Western Stars 229

St. David's 230-6

All's well that ends well goes the oft used, though rather redundant expression.

Yet so it was for both St. David's and Bermuda Cricket Board of Control as the cricket season reluctantly drew to its official close.

Reluctant in the sense that bad weather forced cancellation of yesterday's scheduled Champion of Champions Trophy final between St. David's and Willow Cuts although few, other than Cuts and their supporters, would argue the legitimacy of the Islanders being officially anointed champs.

Officials rapidly ruled out any possibility of play at rainswept Lord's, and St. David's were awarded the trophy based on their defeat of Stars the day previous and their status as defending champs.

Clay Smith, St. David's player, coach and captain, was no less enthused, as he and his men lauded themselves in celebration over an unbeaten season, praising all who contributed to the success.

"The players here have worked hard for this and it is very much deserved," said Smith, who was initially vilified in his hometown St. George's when he made the trek across the harbour to their arch rivals. "It started much earlier, back in February when we began training and players really showed their commitment to achieving success.

"But it even goes back further, to the trip we took to England, which really gave us the opportunity to gel together as one, as a single unit playing for each other and to bring about a greater bonding of the players.

"And the additions of Glenn (Blakeney) and Dean (Minors) were great, in that they brought both their talents and experience and knowledge of not just playing, but winning which helped us a great deal."

Ironically, both Blakeney and Minors were ineligible to take part in the weekend competition, yet their absence from the pitch on Saturday served only to enhance the status of the Islanders once they came off it.

St. David's were given little credence following an earlier Premier League victory over a Stars team missing several regulars who were touring Canada with the Bermuda national team at the ICC Trophy.

Some said the tables may well have been turned had Stars possessed a full complement, and so it was that the St. John's Road club entered Saturday's semi-final as slight favourites, with the home team missing two starters this time around.

But in one deliberate swoop, St. David's confirmed their credentials, posting a four-wicket triumph.

However, while the faithful were made to wait until near sunset, Smith had more than an inkling of what would transpire much earlier.

"This last week I experienced something I never had before in my career, with the way these guys prepared," said Smith. "Here it is the last week of the season and we have more than 15 guys out training and showing so much enthusiasm, they really wanted it and did everything they had to achieve it.

"We all knew how when we had beaten them in the league there was talk about how they didn't have Albert or Sluggo or Hasan, but I think we've proven to everybody beyond a shadow of a doubt that we are true champions, and also shows the strength and depth that we have in this team."

Smith and vice-captain Lionel Cann led from the front on Saturday, each notching crucial half centuries to thwart Stars' defence of a modest total of 229.

Cann was at his belligerent best. Coming in with his team tentatively poised as 86 for four, Cann started somewhat cautiously, his first three runs coming in singles. But he soon reverted to his normal rambunctious self, tearing apart Stars' bowling attack with a barrage of eleven sixes against just one four, as his 83 runs came from a mere 63 balls.

He and Smith notched 83 for the fifth wicket, 32 of Smith's 54 coming in boundaries.

The partnership ended at 169 when Durham had Smith caught by Steede, and there was still much left to do when Cann departed, venturing forward in attack of an Arnold Manders delivery and being stumped by Jekon Edness with the score 197 for six.

Herbie Bascome effected closure with a typical flourish at number eight, hitting a rapid-fire 29 while young Delyone Borden (10) anchored the other end, as St. David's passed the required score with four balls to spare.

Earlier Stars achieved their total with the greatest contribution coming from the veteran Manders, who hit eight fours and two sixes in his a 66 ball knock of 72.

Others among the runs were Treadwell Gibbons (29), Jermaine Postlethwaite (27) and Albert Steede, while an additional 47 came from extras.

Del Hollis was the top wicket-taker for St. David's, with three for 43, while Borden grabbed two for 45.