wickets as Hemisphere Leg Trappers retained the Commercial Cricket League title in emphatic style with a crushing defeat of Jamaican Association in the final round of matches.

Leg Trappers, who pipped the Jamaicans for the title by two points last season at their second attempt, began the day needing an outright victory to be certain of the title but closest rivals Watford Sports Club slumped to a shock four-wicket defeat against lowly Devonshire Stars.

Watford's defeat enabled Forties to finish runners-up seven points adrift of Leg Trappers after completing the double over fourth-placed West Indian Association.

In Sunday's other match North Village outpointed St. David's at Lord's in a thrilling finish to a drawn match that was reduced to 35 overs because of a late start.

Swan fired the champions to their fifth successive victory, returning impressive figures of 15-5-22-5 as Leg Trappers, who won the toss, dismissed Jamaican Association for 127 in the 41st over and then coasted to an eight-wicket victory with more than seven overs to spare at Nationals.

"We were never in danger. We were always very comfortable,'' said jubilant skipper for the day James Broadbent, who led the Leg Trappers reply with an unbeaten 43 (four fours and a five), adding 73 for the first wicket with Gary Knight, who struck four fours in his 46, and an unbroken 50 for the third wicket with Graham Strange (25 not out).

Earlier Simroy Crosdale (33), skipper Ian Coke (27) and Michael Campbell (20) were the chief contributors to the Jamaican total. Huw Williams provided able support for Swan, who has proved a major asset since joining Leg Trappers this season, by taking two for 25.

Leg Trappers now turn their attention to this weekend's Knockout first round in which they take on St. David's at Nationals -- keen to improve on their past record. Leg Trappers have so far failed to advance beyond the semi-final stage.

"We really want to do well in the Knockout this season,'' said Broadbent whose side lost to Forties in last season's semi-finals after going out to Watford Sports Club at the same stage in their debut year.

Former Cleveland County opening bowler Andre Smith undermined Watford at Garrison Field on Sunday, claiming five for 45 in 13.3 overs as the west enders -- minus leading batsman Terry Ward who was off the Island -- were dismissed for 120 in the 38th over.

Watford slumped to 38 for five before Terence Corday added respectability to the total by hitting five fours and a six in his innings of 56. Stars' other main wicket-takers were Cory Smith (two for 11) and Worrell Bean (two for 31).

Opener Smith then chipped in with 26 and Bean 19 as Stars replied with 123 for six in 35 overs, Franklyn Simons making 26 not out and skipper Derek Smith 21 to avenge an earlier defeat at the Royal Naval Field. George Rock (two for 12) and David DeSilva (two for 23) were Watford's most successful bowlers.

"We told them when they came up that we were going to beat them,'' said club spokesman Raymond Dill.

Watford, the holders, and Stars meet again in the Knockout this weekend at the Royal Naval Field.

Skipper Gordon Campbell and Gladwin Ingham laid the foundation for Forties' 178 for five at Shelly Bay with a second-wicket stand of 87 against West Indian Association. The two clubs meet again on Sunday at Police Field in the Knockout.

Trappers retain title From Page 25 Campbell was dropped three times on his way to 53, which included four fours, while Ingham gave one difficult chance at mid-off to skipper Jerry Callender who later had his revenge when Ingham played on for a superb 70 in which he struck three fours and two sixes.

Ken Savoury was the most successful bowler with two for 20.

All five bowlers used by Forties enjoyed success as WIA lost wickets steadily until Junior Watts engineered a late revival before being last out for 30, Oscar Andrade clinging on to a catch at mid-wicket with light fading in the 35th over.

Campbell picked up three for 10 while there were two wickets apiece for opening bowlers David Jarrett and Brian Holdipp as well as leg-break bowler Hugh Hollis.

St. David's closed at 199 for nine in pursuit of North Village's 202 for six in the day's tightest finish.

Skipper Dion Ball, who stroked 10 fours and a six in his 57, provided the platform for Village's challenging total by adding 56 for the first wicket with Mike Young (38) and 65 for the second with David Scraders (23) while Andy Boyce, back from holiday in his native Barbados, and Mike Levon, Sr. kept the runs flowing with 26 and 28 not out respectively.

George Cannonier, with three for 67 from 12 overs, and Lyndon Jackson (two for 38) were among the wickets for St. David's and then Cannonier teamed up with Eddie Lamb to add 80 for the first wicket in the home club's spirited reply.

Lamb struck seven fours and a six in his 73 while Cannonier's 48 included six fours and two sixes. Former Flatts player Troy Bean chipped in with 21 but St.

David's slipped from 158 for two, seven wickets tumbling for 41 runs as their victory push faltered. Derek Bell finished with four for 48 while Young took two for 66.

This Sunday's other Knockout tie pits North Village against Jamaican Association at Shelly Bay. A protest filed by the Jamaicans over a recent unfinished league match between the two clubs is expected to be heard shortly.

Only players who have turned out in at least two league games this season are eligible for the Knockout, a 40 overs a side competition in which bowlers are restricted to eight overs each.