St. David's can do no right these days!

After watching a potential victory slip from their grasp in Saturday's Eastern Counties game, St. David's suffered an even more crushing result yesterday as Willow Cuts cruised past their imposing total for a vital limited-overs win.

Playing in the penultimate round of one-day matches at Lord's, St. David's would have fancied an easy success against Cuts, who have endured their accustomed seesaw season, after posting 303 for five.

It was not to be, though, as the visitors electrified the eastern ground with a reply of 307 for just three wickets; an astonishing array of shots flying from the bats of Reggie Tucker Jr. and Basden brothers, Dexter and Richard.

Fittingly, the latter two ? among the club's most committed veterans ? were at the crease to record the unbelievable success in 47.1 overs as a wayward Chris Foggo delivery eluded relief keeper O.J.Pitcher for five wides.

Dexter, who came in at number three rather than his usual opening slot, was unbeaten on 109 from 115 balls in 174 minutes. He struck 12 fours and six sixes. Skipper, Richard, was 36 not out (four boundaries). Tucker had earlier belted 83 off 88 balls in 132 minutes with 15 fours. There were also 43 extras.

Sixty runs came in the final 7.1 overs as the Basdens, showing just how well their willows cut, moved from 247 in 40 overs to their target in an unbroken stand of 78 for the fourth wicket. There was also a crucial 117-run partnership between Tucker and Dexter for the second wicket. Stand-in captain Del Hollis took two for 59 from ten overs for St. David's and wrung the changes in vain to try and effect a breakthrough.

The hosts' total of 303 was built on the foundation of an aggressive 101 not out by Shannon Raynor who faced just 56 balls in 64 minutes in the middle, smashing eight fours and seven sixes.

O.J. Pitcher contributed 54 (seven fours; one six) and opener Clyde Newmann 44 (five fours). Sydney Simmons was the pick of Cuts' bowlers, taking three for 55 from ten overs.

Reflecting on the memorable feat, Dexter said Cuts were always confident in their ability to win batting second and were pleased St. David's opted for first knock.

"We've beaten Bailey's Bay chasing 300-odd and only lost four wickets so we know we can chase runs. That's our strength," he noted.

The 38-year-old thanked his openers for the great platform they provided by lashing 50-odd in eight overs.

"It was an excellent start and I just went out there and loosened up. This is my 28th season so it makes no sense me going out there being tight.

"I just hit the ball whenever I could. I had one or two chances but that's life. That's the way the game goes.

"It feels wonderful. I haven't scored a fifty all season. It shows I still have a little left in the tank."

The win is huge for Cuts who are fighting with Southampton Rangers and Bailey's Bay, who both won yesterday also, to avoid relegation.