Optimists reach inaugural final

The youthful yellow-and-blacks made it back-to-back wins in the short format of the game by following up their shock victory against Indies with a convincing eight-wicket success over Wanderers-Rovers on Wednesday night to ensure that they will finish top of their group.

Against a side missing captain Lucas Barker as well as a few other regulars but bolstered by a guest appearance from former inter-insular player Ed Benfield, who was back on his home island visiting friends and family, Optimists again performed impressively in the field.

Their young bowlers were tidy once again with spinner Ollie Clapham the pick of the attack this time, taking 3 for 13 from his full quota of 20 balls as WRs were stricted to just 95 for 8.

Benfield was the top-scorer for the blues with three fours and a six in his 27 from 22 deliveries faced.

Optimists were positive from the outset of their run chase, with the previous week’s half-centurion Myles Brook hitting a six and four in Pierre Moody’s opening set of five.

The opener did not last much longer, but after he edged Harry Duke to wicketkeeper GH Smit, Alex Bushell came to the middle and saw the job through with some trademark lusty blows in his unbeaten 41 from 32 balls.

He received the required support from Alex Robin and Charlie Clapham to see their side to the brink of victory before Bushell sealed it with a great pick-up for six over square-leg off the 68th ball of the reply.

Optimists will face the winner of next Tuesday’s clash between Griffins and Cobo in the final on Saturday 28 August.