Cleveland County 201-9

St. David's 202-6

Dominant batsman Albert Steede again feasted off local bowlers on Saturday, playing a restrained innings to reach a deserved century and lead champions St. David's to a four-wicket triumph over Cleveland County in the opening round of the Eastern Counties Cup at Sea Breeze Oval.

Guest player Steede, whose superb form will have delighted Somerset fans with Cup Match just around the corner, faced 147 balls and batted for 180 minutes on his way to an undefeated 105. His century came off 128 balls and took him 167 minutes to complete.

His innings proved invaluable for champions St. David's who, after losing openers Sammy Robinson (0) and Phillip Pitcher (one), could ill afford another early setback which might have allowed Cleveland's bowlers to get on top.

Chasing a winning target of 202, Steede had to approach the situation cautiously. And with young Delywon Borden playing a valuable support role at the other end, the pair coolly and calmly advanced St. David's from a shaky 17 for two to 163 and within range victory.

Cleveland's bowling soon became tired and at one stage the two batsmen looked capable of staying around until victory was reached.

But Borden made a rash stroke and was easily snapped up by Peter Philpott off skipper Carlton Smith for 56 with the total on 163.

St. David's went on to lose four more wickets but with Steede remaining at the crease, victory for the east enders was virtually assured.

Steede finished with eight fours and a six in what was arguably one of the most patient centuries he has scored in recent years.

Harry Rawat, a fast medium left-arm bowler, led Cleveland's attack with three wickets for 48 runs from 17 overs, including three maidens.

St. David's skipper Clay Smith didn't have the satisfaction of realising his pre-game prediction and might have been concerned as wickets fell late in the day.

Smith had vowed that if he won the toss the game would be over in their favour by 4.30 p.m.

He did win the toss, put Cleveland into bat and enjoyed early success. But the Cleveland bats, led by Aaron Adams, persevered and eventually laid the foundation that forced the game to last until 7.25 p.m.

Early in the morning session skipper Carlton Smith's dismissal for 11 when he was on eight saw Cleveland in trouble right away, but his opening partner Curtis Jackson and Courtney Trott then put on 55 for the second wicket. Jackson scored 40 and Trott 15.

Cleveland limped to the century mark with four wickets down but in veteran Aaron Adams they were fortunate to at least find one batsman determined to work himself into a groove and take the initiative away from the Islanders' attack.

After initially appearing tentative, Adams settled down to play a vital role, eventually being dismissed with the score on 183 for five, having helped his team get within the double century mark with his brisk knock of 69. He struck seven sixes and three fours.

Cleveland, who had the right to bat for 70 overs under the new Counties format, surprisingly declared on 201 for nine with only 59 overs used up, leaving the champions 59 overs to bat - a sporting and brave challenge by skipper Carlton Smith.

Del Hollis led the St. David's bowlers with three for 34 off 13 overs, three of which were maidens while George O'Brien and Delywon Borden each took two wickets.

Cleveland's skipper was rewarded with early success by snatching the first two St. David's wickets in the first four overs, but the holders recovered to score a comfortable win with just 55.1 overs used.