Ghosts laid to rest

SALEMITES will grace the top division next summer. When Andy Richards launched the winning boundary over mid-wicket in the greens' final match of their Barclays Division Two campaign against Sylvans last night, the ghosts of 12 months ago were finally laid to rest.

'Last year we lost one game by one run, but because we were deducted points for an umpiring failure, we missed out on going up,' said captain Steve Le Ray, whose side were defeated in a play-off by Griffins to decide that promotion.

'We have got a good few of us who still want to play first division cricket.

'We are looking forward to the challenge and having a bit of a fight with the big boys again.

'The top flight has got some very strong sides but sometimes you play the level you are playing at - you can raise your game or lower it depending on the opposition.

'Griffins have been like that this season. They have really given it a go.'

Salemites will maintain the same nucleus of players that has served them well this summer, the majority of whom have an abundance of first division experience. Le Ray wants his side to maintain this season's attitude, though.

'We have gone out and enjoyed it. We did not put pressure on ourselves by saying we were out to win it.

'The team has played well as a whole and everyone has made good contributions. It has been a positive season.'

Ironically, the team they could replace in Division One is Griffins, but they threw themselves a lifeline with their first win in the top flight on Friday.

Damian Wallen's blistering 75 from just 33 balls was the catalyst for victory over St Pierre, who Griffins now trail by just two points.

He said that his team believe that they can beat the drop.

'We have got three games left - Deloitte, St Saviour's and Cobo - and on paper we have got a decent chance in two of them.

'It was fantastic to get that first win and with that behind us, hopefully we can keep the momentum going,' Wallen said.

n TIM DUKE continued his imperious form yesterday with a quickfire 86 in C&W Rovers' victory over Aon St Saviour's in Division One.

The island all-rounder faced just 56 deliveries and plundered eight fours and three sixes in his innings at the KGV as Rovers made 139 from their 16 overs.

In reply, St Saviour's fell 21 runs short with Glenn Mourant hitting an unbeaten half-century.

Stuart Bisson dismissed both openers for ducks.