Guest player Derrick Brangman produced a superb all-round display to catapult Devonshire Rec to a convincing 174-run win over North Village in the Central Counties at Devonshire Recreation Club on Saturday.

The experienced St David’s captain stroked a disciplined half-century and then claimed five wickets with his left-arm spin as Devonshire made light work of their opponents to take possession of the vacant title.

Brangman hit 63 from 106 balls, which included three fours and as many sixes, and more importantly featured in a vital and timely 114-run partnership with fellow guest player Abdul Salam to lead a fightback after Devonshire were reduced to 78 for six, with five wickets falling for 27 runs in eight overs.

“The wicket was turning a lot and we had to fight through it,” Brangman told The Royal Gazette.

“We had a lot of overs left and I told Salam that if we bat through Irving [Romaine] we would be able to score runs off the other bowlers because Irving had the ball moving a lot.

“Once we played Irving out it got much easier for us and we ended up getting a big total.”

St George’s player Salam was Devonshire Rec’s leading scorer, hitting an unbeaten 91 that contained four sixes and six boundaries before falling just shy of a century as the home side posted 267 for seven after electing to bat.

“It was excellent batting by Salam and I praise him for that,” Brangman added. “It was well batted.”

Salam’s St George’s team-mate Jonté Smith was Village’s most successful bowler, claiming four for 55 in his full quota of overs, while fellow guest player Dominic Sabir took two for 31.

Village leaked 35 extras, including 26 wides.

In reply, Village were dismissed for a paltry 90 in just 15.3 overs, with Sabir (26), Shaquille Pitcher (18), Detre Bell (13) and wicketkeeper Pierre Smith (12) the only batters in double figures.

Brangman led the Devonshire attack with five for 15 from six overs, which included a maiden, and was ably supported by Salam (two for 3) and Jahzardae Samuels (two for 49).

“I just put the ball on the spot, let the batsmen make the mistake and ended up with five wickets,” Brangman said.

“I just want to give thanks to Devonshire Rec for picking me. It was a pleasure.”

The competition was rocked by controversy in the build-up to the match after holders Western Stars opted not to defend their title and Tuff Dogs cited inadequate facilities among their reasons for taking no part.

Dennis Williams, of the Central Counties Cricket Association, hit back at the criticism handed out to the organisation by the two clubs and said it was “unfortunate” they have withdrawn rather than helping to enhance the competition.