Wanderers out to end poor season on a high

PKF WANDERERS will be looking to salvage something from their dismal season in today's GCA Cup Final. The 2003 weekend league champions had a terrible time in the longer version of the game as they finished last in the Carey Olsen GCA Championship.

However, they did take some solace last month when they won the Channel Island's wooden spoon competition, the Sid Guy Trophy, from Jersey's fifth-placed side, Caesareans.

But victory over Clubhouse Optimists today at the KGV (11am start) would turn around their campaign with the very last throw of the dice.

'We've not had the best of seasons but that's mainly due to injuries and people being away,' said Wanderers' island all-rounder Pierre Moody.

'But this is the second piece of silverware we're going for this year. If we turn up and play to our potential, we're always going to have chances of winning.'

Wanderers' team on paper looks the strongest they have had out all year.

Captain and island squad player Richard Veillard is joined in the batting line up by Tim Belton and talented juniors Will Thompson and Tim Ravenscroft as well as newcomer Sher Khanagha.

The former Kent and Sussex league batsman is also a bit of a mean medium pacer as Total Cobo can testify.

In his first match on the island, Khanagha took seven for 37 in the GCA semi-final against the holders to help Wanderers win by eight wickets.

'The arrival of Sher has been great, he would strengthen any team,' said Moody.

'He's a quality player as he proved against Cobo.'

While Wanderers can be pleased with the side that they are getting out for the final, Optis will not be as chuffed.

The league champions are missing opener Mark Clapham, who is at the Ryder Cup in Ireland, seamer Steve Queripel is in America, left-armer Paul Cooper is away and keeper/batsman Ian Damarell is out with a back injury.

But Pierre Moody is not taking anything for granted.

'You always know what you're getting with Optis,' he said.

'They are obviously a very strong side. They rarely fail with the bat.'