Walker guides Mavs to shock win

JUSTIN WALKER hit a magnificent 83 not out to give Randy Paddle Mavericks a dramatic last-ball victory over Total Cobo on Saturday. Stand-in captain for the day in James Falla's absence, Walker smacked 20 off the final over as his side successfully chased Cobo's mammoth 289 in 45 overs.

Blane Queripel was the unfortunate bowler as Mavs' hero hit three boundaries, including a pull off the last delivery, to take his side to a remarkable result.

'Once it was down to seven needed off three balls, there was no way I was going to let it slip,' Walker said.

Mavericks had looked down and out after the Cobo innings.

Matt Oliver hit a fine century at a run-a-ball including eight fours and a six and was joined in a 181 second-wicket stand by Jamie Nussbaumer, who scored a patient 62.

However, the final flourish was provided by Stuart Le Prevost who strode to the crease with his side having already passed 200 and he simply went ballistic, smashing 63 from 24 balls. Poor Andy Burkhardt saw his final over disappear for 26, including three successive sixes to finish.

Mavs, though, were positive in reply and scored at a decent rate throughout as Carl Le Tissier, Paul Cone and Justin Meades made valuable contributions.

But it was a partnership of 83 between Walker and Burkhardt towards the end that set up the nail-biting finish and the skipper's remarkable finale even brought spectators out onto the KGV balcony away from the England v. Portugal game.

n P&J Salemites won their second Barclays Evening League One game of the season with a comfortable six-wicket victory over a weakened Praxis Pessimists.

Steve Le Ray's men bowled tidily and although several Pessimists batsmen made starts, none went on to make a big score.

Youngster Will Thompson finished as top scorer with 18 as Le Ray, Ralph Anthony and Andrew Hutchinson claimed two wickets apiece.

Set 86 to win in 21 overs, Salemites batted sensibly in reply, not taking any undue risks, and all their required batsmen chipped in with runs.

They claimed victory with 4.1 overs to spare.