Kirk cuts down first CI champions with super 142

TOM KIRK produced a brilliant all-round performance to sink Optimus at the FB Fields on Saturday.

Kirk, who three weeks ago was still 16, cracked an undefeated 142 and then took four for 22 from nine overs of off-spin as the PwC Academy won a thriller by one run.

But despite the defeat, Optimus become the first NatWest CI League champions, taking the title after championship rivals Cobo lost by three runs to Aztec Springfield at Grainville.

Even if Cobo had won - and thanks to Jonny Warr's 90 and TJ Ozanne's 61 they very nearly did as they chased 240 for victory - Optimus were unlikely to be caught.

But, nevertheless, the champions-elect were strongly fancied to beat Jeremy Frith's Academy side and of their big guns Optimus were without only Matt Hague.

Kirk batted throughout the 45 overs and his innings drew high praise from Frith, who hit 38 in the cause.

'It was a really good innings and the thing that pleased me most was his thinking and the way he went about it.'