Police 159-4 On a ground on which he has pulled off countless heroic batting performances over the years, veteran all-rounder Tyrone Smith turned in yet another sterling batting display at Police Field on Saturday.

It was Smith's all-important knock of 51 that inspired champions Police to a six-wicket victory over challengers Devonshire Rec. in the second round of the Central Counties Cup.

For the longest while it looked as though the game would be postponed because of the wet weather, but umpires finally gave the green light at 3.14 p.m., allowing a restricted 28 overs contest to get underway. Each bowler was restricted to six overs.

And though the match was of a limited duration, it proceeded to be entertaining with Devonshire reaching a respectable 155 for four, thanks to some good batting from Leon Place and Lloyd Morrison. Place was top scorer with 50 not out while Morrison struck 30.

Openers Dexter Smith and Donald Norford got Devonshire off to a useful start with a stand of 32, Smith scoring 20 and Norford 16.

With the two openers out at 46, skipper Anthony Amory (two) and Morrison added 10 in a brief third-wicket stand before stability came in the form of Morrison and Place who put on 78 for the fourth wicket.

Police tried a variety of bowlers in hopes of keeping the scoring rate in check, but the two batsmen were rarely troubled.

Place was the dominating partner, slamming three fours and a six off 46 balls while Morrison contributed two fours in his supporting role that saw him bat for 81 minutes.

Morrison was finally bowled by Roger Blades with the total on 134, but new batsman Anthony Edwards joined Place and the two added 21 with Edwards undefeated on 15 after striking two sixes off five balls.

Blades was the best of the Police bowlers with two for 21 off six overs.

Police openers Archer and Tyrone Smith wasted little time in going after the runs in quick time, hitting the ball firmly and confidently from the outset but scoring mostly singles and twos with well placed drives.

They put on 35 runs off just five overs and the 50 came up off nine overs.

The stand ended in the 12th over with the score on 88 when Archer was bowled by Amory for 43, an innings that lasted for 65 minutes and included five fours.

Smith remained for a further 17 runs with new bat Stevie Lightbourne (29) before departing at 105-5 when he too became a victim of Amory.

Once Lightbourne and Peter Philpott (14) added 25 for the third wicket, Police were within striking distance of victory with five overs remaining -- and they were finally able to celebrate with two overs and two balls left. Amory was his team's best bowler with two for 32 off six overs while Edwards returned two for 45 off five overs.

Police will now meet Western Stars in the final on June 21.