Salemites on verge of title

DEUTSCHE BANK TAVERNERS have failed to seize their chance of returning to Division One at the first attempt. Against fellow Division Two high flyers Salemites, Taverners required just one more win to gain automatic promotion. But they fell short of their target of 136 at Memorial Field by 47 runs.

Salemites now need to win their remaining two matches to take the league honours, while James Falla and his men can now only watch from the sidelines while their fate is decided.

'If they play like that again, they won't slip up,' said Falla.

'Its very disappointing for us. We were one game from getting back into the top flight.

'We're keeping a glimmer of hope though.'

Salemites' total came courtesy of a fine knock of 70 from Paul Le Ray, who looked strong off his legs.

In reply, Gordon Irish was the only Taverners' batsman to get his head down with 52 before he was stumped by Ian Gaudion off Ralph Anthony's left arm spin. Taverners were all out for 91.

Meanwhile in Division One, it was business as usual for Total Cobo as they beat DHS St Pierre by 50 runs at the KGV.

Cobo posted 142 off their 18 overs with island opener Matt Oliver making 51.

St Pierre looked like they might get close when Carl Le Tissier started to get going, but his innings was cut short on 22 when he skied a Mark Culverwell delivery straight up in the air and the veteran pace bowler did well to hold onto it. With his dismissal St Pierre were always going to struggle and this proved to be the case.