Openers make chase look easy

MATT OLIVER and TJ Ozanne proved what a devastating partnership they can be as they smashed Total Cobo to a 10-wicket victory over Praxis Pessimists in Barclays Evening League One. Chasing Pessis' total of 131 from 22 overs at the KGV last night, the two Cobo openers reached the target in the 16th over.

'I'm very pleased that Matt and TJ saw us home,' said Cobo captain Stuart Le Prevost.

'They put the bad ball away well.'

Island left-hander Oliver ended unbeaten on 60 as he struck the ball sweetly around the park. He was particularly strong off his legs as he flicked a number of stray balls for four.

Ozanne finished on 51 not out as he played in usual exuberant way. His bat was flaying around at times like he was Zorro in a hurry.

Earlier in the match, Pessimists' total included a very fine 51 from young James Warr who hit six fours before he was stumped by Justin Ferbrache, who was back behind the stumps for the night, off Luke Nussbaumer.

One other wicket fell to the Elizabeth College leg spinner while Mark Renouf claimed two for 32.

Kris Moherndl enjoyed a welcome return to form after going through a bad patch of late as he and Blane Queripel both bowled well for no reward.

'Kris bowled well and it's nice to see him back in the groove,' said Le Prevost.

'We bowled well, had virtually no extras and we fielded well. We had much more discipline.

'It was a good all-round team performance.'