St. George's CC 168

St. David's 172-3

Opener Glenn Blakeney rediscovered his form of last season when he hit yet another century to rescue champions St. David's in this Premier Division Knockout opening round match at Lord's on Saturday.

With skipper Clay Smith playing a restrained but supportive role at the other end, Blakeney feasted off the St. George's attack and was still at the wicket undefeated on 124 when St. David's reached their winning target of 169 after having earlier found themselves floundering at 29 for the loss of three.

The Islanders' two senior players refused to panic, however, and with defeat seemingly staring them in the face, they rose to the challenge to complete an impressive victory in just 33.3 overs.

Their undefeated fourth-wicket stand of 143 was undoubtedly the feature of the match with Blakeney, in particular, taking the initiative away from the St. George's bowlers after their early success.

Opener Friqre Crockwell had fallen for a duck, O.J.Pitcher four four and Chris Foggo for three.

Smith (26 not out), though lending vital support but unable to get into full flow while attempting attacking shots, was often left a bystander as Blakeney tore the bowling apart with some brutal strikes.

One bowler who managed to spare his wrath was young Travis Smith who got away with four maidens in his 7.3 overs, giving up just 26 runs while failing to take a wicket.

Blakeney's 100 came off 88 balls and his total of 124 off 98 balls. He struck four sixes and 12 fours - not his fastest century but on this day one of the most crucial innings he has played for the club.

Gregg Foggo was the leading St. George's bowler with two wickets for 47 runs off eight overs with a maiden.

Earlier, St. George's openers Oronde Bascome and Eugene Foggo put on 42 for the opening stand with the former scoring 32 and the latter 17 and even after Foggo had departed they looked comfortably placed at 65 for one.

However, once Detroy Smith was dismissed for six with the score 68 for two a collapse ensued and they were eventually bowled all out for a modest 168.

Of the remaining batsmen only three reached double figures, skipper Charlie Marshall scoring 15, Herbie Bascome 23 and Gregg Foggo 22 not out.

Clay Smith led St. David's bowlers with three for 20 off 10 overs with two maidens while O.J.Pitcher claimed three for 37 off 10 overs with a maiden and Blakeney enjoyed a two-wicket haul for seven runs off 3.2 overs.