Wallen is the hero

A SWASHBUCKLING innings from Damian Wallen and some top notch fielding ensured that HSBC Griffins took all the points over P&J Salemites in the Barclays Evening league Division One last night. Batting first at the KGV in a constant light drizzle that threatened to halt proceedings all match, Griffins posted a formidable total of 145 in 21 overs of which 70 came from opener Wallen.

Then in the field, the Jeremy Sharratt-captained outfit, fielded out of their skins to ensure that their opponents never really looked like getting close. Salemites were bowled out for 107 in the last over.

'Dammo batted very well again,' said Sharratt.

'He is obviously very important to us. If he gets a good start then the rest of us can try and build a score around him.

'But we felt we didn't get enough runs tonight. It was 20 to 30 runs short of what we wanted.

'Also I think that was the first time in two years in the first division that we have bowled a team out.'

Wallen's score contained 11 boundaries and plenty of fireworks as he played in his usual all or nothing style. When he is in the mood he can be devastating.

The second highest scorer for Griffins was Wayne Martel with 16.

In response Sale-mites' opener Paul Le Ray looked comfortable before he was bowled for nine by GCA president Mark Latter.

Number three Martin Robert looked in good touch as he hit some lusty blows and with second-teamer Martin Harvey, they put up some resistance. This vanished though when Harvey was well caught by Richard Sinkinson close to the long off boundary.

South African Dijon Lester then bettered this catch when he took one over his head to get rid of Salemites skipper Steve Le Ray. When Robert went for 37, Salemites's hopes went with him.

The vital points from the victory sees Griffins step closer to league safety but Sharratt is not counting his chickens quite yet.

'We've got five points now which is five more points than we had after 10 games last year,' he said.

'I wouldn't say we're safe because it has a habit of coming up and biting you but we're hopeful.'

His opposite number, Le Ray, was full of credit for Wallen.

'Damian made a difference,' he said.

'If we got him earlier it would have made a difference but fair play to them. They caught everything and they fielded like tigers.'