This Is Guernsey

By Gareth Le Prevost

Matt Oliver smacked a quickfire 60 as Cobo beat Rovers to retain the GCA Championship title. (Picture by Daniel Guerin, 0477195)

COBO’S victory over Rovers on Sunday ensured that they retain their Carey Olsen GCA Championship.

Stuart Le Prevost’s side have won all their seven completed fixtures in the competition so far to live up to their pre-season billing as hot favourites.

‘Obviously, we are very pleased to have defended our title,’ said the Cobo skipper. ‘We have made no secret that our major goal this season is the Channel Islands Championship and winning the GCA title is an important step towards that.’

Sunday’s victory over a weakened Rovers, who were missing nearly half-a-dozen first team regulars, was a comfortable one.

Matt Oliver gave his side the perfect start by blasting a rapid 60 after being put into bat.

The island opener hit 11 fours and a six in his 47-ball innings.

He was well supported by Peter Vidamour (41) in an opening stand worth 98.

Towards the end of the innings, in a match reduced to 38 overs per side, Jamie Nussbaumer and Gary Rich made useful contributions to take their side passed 200.

The reply never really got going as Blane Queripel claimed a couple of early wickets including the big one of GH Smit.

Luke Nussbaumer’s well constructed 42 not out against his former teammates was the main contribution as Rovers reached 137 for six.

Meanwhile, Wanderers secured runners-up spot with a convincing 129-run win over Optimists at Port Soif.

After being inserted, Wanderers recovered from 45 for two to reach 259 for two in a rain-reduced 40 overs per side match, thanks to an unbeaten third wicket partnership of 215 between skipper Ben Driver and fellow Yorkshireman Ross Kneller.

Driver continued his fine recent form with an unbeaten 98 while Kneller was 95 not out.

Both will rue missing out on deserved hundreds as just three runs were scored off the final over.

Optimists quickly lost openers Tom Magson and Tim de Putron to Ben Taylor (four for 22) and only youngsters Adam Hindle (39) and Ben McVey (26) made significant contributions.

Optimists are now guaranteed to finish bottom, as even maximum points against Rovers in their final domestic league game next week will not be enough to catch either Rovers or Argyll Investments.

The last remaining battle is between Rovers and Argylls to finish in third place, with the successful side having the rather dubious pleasure of being grouped with Cobo in the CI competition.

Article posted on 8th July, 2008 - 2.29pm