Devonshire Rec. 184-7

IFP Leg Trappers 185-7

Newcomers IFP Leg Trappers let it be known that they should no longer be regarded as upstarts from the Commercial Division.

The team comprising mostly of expatriate players followed up their impressive fourth place finish in their first season in the First Division with a stunning three-wicket triumph over Devonshire Rec. to win the First Division Knockout final at Southampton Rangers yesterday.

Admittedly, Devonshire Rec. batted first on a wicket that probably was a little damp from overnight showers, but it didn't pose them too many problems as they reached a respectable total from the reduced 40 overs.

However, Leg Trappers came prepared for battle and their batsmen chased the winning target by playing precision shots and taking advantage of bowling that was mediocre at best.

Luke O'Connor unravelled the Devonshire attack with a spirited knock of 49, the highest score for Trappers.

Before O'Connor came into the picture at No.3, openers Gary Knight and Chris Fleming had given them a decent start with a stand of 33.

However, when skipper Knight was dismissed for 20, Fleming, who went on to score 31, stayed on with O'Connor. The duo tore the bowling apart with an impressive second wicket stand of 77 which deflated the bowlers.

O'Connor was the dominant partner, playing sensible strokes and giving wayward deliveries severe punishment. He finished with four fours and a six off 65 balls.

When he was finally out at 134 for four, Trappers were closing in on their winning target with confidence. But after losing two more wickets with the score 166 for six they became a little concerned. They need not have worried, though, as Devonshire were only able to grab the wicket of James Swan (five) with three overs remaining and Trappers coasted to victory with time to spare.

Simroy Crosdale was top bowler for Devonshire with two wickets for 22 runs off 7.3 overs, including a maiden, while Anthony Amory had two for 23 off four overs.

Earlier, the same player struck 56 not out off 56 balls to help Devonshire to what many felt was a total they could defend. He struck five fours and two sixes.

Amory helped them out of trouble after they were floundering at 66 for five, he and skipper Winston Trott Jr. (14) adding 40 for the sixth wicket and then Crosdale (nine) and Dennis Williams (37) joining him in run producing partnerships.

James Kent was the pick of Trappers' bowlers, finishing with a three-wicket haul for 23 runs off eight overs, including a maiden.