Burkhardt gives Cobo a real fright at KGV

COBO had a real scare at the KGV last night. After setting 126 in their 20 overs, the reigning champions were easing towards victory when St Pierre, the team who would be kings, were reeling at 38 for seven in the ninth over and with their two big guns GH Smit and captain Justin Meades back in the hutch.

But Andy Burkhardt and Tom Kimber had other ideas as they shared a 61-run stand for the eighth wicket that ultimately saw their team finish just seven runs short in the last over.

It was a pleasing sight to see the KGV car park full for the top-of-table clash and the spectators were certainly entertained.

'It was a good game and after 10 overs I thought we were cruising but fair play to Burky and Tom, they batted very, very well,' said Cobo skipper Stuart Le Prevost.

'We were worried at the end.'

Cobo's innings had got off to a flyer when Matt Oliver and TJ Ozanne put on 71 for the first wicket before island opener Oliver went for 36. Le Prevost contributed 35 and on a damp artificial wicket thanks to the recent rain, the west coast side were happy with their 126.

In reply, St Pierre's explosive batting line-up faltered as they struggled with Cobo's young quickies Kris Moherndl and Blane Queripel, who looked particularly sharp.

So, with only 38 runs on the board, they were in serious trouble, but old campaigner Burkhardt was in inspired form as he enjoyed bludgeoning Cobo's attack mainly over mid-wicket.

At the other end, young wicketkeeper Kimber showed some bottle as he played some delightful straight shots to put St Pierre back in the race.

After reaching 31, he eventually missed a straight one off Mark Renouf but by that stage the blacks needed 28 for the win from 16 balls.

Some more lusty blows from Burkhardt and the removal of Martin Baxter saw St Pierre go into the last over to be bowled by Gary Rich needing 14 to win with one wicket left. And the St Pierre team and support on the boundary went mad when Burkhardt launched the off-spinner's first ball for a massive six over deep mid wicket.

But this joy turned to despair when, the next ball, Burkhardt went for another big swing and only succeeded in screwing it up to Jamie Nussbaumer at extra cover.

'Very disappointing - we just needed someone to stick around with GH,' said Meades afterwards.

'We bowled and fielded really well, we just didn't bat. That's the worst we've batted this year.

'Two top sides and we both batted poorly. We were looking disastrous at one point and the boys dragged us back.'