Somerset Bridge 97

St. David's 98-3

Choruses of triumph rang out from St. David's yesterday, after the Islanders wrapped up the Premier League title following a seven-wicket thrashing of short-handed Somerset Bridge at Lord's.

Player/coach/captain Clay Smith and his men, while not exactly reminiscent of any noteworthy a cappella group, were nonetheless joyful in their delivery, celebrating an end to decades of wallowing in the murky abyss of also-rans.

Yesterday's victory moved St. David's to 55 points from 11 matches, 15 points ahead of the chasing pack of Western Stars, St. George's, Bailey's Bay and Southampton with just three fixtures remaining.

And having previously defeated all of those challengers, and the first decider in the event of a tie that of head-to-head results, St. David's could finally stamp themselves champions.

Somerset Bridge provided another notch on the belt for the home team, who are unbeaten in all competitions so far this season. St. David's mowed through the 10-man visiting group, dismissing Bridge for a paltry 97.

Young Loren Marshall returned remarkable figures of three for three from seven overs, and was assisted by three from Delyone Borden, two from Sammy Robinson, and a single strike from Dean Minors.

Leroy Brangman top-scored for Bridge with 20, while Dean Stevens (14) and Brian Gibbons (14) were the only other able to get into double figures.

O.J.Pitcher, promoted to opener, top scored for the home side with an unbeaten 29, while Shannon Raynor also managed 29. Glenn Blakeney (pictured) scored 26 before he was run out.

Western Stars 333

Devonshire 112

On a day when they surrendered their grip on the Premier League title, Stars showed they are still a force to be reckoned with, blasting Devonshire by 221 runs at Devonshire Rec.

A blazing 85 from captain Albert Steede laid the groundwork for Stars' mammoth total, Steede lashing 12 fours and two sixes in his knock, coming in at number three.

The skipper and South African all-rounder Saleem Mukudem (43) put on 118 for the third wicket, and latter added 79 with Cleon Scotland (32), as the home side were made to toil under brilliant sunshine.

Anthony Amory took three for 33, and Ryan Swan two for 39, but the remainder of the attack were severely put to the sword, as Stars wracked up 333.

Devonshire were never truly in the hunt, losing wickets with regularity, only Dapo Frederick (26) and Rudy Smith (28) able to mount much resistance.

Justin Robinson proved the chief tormentor, his right-arm spin rewarding him with five wickets at a cost of just five runs.

Hasan Durham and Dwayne Leverock each contributed two scalps, while Wilbur Burt grabbed one.

Flatts 110

Southampton 111-6

Southampton stayed on course for a Camel Cup berth by beating Flatts at Sea Breeze Oval, in a match that almost did not take place due to a lack of preparation of the wicket.

In the end both captains agreed to play on regardless, although Flatts may well have wished they had elected for the day off instead.

A ravishing spell of spin-bowling by Olin Jones destroyed the home side, Jones claiming six wickets from his off-breaks, as Flatts were dismissed for just 110.

James Celestine top-scored with 38, while Nakia Smith was positive in posting 30, however the rest of the line-up came up woefully short.

In response Southampton got 38 from Stevie Lightbourne to lead the charge, with Janeiro Tucker (34 not out) and Jones (12 not out) seeing them home safely.

Somerset 149

St. George's 150-7

St. George's earned a measure of revenge against traditional rivals Somerset, with a three-wicket triumph at Wellington Oval.

Chasing a mediocre target of 149, the east enders made hard work of the task, and it was not until youngster Oronde Bascome, batting at number eight, smashed a six to bring the scores level, that the home side could feel confident in a positive result.

Bascome scored just 11, but it was a vital contribution in the end.

Earlier Charlie Marshall had top scored with 27, followed by Jason Anderson's 23, and 21 from Herbie Bascome.

Craig Brangman took three for 15 for the visitors.

Brangman was also the top bat for Somerset with 37, while others among the runs were Sheridan Ming (25) and Jacobi Robinson (21).

Herbie Bascome and Travis Smith each took three wickets for St. George's.

Willow Cuts 203

Police 93

A match-high innings of 95 from Dexter Basden helped steer Willow Cuts to an easy victory over Police at Somerset Cricket Club yesterday.

Batting second, Basden was unfazed by the early dismissal of opener and cousin Dwight Basden without scoring.

His knock included four sixes and seven fours.

He looked set for his century when he was stumped just five runs short of the magic number.

The Willow Cuts total proved too much for Police who mustered just 93 in reply.

Cleveland 135

PHC 136-7

At White Hill Field, PHC secured a three wicket victory over Cleveland.

Batting first, Cleveland ran up 135 in a match reduced to 36 overs.

Marcel Paynter top scored with 41 before he was caught.

PHC, in reply, passed the required mark thanks in the main to a knock of 33 from Gerald Simons and a fine 52 from Andre Manders.

Bailey's Bay 246

Warwick 99

Dennis Trott top-scored with 51 for Bailey's Bay to help his side cruise to a 147-run victory over Warwick at Southampton Oval yesterday.

No further details were available on the Warwick innings at press time.

Warwick v PHC

Match abandoned

Mother Nature proved both a blessing and curse on Saturday at White Hill Field.

For Warwick the abundant rainfall provided a sure route to successful defence of their title as Western Counties champions.

Conversely, the deluge denied challengers PHC of doing just that, as their challenge was washed away.

Warwick thus move on to play Willow Cuts in the final at the same venue September 8.