Although record-holder Jeff DeSilva followed up successive centuries with a second-ball duck, Commercial Cricket League leaders Spring Garden Cavaliers brushed aside BC Allrounders by seven wickets at Garrison Field.

But last seaon's champions Forties showed they won't give up their title without a fight as they powered their way to a five-wicket victory, with more than nine overs to spare, over Jamaican Association with a new-look side at Shelly Bay, including former Ernst & Young and Titans player Kavi Selvarajah, who hit a stylish half-century, and Raghu Dubagunta, who took three wickets.

Only three batsmen reached double figures as BC Allrounders struggled to 103 in 33 overs, a total boosted by 25 extras, including 19 wides. Opener Kuna Armstrong topscored with 21.

Trevor Haynes led the attack with four for 26 from ten overs and was well supported by Fernando Paul (three for 23 from three) and Steve Diamond (two for 29 from ten).

Although opener DeSilva, who recently broke Lionel Cann's league record with an unbeaten 166, gloved a legside catch to the wicketkeeper Cavaliers had few alarms reaching their modest target after Donovan Livingston (32) added 65 for the second wicket with Richard Foulds. Barry Richards then struck a quickfire 22 before falling with the scores level, leaving Foulds (37 not out) to seal victory at canter in the 22nd over.

Clayton Smith was BC Allrounders' best bowler with two for 21 from 3.3 overs.

"It was an uncomplicated victory," said Foulds

"Rohan Henry and Steve Diamond bowled really good opening spells, and I really think it is only a matter of time before they get the wickets they deserve.

"Fernando Paul replaced Rohan and immediately started picking up wickets – his first over included four wides and two wickets.

"We took wickets in clusters, and at no point were we put under any pressure. Trevor Haynes was his usual self in the bowling department and picked up four wickets in a very good spell of fast-medium bowling."

Foulds said when he padded up at number three the last thing on his mind was having to go in early given the success of DeSilva and Livingston in recent weeks.

"But Jeff DeSilva's purple patch had to end somewhere and he lasted just two balls this week. That's cricket – a great leveller."

Added Foulds: "I think it is excellent that BC Allrounders play with such an excellent spirit. They enjoy their cricket, enjoy each occasion and are an asset to the Commercial League.

"For our part we are obviously happy to lead the league at the half-way stage and anticipate some more fierce battles ahead.

"We are quietly confident but I do have a slight concern that some of our batsmen are not getting practice in the middle, with our top order doing so much damage. In five games we have not lost more than four wickets on any occasion, and whereas that is a happy situation, there may be games ahead when we need an input from the lower middle order. We shall see."

Jamaican Association have slipped to third place following defeat to Forties despite rallying from seven for three to post a competitive 194 for nine after winning the toss.

Ian Coke (41), Daniel Edwards (32), Michael Campbell (27) and Presley Millwood (26) led the fightback before wickets tumbled again until number ten Wayne Lock held up Forties, weighing in with an unbeaten 30 and adding 26 from the final six overs with Bevin Carr.

Dubagunta claimed three for 21 from eight while Yatin Gawas took three for 34 from 11.

Skipper Gordon Campbell (32) and Selvarajah, whose 42-ball 50 included six fours, provided a solid platform with an opening stand of 96.

Gawas then held the innings together with an unbeaten 20 as three quick wickets fell after the opening partnership before, as Campbell put it, Harold Minors bludgeoned the Jamaican attack into submission with six fours and two sixes in his 42 before he was out at 184.

Coke was the most successful bowler with two for 34 from seven.

"It was a new-look Forties team which took to the field after losing the toss," said Campbell.

"What with retirements, injuries and travel we have had difficulty at times making up the numbers. With only three regulars from last year I thought the team gelled very well."

¦ The league programme will take a back seat for the next two weeks.

This weekend Cavaliers will take on Forties in a Twenty20 League Cup match at 12.30 p.m. with the winners meeting BC Allrounders in the first semi-final at 3.30 p.m.

The other semi-final between Jamaican Association and North Village will be held on August 29 when the final will also take place.

Next weekend Forties will play Village in the Memorial Trophy match, an annual game pitting the previous season's league winners against the knockout champions.