Savident gets his elusive trophy

The all-rounder eased to a undefeated 45 to see Odey St Pierre/Rovers home by five wickets with five balls to spare in the rearranged Evening League Cup final on Saturday afternoon. This was not the news Optimists birthday boys Mark Jefferies (45th) and Ryan Harris (19th) wanted.

But Optimists only had themselves to blame.

Had they made the most of their great start - 71 for one - in the first 10 overs, it might have been the yellow-and-blacks lifting the trophy at the end of the domestic season.

Andy Biggins and Zak Damarell put Optimists in a great position to post a big total on a slow wicket and lush September outfield, but after Biggins had been bowled by off-spinner Smit for 47 and Damarell hit one straight back to Savident for 45, the innings died a slow death.

A final total of 128 for four was not what Optimists had been imagining at halfway and although Tim Duke gave Optimists early hope by bowling Smit in the opening over, that is how it turned out.

Ben Fitchet hit a 21-ball 30 and with help from Dale Webb put their side well in control and even though they both fell within nine runs of one another, in came Savident to see them home safely.