Banerjee's fifty seals Optis win

THE honeymoon period did not last long for HSBC Griffins. Admittedly, the top-flight newcomers have been given a dreadful baptism with the way the fixtures have panned out, but their inexperience at the highest level of local cricket was on full display at the KGV last night.

Having put up a very spirited fight against C&W Rovers in their opening game, Griffins were no match for Clubhouse Optimists, who hardly had to get out of second gear to win.

Once again there were some positives for the promoted side to take, notably a decent knock by skipper Jeremy Sharratt at the top of the order and a never-say-die attitude in the field.

If they maintain that latter aspect of their game throughout the season then it can only be to their benefit.

However, they need to rid themselves of the naivety that sides in lower divisions can get away with.

Last night, after a steady enough start, Griffins continuously shot themselves in the foot.

When batting it was through playing poor shots and a lack of communication when running between the wickets, when bowling it was by not maintaining a constant line and length. There were also some fielding errors although chances that went to ground were difficult.

Sharratt's 25 gave his side a foundation on which to build a decent target.

The skipper faced 29 balls and struck three boundaries in his innings and received good support from number four Alec Bain, who contributed 16.

But Sharratt's dismissal, when he holed out to deep square leg off Elliot Green, started a collapse that saw Griffins lose seven wickets for 10 runs.

From being 53 for two with more than five overs of the 17 remaining, they found themselves defending just 67.

Unsurprisingly, Optimists cruised to victory even though their batsmen hardly found the middle of the willow for the majority of the chase.

Andy Biggins obviously wanted to get the job done quickly but his attempt to launch Matt Walker back over his head only resulted in him being bowled.

Divan van den Heever joined Ami Banerjee and they took their side to within 17 of their target before the South African departed, caught at mid-wicket.

But the Indian saw it through, finishing on 50 not out and seemingly coming into better touch at the end of his knock with three elegant, successive boundaries.

He struck seven fours in total and faced 37 delveries.

So, with Rovers and Optimists out of the way, next up is the small matter of Total Cobo.

Welcome to Division One Griffins.