Western Stars 326-9 St. David's 236 Albert Steede smashed his fourth century of the season, leading from the front as Stars assailed the challenge from visiting St. David's at St. John's field.

The win kept Stars on course for the Premier League title, maintaining a five-point gap between them and both the Islanders and defending champions Southampton, however the result severely dented any designs the former had upon the title, having two losses to their record while having played a game more.

A bubbly air of anticipation greeted the two sides as they took to the pitch, with the tension thick considering the high stakes.

Yet through it all Steede stood cool as ever, allowing his bat to blaze as it has all season, tallying a marvellous 151 that included 17 fours and three sixes.

Steede dominated a first-wicket stand of 77 alongside Treadwell Gibbons, before his fellow opener went for a disciplined 21.

Jermaine Postlethwaite scored 13 before he fell to the Fox combination of Dale and Kameron, setting the stage for skipper Steede and immediate predecessor, Arnold Manders (32), to engage in a 67-run third wicket partnership.

However, more misery arrived for the visitors, as Steede and Ricky Brangman (30) ravished the attack during a 98-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

After Brangman went at 281, Steede finally succumbed with the scoreboard reading 300, 26 short of their final total.

Lionel Cann showed that he may well be a missed by the St. George's Cup Match side as he seized four wickets, while Kameron Fox nabbed two from 10 overs of left-arm orthodox spin.

Finally it was St. David's turn to show their mettle, yet a slow scoring rate early on ultimately doomed their chase.

Bright spots were Glenn Blakeney and youngster O.J. Pitcher, both scoring half centuries, but runs came few and far between for a side chasing such a formidable total on a perfect batting strip.

Blakeney showed his flashiness with seven fours and two sixes, including a well timed clip over deep mid-wicket and a slashing square cut for four.

However, just as he appeared in full stride it all came crashing down as his attempted pull over square leg off Hassan Durham nestled in the palms of a waiting Justin Robinson.

Meanwhile, Pitcher, coming in at number six displayed his awesome potential with a classy unbeaten 51, but ran out of partners.

Jaja Millett and Durhan emerged as the bowling stars for the St. John's Road outfit. Allrounder Millett, after failing with the bat, showed great resolve with the ball, as he returned figures of three for 47 as the fifth bowler used.

Durham, meanwhile, accounted for the likes of front-line bats Chris Foggo and Lionel Cann, finishing with three for 41.

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