Tap Oil said the well intersected the top of the sandstone reservoir approximately 28 metres above the oil water contact in the Simpson-1 discovery well, some 14 higher than they expected.

A company spokesman said it was always good to come in higher than expected. "The higher you come in, the more reserves you may have," he said.

The sandstone interval was not developed in the adjacent Simpson-4 and Simpson-3H wells, indicating the complex stratigraphy of the upper part of these reservoirs.

Tap believes this is a good result as it provides confidence for upside stratigraphic trapping in this field and possibly the other prospects in the area. It now planned to test the well without using any gas lift.

The spokesman said they were expecting a similar flow to South Plato which was producing in the 6000-8000 barrels of oil per day range.

The partners are Apache Energy (68.5%), Tap Oil Limited (12.2%) and Kufpec Australia Pty Ltd (19.27%).