It was arguably the best ever

HAS there ever been a better match in the evening league? While most island sports fans were glued to the television watching England play Sweden, a select handful witnessed an amazing encounter as bottom-of-the-table P&J Salemites held their nerve to defeat title-challengers Clubhouse Optimists.

The morning after the night before, Steve Le Ray had only just got his breath back from the last-ball, one-run victory.

'It was certainly a nail-biter. It is one of the best games I have ever played in,' said the Salemites captain. 'We have had some tight games in the past but those are the ones we tend to lose so this will probably be more memorable.'

Over the years there have been many thrillers, but they rarely occur between a previously winless side and one challenging for top spot containing several island stars. Upsets don't come much bigger.

Much of it was down to the contributions of Ross Knellor and the skipper himself.

The former, who has not been available for several games due to exams, was hugely impressive in his 52 and that knock allowed Le Ray to relax and notch up 55 as Salemites finished on 164 from 21 overs.

'Ross is a quality player and with him going so well, I felt we could go out with no pressure and give it a go,' the captain said.

Economical spells from Ralph Anthony and Le Ray, who claimed two wickets, then heaped pressure on Optimists as they were left requiring 104 from nine overs.

GH Smit and Andy Biggins chipped away at the target and the rate increased dramatically before confusion caused the South African to be run out for a powerful 67 in the 17th over with 61 still required.

'We knew Smit and Biggins were capable of getting there, but once Ross bowled an over in which GH was run out and they scored only one or two runs, I thought we were going to win comfortably,' Le Ray said.z 'But Biggins batted really well and in the last four or five overs he was hitting it wherever he wanted.'

Optis still required 18 off the final over, bowled by Knellor, yet Biggins had little trouble in reducing that to two off one ball, reaching 75 off 43 balls.

The ending could not have been more dramatic.

Attempting to fetch the ball over to deep mid-wicket, the left-hander got a top edge, which initially looked as if it would drop safe and give Optis an easy two.

But Guernsey under-15 player Ollie Lepp turned at short fine leg, ran while continuing to watch the long-time airborne ball and coolly pouched it as it dropped.

'When the ball is falling over the fielder's shoulder like that, you expect the person, whoever it is, to have difficulty judging it and usually you see the ball bouncing around his ankles having missed the catch,' Le Ray said.

'You sometimes think he might catch it, but it is usually hope rather than expectation. Ollie took it superbly.'

The Salemites captain hopes that their first victory will be the catalyst for more this season.

'We will go out and carry on enjoying it and if we can get our first-choice XI out more often, we can compete.

'Having Ross available regularly will obviously help. I think he has a couple of months without exams now,' he said.

n WHICH Evening League thrillers stick in your mind? Do any match Salemites victory over Optimists in terms of entertainment and also shock value?

If you think calling Tuesday night's match arguably the best ever is over the top, we would like to hear your memories on great games. Write to us at sport@guernsey-press.com or Guernsey Press, Braye Road, Vale, GY1 3BW.