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A sparkling fifty from Pete Richards and two good innings from Christian Steriopulos and Danny Kniveton took the Rest Of The Island to victory over St Johns on Sunday.
 
This was the traditional opening match of the season with last year’s champions taking on a strong Select Eleven.
 
The Saints batted first and were dismissed for 122 in the final of their forty overs. There was some good solid batting, particularly from Greg Hawke (24), Nick Hawke (15) and Jim Murphy (21).
 
The Mullen-e-Cloie outfield was very heavy after the overnight rain and it was difficult to get the ball away. In the conditions 122 was a respectable total.
 
The Island bowlers turned in some fine performances. Neil Holmes took 3 for 23 from eight overs and Ollie Webster claimed 3 for 27. Charles Whipp returned 2 for 21 and Garreth Roome had a fine afternoon. He finished with 1 for 11 after eight very tight overs.
 
Scott Pearce quickly removed an Island opener and another wicket soon went down to an aggressive Greg Hawke. However Pete Richards steadied the side and hit out in fine style. His fifty was a mixture of skilful defending and belligerent hitting.
 
When he departed the score was 72 for 3 and the Saint’s bowlers were keeping a tight line. Christian Steriopulos and Danny Kniveton then carefully played themselves in.
 
Initially the pair found runs hard to come by, but gradually got on top, aided by some quick running. The Rest Of The Island reached their target for the loss of three wickets, but with only one over left. Christian finished on 29 and Danny was undefeated with 26.
 
This was an excellent match and will have served as a good “warm up” for all the players. Although they lost, St Johns looked a formidable outfit and it will take a brave man not to tip them for more honours this year.
 
ISLE OF MAN BANK FIXTURES DIARY
 
Saturday 29th April
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