Duke hits century as Griffins against suffer

TIM DUKE crashed his second Barclays Evening League century of the season as bottom-of-the-table HSBC Griffins A again chased a lot of leather around the KGV last evening. Duke scored 114 before finally falling to reserve bowler Paul McCormick, one of many second-teamers called up to plug the gaps.

On a lightning quick outfield which has never looked better, Rovers won the toss and gorged themselves on the bowling through 20 overs.

Only Wayne Martel escaped real clobber as Duke and Richard Headington scored 50 for the first wicket and, when the latter had fallen, Duke and Richard Hamilton added 129 quick runs.

Duke crashed 17 fours while Hamilton plundered five fours and a six as Rovers chalked up a massive 191 for two.

Griffins, to be fair, made a decent fist of batting themselves with Wayne Martel hitting nine fours in his 54 at the top of the order and South African Dijon Lester smashing nine fours and a six in his undefeated 64.

Griffins, who found themselves up against the newly-transferred Rob Turville, finished on 158.

Turville took one for 33 from five overs.