Queripel's early wickets set up surprise triumph

THE Rest of the World XI had to bow to Cobo yesterday at the KGV. The Guernsey treble-winners added another piece of silverware to the cabinet as Stuart Le Prevost picked up the Nussbaumer Memorial Trophy - the only thing the island captain successfully held onto all day - following a five-wicket victory.

While the visiting professionals treated the Twenty20 game as the fun exhibition it was always meant to be, they were certainly surprised early on by the standard of the opposition.

Blane Queripel recovered from conceding five wides from his first delivery to send former England Test opener Jason Gallian's off-stump cart-wheeling three balls later.

He also removed the Rest of the World captain Paul Franks in his opening over - middle stump this time being ripped from the ground - on his way to winning the man-of-the-match award.

Le Prevost then dropped the first of two simple chances to deny briefly Kris Moherndl the prize scalp of recent England call-up Graeme Swann. The young bowler did get his man in his next over though.

The runs started to come with Samit Patel top-scoring at number four hitting four boundaries in his 23 while Will Jefferson and former England players Andy Caddick and Chris Read chipped in with double-figure contributions.

Gary Rich claimed four wickets towards the death as the batsmen went for some big blows and Cobo reduced their opponents to 121 for nine.

In reply, Cobo cruised towards their target, despite losing TJ Ozanne early on.

Matt Oliver demonstrated his strength on the drive, smacking seven fours and a six on his way to an unbeaten 53 while Jeremy Frith contributed 25.

Swann came on to take three quick wickets, but it was not enough.

'It has been a bit of fun and the guys were good enough to stay out in the field for the full 20 overs and bowl to our younger guys,' Le Prevost said.

Wicket-keeper Read enjoyed the occasion.

'It is fantastic to come back. It is my fourth time here now and the hospitality is terrific. I was never going to turn this chance down,' he said.

Although he personally has not been too successful in Twenty20 cricket, Read acknowledged how well it has been received.

'It is a phenomenal format for what it does for the game. Domestically, in England, young kids and families love it and it is getting people tuned into cricket.'