Willow Cuts 312, Warwick 213

A fine all-round performance saw Willow Cuts successfully retain their Western Counties crown on Saturday at Southampton Oval.

Inspired by a magnificent century from man-of-the-match Wendell White (119), and helped by superb knocks of 57 by Steven Mendes and an unbeaten 54 by colt Michael Corday, Cuts easily put paid to Warwick's challenge to advance into the second round where they will meet Southampton next weekend at the same venue.

Young Jacobi Robinson (three for 37) also played a pivotal role in Cuts' 99-run triumph, while Mendes and White capped off impressive all-round performances with three for 26 and two for 38 respectively.

White also held onto two excellent catches in the field to complete a memorable day.

"The batting of Steve Mendes came at a critical time for us," acknowledged Cuts deputising skipper Reggie Tucker.

"He and Wendell White put on an excellent partnership when we were in trouble.

"Then Michael Corday put on a fine performance with his maiden half century in the counties and you couldn't have asked for anything better."

Precariously placed at 44 for three, with Dwight Basden - dismissed first ball of the match - Dexter Basden (9) and Tucker (1) all back in the pavilion, Warwick appeared to be on the verge of another cup surprise.

However, Mendes and White swung the pendulum back in Cuts' favour with a crucial 110-run fourth-wicket stand.

Continuing his fine form of late, Mendes stroked nine fours during a patient innings, while White, in typical fashion, blasted 10 fours and seven sixes in a whirlwind knock. He was, however, dropped on 40 by Allan Douglas.

After initially playing a supporting role at the other end coming in at number six, Corday also took advantage of a batting-friendly pitch to stroke five fours and two gloriously hooked sixes off the back foot.

He featured in another purposeful 117-run fifth wicket stand with White before returning later behind the stumps to execute a swift stumping and glove two fine catches.

Warwick were left to ponder some poor fielding as they yielded 67 runs to the opposition's total.

Guest player Mark Ray (two for 35) and Kion Butterfield (two for 22) were the challengers' best bowlers, while Sammy Robinson (one for 40), Lamar Caines (one for 39) and Robbie Richardson (one for 28) each grabbed a wicket.

Warwick made a spirited start to their pursuit of Cuts' total with young skipper Dion Stovell (18) in punishing form, smashing opening bowler Swan for three fours during his first over.

But Stovell would go for one too many and was caught at square leg by White off Robinson.

Robinson would also send Sammy Robinson (9) and Johnny Ball (9) back to the dressing room early while Swan trapped Allan Douglas (10) leg before wicket, leaving Warwick reeling at 54 for four.

With Cuts now sensing victory, only a painstaking 90 by Ray and a brisk knock of 20 from Butterfield ensured that Warwick made a respectable reply as the rest of their batsmen could only make cameo appearances at the crease.

Ray finished with 12 fours during his top knock before he was last wicket to fall, prompting scenes of jubilation among the Cuts players.