Marauding Le Tissier batters champions

CARL LE TISSIER can be very hit or miss. On Sunday against C&W Rovers, he was definitely a hit. Just ask poor Tim Duke.

The Randy Paddle Mavericks opener faced the island all-rounder's first over, the second of the innings, with the batting side chasing 160.

Duke's opening delivery cost five wides and his six legal balls were plundered for four apiece by Le Tissier, making a grand total of 29 and Mavericks were almost a quarter of the way to their target.

In an astonishing display of hitting, Le Tissier reached his half-century off just 19 balls.

He was dismissed for a 33-ball 70 in the ninth over of the reply, having hit 13 fours and two sixes. He had shared in a stand of 96 with Vince Kenny.

Andy Orme then came to the crease and also enjoyed himself with 28 from 17 while Kenny chipped in with 28 as well.

Mavericks reached their target in the 21st over having lost four wickets.

'Carl's innings really was something else and Vince and Andy cashed in too, but it took something away from what was undoubtedly our best performance with the ball this season,' said captain James Falla.

Andy Burkhardt was the main wicket-taker for Mavericks, claiming three for 29, but all five bowlers returned respectable figures as Rovers stuttered to 160 for nine. Richard Headington's 73 was the foundation for his side's total.

The result leaves the champions rooted to the bottom of the Carey Olsen Championship table with Mavericks occupying the final KPMG CI Championship spot.

'I never expected us to be in this position at this stage of the season, but I'm pleased for the lads who have put the effort in,' Falla said.

'We've competed far better than I expected. I hoped one day we'd get some reward and it all came together on Sunday.'