TITLE rivals Optimists and Infidels cancelled each other out at So Kon Po yesterday, allowing Templars to increase their lead at the top of the Connaught Sunday League.
Optimists declared their innings at 278 for three after 50 overs but did not have the firepower to bowl out their opponents, who finished 13 runs short on 265 for eight.
Optimists collected 11 points from the winning draw, while Infidels picked up only five bonus points.
Although Templars were unable to achieve an outright victory over Scorpions at the Kowloon Cricket Club, their 12 points from a winning draw moved them on to 119 from seven games.
Second-placed Optimists now have 94 points from seven matches and Infidels, Templars' rivals from the KCC, have 63 from five games, as have Little Sai Wan.
At So Kon Po, Optimists openers Stewart Brew and Mike Speak were back in the old routine, putting on 161 for the first wicket before Speak was dismissed shortly after lunch for 70. He faced 90 balls and struck 11 fours.