Forties stormed to their fourth Commercial Cricket League Memorial Trophy title in seven seasons by beating old rivals North Village by 175 runs on a fast outfield at Shelly Bay.

Half-centuries from skipper Gordon Campbell, Simon Jones and Kavi Selvarajah helped propel Forties to a commanding 40-over total of 288 for eight before they dismissed Village for 113 inside 30 overs to complete an even more emphatic victory than the 144-run triumph against Jamaican Association in last year's renewal.

"They were the better team in all areas of the match," conceded Village skipper Allen Walker afterwards.

Campbell, who struck four fours in his 54, and Jones, whose 50 included seven fours, added 98 for the first wicket after Forties, fielding six players from South Asia, lost the toss and were sent in.

Yatin Gawas chipped in with 24 at number three but Village clawed their way back into the match, reducing Forties to 149 for five, before Selvarajah and Palithapushpa Kumara regained the initiative with a rousing sixth-wicket stand of 92.

Selvarah struck five fours and two sixes in his 50 while Kumara's 46 included six fours and a six.

With bowlers limited to five overs each, pick of the Village attack were Kyah Robinson (two for 35), 14-year-old Dejon Benjamin (two for 40) and Mike Levon jr (two for 44).

"I thought that 240 would be a par score," said Campbell.

"We had a good start with 98 for the first wicket but I think the key was when we lost our way at 149 for five and Kavi and Kumara put on 92 for the sixth wicket in ten overs aided by some dropped catches."

Village, who beat Forties three times last season, never recovered from losing their first two wickets for 15.

Skipper Walker and Rudy Smith each made 19 while Darren Davis made 17 not out before last man Reggie Benjamin also made 17, the innings closing on 113 as injured Tacoma Robinson was unable to bat.

Anton Thushara Fernando returned impressive figures of three for 11 from his five overs while Dhammika Weerapulli also bowled tidily, taking one for 11 from five.

'I really think they might have chased a total of 200 to 240," added Campbell.

"But it's an entirely different mindset when you have to score seven runs an over for 40 overs. That pressure led to their collapse I think, aided by some good catching."

Said Walker: "We congratulate Forties for their well-deserved victory. They had great success with three of their top-order batsmen scoring half-centuries. We were not able to offer any resistance from our bowling attack we just gave up too many runs.

"Chasing 288 runs was a tall order for us."

The Memorial Trophy was introduced in 2004, when a cup was presented to the league by Village, to remember Commercial League players who have died over the past 40 years. Apart from Forties' four successes, Village have won twice and Jamaican Association once in a game that is usually the league curtain-raiser.

"We had a minute's silence for all the CCL players who had gone before us. I think of Derek Bell, Wendell Lindsay, Gilbert Talbot and Kenneth (Blackie) Parris," said Campbell.

Meanwhile, the second half of the league programme resumes this weekend with BC Allrounders taking on Forties at Shelly Bay and North Village facing Jamaican Association at Warren Simmons Community Field. Spring Garden Cavaliers, who have a bye, lead the table, four points clear of Forties.