and Tim de Putron with two unplayable deliveries, while Queripel added the wicket of Aaron Scoones.

And Optimists' change bowlers refused to let things slip.

Mike Kinder returned figures of four for 20. Ably supported by Divan van den Heever, he mopped up the Rovers innings.

Matt Jeffery was last man out, stumped off Kinder's bowling in the 34th over. Rovers had capitulated to 94 all out.

Optimists' successful pursuit of a below-par total was never in doubt and after the dismissal of Mark Jefferies, with the score on 20, and Mark Clapham, with his side halfway to their target, Rovers began to lose heart.

Banerjee and Warwick Green relished the opportunity to tuck into some non-threatening bowling, both demonstrating some expansive shots.

Rovers - Guernsey afternoon and evening champions - were resigned to their fate in the CI's premier competition and left to contemplate a premature end to their season.