Rovers star GH Smit hit a brilliant 126 not out last night. (0575674)
GH SMIT destroyed Corinthians last night with some phenomenal hitting – but it was not enough to keep Rovers in the title race.
The island star made an unbeaten 126 with an astonishing acceleration towards the end as his last 56 runs came from just 19 deliveries. He launched eight sixes in that time.
But with Corinthians making 157 in reply to their hosts’ 177 at Port Soif, it meant that Rovers’ net run rate would not be good enough to come top of the pile in Division One should Corinthians beat Cobo today.
Basically, the top flight has come down to winner takes all at the KGV this evening. ‘My priority tonight was to finish ahead of Rovers,’ said Corinthians captain Dave Piesing on yesterday’s clash. ‘I was happy with three overs to go [of the Rovers innings] and even chasing 150 I would have been comfortable with, but then GH cut loose.
‘Those last three overs were the difference – you simply have to get GH out in Evening League.’
Rovers skipper Stuart Bisson, who chipped in with 23 not out while Smit was going ballistic and then claimed two wickets along with Rob Turville, was full of praise for the South African.
‘Obviously, GH batted brilliantly as he has done all season and he was the difference between the two sides. It was great, calculated batting’ he said, before adding that he would be interested in a rematch with Cobo if they were to win tonight.
‘It is disappointing for the club [to be out of the title race] because we have lost only one evening game this season and that was when we were at a disadvantage [against Cobo] because they did not use a new ball, which is the rule now.’
Article posted on 22nd July, 2008 - 2.29pm
Loading ...
Most Commented: