Wanderers chase massive total to win memorable final

PKF WANDERERS finished the season on the most extraordinary high. Richard Veillard's side successfully chased an enormous 307 to claim the Carey Olsen GCA Cup in an amazing final against Clubhouse Optimists at the KGV on Saturday.

As the winning skipper said at the end: 'it was a shame that there were not a few more people here to see it.'

When Optimists took to the field with such a big total to defend, thanks mainly to a terrific hundred from GH Smit, they would not have believed that 49.2 overs later they would be walking off defeated.

Earlier in the day, the South African had batted superbly for his 115 made from 106 deliveries. He struck 15 fours and two sixes with a display of at times devasting power.

His island teammates Ami Banerjee (50) and Andy Biggins (73 not out) gave him excellent support with the latter finishing with a flourish to take his side past that magical 300-mark.

Phil Challenger was the pick of the bowlers although it was a below par performance from Wanderers in the field.

It was a similar story for Optimists, though, and their opponents took full adavantage as they maintained a good run-rate throughout.

Newcomer Sher Khanagha was at the crease early on after the dismissal of young Will Thompson and he laid the foundations of the successful chase with a marvellous hundred of his own. His 109-ball 112 included 15 fours and three sixes.

Veillard proved the perfect foil as he played his part in a stand of 108.

However, when both fell to Mike de Haaff within the space of three balls to leave their side needing 108 from 13 overs, Optimists felt they were almost home.

The wickets of Pierre Moody and Dave Piesing suggested that was to be but Spencer Noyon and Steve Birkett had other ideas.

The eighth-wicket pair simply batted positively, took a couple of chances and it paid off handsomely as boundaries started the flow and the target got closer and closer.

A couple of dropped catches did little to help Optis' cause, but Noyon and Birkett were on a roll and suddenly 25 were needed off the final four overs and Wanderers were favourites.

Having done all the hard work, they were not prepared to throw it away and when it came down to six required off the final over, Noyon finished it off with successive boundaries from Chris van Vliet's first two deliveries.

'It was an amazing game of cricket,' said Veillard. 'It was certainly the deepest batting line-up we have had all year. Having Spencer coming in at seven really does give you the opportunity to chase down big scores.

'The other good thing was we did not panic in the middle overs. We kept ourselves at five per over and did not play our big shots too early.

'Sher's was a fantastic knock and GH batted brilliantly in the morning.

'Both sides would say it was not one of their better bowling performances, but it certainly made for an entertaining game.'