Optimists hit by SA uncertainty

'NUMQUAM in dubium.' So goes the motto for the reigning Carey Olsen Weekend League champions, Optimists. Translated from the latin, it means 'never in doubt'.

The Clubhouse-based club will be hoping that their motto will carry them through this season because, at the last headcount, their number are down somewhat.

Three of their best players, Andre van Rooyen, Divan van den Heever and GH Smit are in South Africa and at least one, maybe two or even all three will not be returning.

'It's a little bit of an unknown at the moment as to whether some of our players come back,' said Optis captain Mark Jefferies.

Island opening bowler and strong lower order batsman van Rooyen is not returning having settled in his native Pretoria over the winter. The Optis will sorely miss the athletic all-rounder.

Smit was a new addition to the team last year and his devastating batting came to the fore, especially in the evening league, to earn him a call up to Dave Hearse's island team for the inter-insular.

Smit is also currently at home in South Africa although the vibe in the Optimists camp concerning his return is a positive one.

But what could be a major blow for Jefferies is the potential loss of van den Heever. The left-arm quickie and straight-hitting top-order batsman was not only a mainstay for his club but for the island as well.

Like Smit, he is waiting on the appropriate paperwork to allow him back.

'You don't know where you stand with these guys,' said Jefferies.

'We've planned for the season thinking that they won't be available.'

Also missing is another South African, Chris van Vliet. The former Elizabeth College seamer, who can bowl at a lively pace, is off travelling soon.

Other absentees include the Chambers brothers. Jamie is moving to Singapore with his work in May while younger brother Nic has returned to Perth, Western Australia, where he had spent a year working and playing hockey.

Both could do a job with the bat and were athletic in the field.

Jefferies believes with all these players not available, the door is open for others to step forward.

'Our side will be weakened if they aren't around,' he said.

'But having said that, it means it gives some other guys the opportunity to stand up.'

Despite these losses, Optis' powerful batting line up, which on it's day is the strongest on the island, has not been affected too much.

Island captain Andy Biggins and Banerjee will be their main run getters.

Indian Banerjee is the most accomplished batsman in Guernsey and has the ability to score off every delivery.

Jefferies and Mark Clapham will more than likely open the batting with Ian Damarell and Tim de Putron coming in down the order.

All of are capable of getting big runs.

'We've got a strong batting line up and we bat quite low,' said Jefferies.

'Where we might struggle is on the bowling front. We haven't got a recognised spinner.'

Steve Queripel, veteran Mike Kinder and Banerjee will supply the majority of the seam bowling options, while a lack of a spin bowler in the ranks will force Biggins to turn his arm over with his occasional off spin.

'It's not all doom and gloom,' said Jefferies.

'We are the defending champions after all. We are going to be there or thereabouts.'

n Optimists begin their Barclays Even-ing League Division One campaign to-day against newly-promoted P&J Conservato-ries Salemites One at the KGV.