CLUBHOUSE Optimists made a little dent into Total Cobo’s massive lead in the Barclays Evening League Division One last night. Cobo are out in front on 20 points, having only lost once in 11 games. Second-placed Optis are now on 12 after beating 10-man Praxis Pessimists by seven wickets at the KGV.

They also have two games in hand on their west coast rivals.

‘If I’m honest I can’t see Cobo slipping up now,’ said Optis captain Steve Queripel.

‘But we’re going to keep going and hope someone can turn them over.’

Pessimists got off to a solid but slow start. Tim Belton and James Warr put on 49 for the first wicket before Warr went in the 10th, bowled by Biggins in his first over.

It was the introduction of the island captain with his off spin that caused problems for Pessies.

‘He took four for 17 from his five overs. Left arm seamer Paul Cooper also did some damage, taking three for 22.

Chasing only 85, Optis’ openers GH Smit and Tim de Putron took full advantage of the big gaps in the field due to Pessies’ lack of a fielder to set up the victory. Ollie Bowyer and Mark Jefferies saw Optis home.

‘I’m very pleased with the result,’ said Queripel.

‘We had a couple of youngsters back who lowered the average age and that showed in the field.

‘It was certainly much better than a few recent performances.’