Cricket - Over 50s - Cornwall fail to stop Channel Islanders

Cornwall v Channel Islands (at Gunnislake)

The Channel Islands came to Gunnislake on Wednesday last unbeaten and already division Champions so Cornwall with only one win were looking to upset the odds and to improve on their past performances.

Winning the toss and batting Cornwall made a careful start on a slow pitch and outfield. Redman and Ward put on 55 for the first wicket, Ward was just starting to hit out, when he played over a yorker and was bowled for 36. Redman was then run out attempting a second run, and Voyzey was then bowled off of bat and pad.

At 103 for 3 in the 32 overs Cornwall then needed to score more than six runs an over to make a total that might be defended. Nigel Cock topped scored again with his third unbeaten 50, and he and Tony Roberts with a quick 19 got the total to 174, perhaps 20 runs short against some accurate bowling by the six Channel bowlers used.

The Channel Isles then showed what could be achieved by taking some very quick singles, which meant they were always up with the run rate. The first wicket fell at 89, that of Dennis for 53, the second at 103, then Birkett hit a very fast 63 hitting a six to win tile match. Roy Strout as usual, Graham Ward and especially Tony Roberts with five maidens in his nine over spell, bowled well, but the fast rnnning by the Channel batsmen always kept the Comish under pressure. An impressive team who are worthy winners of the South Western Division. They now meet Norfolk, who have also reached the last eight.

Scores - Cornwall 174-5 (T Redman 37, G Ward 53, N Cock 58 n.o., D Trudgeon 10, T Roberts 19 n.o., Breed 2-34, Dickens 1-30, Dennis 1-28). Channel Islands 177-2 (M Fooks 37 n.o., K Dennis 53, S Birkett 63 n.o., Driver 1-40, Ward 1-25).

Channel Isles won by 8 wkts.