Bailey's Bay (did not bat) What began as a contest with much promise ended in a major farce, with St.

David's retaining the Eastern Counties Cup on Saturday.

And while the champions received plenty of praise from their loyal band of followers at the end, they similarly came in for much criticism from other observers who criticised their methods as detrimental to the game.

At issue was Islanders' skipper Clay Smith's decision to bat until 6.30 p.m., leaving Bailey's Bay a scant 14 overs to chase 291 runs, which would have required a scoring rate of some 21 runs per over.

"There is something to be said about the spirit of the game and I don't think that what we have seen here today is in the spirit of the game of cricket,'' bemoaned Randy Horton, during his commentary for Bermuda Broadcasting Company.

"This is certainly not good for the game and at a time when cricket is struggling to get people to come out and watch, this certainly does not offer encouragement.'' However, Smith was having none of it, stating that his decision was guided mostly by the early struggle of his batsmen on a damp, unpredictable pitch.

"The wicket was hard but it had a lot of moisture on it and their four seam bowlers were able to exploit it and put us in trouble,'' explained Smith, who eschewed his own tendency to attack in grafting out a match-saving 71.

"They had us reeling all day and it took us longer than we would have liked to get out of trouble so that we could make a declaration which would give them time to chase.

"It's unfortunate that we never got in position to prepare and make a game out of it, but our first goal is to make sure we keep the cup.'' unsuccessfully for an lbw decision against St. David's batsman Sammy Robinson during Saturday's Eastern Counties Cup clash at Sea Breeze Oval. Also appealing is wicketkeeper Ricky Hill.

Counties clash ends in farce From Page 25 Furthermore, Smith said that it was up to the challengers to seize the initiative, not that of the champions. He reminded that it was Bay who had won the toss and put St. David's in to bat.

Hence it was up to them to bowl the Islanders out in time for them to make a run at whatever target produced.

"It's not our duty to make the game, I think the onus is on the challengers,'' continued Smith. "It's like them asking us to do them a favour and I'm not prepared to give it to them.'' Indeed, Bay appeared they would not need any special treatment early on as the pace attack led by Anthony Braithwaite and Clarkie Trott quickly got on top of the batsmen.

Braithwaite struck an early devastating blow in bowling the prolific Albert Steede for a mere 18 and then likewise watched as Trott shattered Allen Richardson's stumps to have the champs at 47 for two.

But the pair were not done yet as they soon had St. David's at 64 for five following the dismissals of Phillip Pitcher (24), O.J.Pitcher (0) and Landro Minors (five).

This brought Smith to the crease and he found a willing partner in Sammy Robinson, the pair frustrating the bowlers as they painstakingly inched the total upwards.

It was not until their partnership had reached 128 that Bay would celebrate again, as Robinson fell lbw to Braithwaite a run shy of a deserved half-century. Smith followed soon after, and it was thought that a late collapse might yet give Bay a shout at going for victory.

This was silenced as Lionel Cann produced another brief but attractive fireworks display that offered 44 runs and with Delyone Borden (25 not out) and Del Hollis (20) wagging the tail, Bay saw no purpose to even coming out to bat once the declaration was made at 6.30 p.m. St. David's will now play Flatts in the final.

Howzat! Bailey's Bay bowler Clarkie Trott (right) appeals unsuccessfully for an lbw decision against St. David's batsman Sammy Robinson during Saturday's Eastern Counties Cup clash at Sea Breeze Oval. Also appealing is wicketkeeper Ricky Hill.

Celebration: Bailey's Bay pace bowler Anthony Braithwaite (centre) is congratulated by team-mates after clean bowling Philip (Billy Joe) Pitcher (right) for 24 during Saturday's controversial Eastern Counties clash at Sea Breeze Oval.