Willow Cuts edged past Cleveland County in a low-scoring, bottom-of-the-table clash that ended before 3pm at Wellington Oval yesterday.

Cleveland, in their final match before they open the defence of the Eastern Counties next weekend, could only manage 65 in 25.5 overs as Dean Stephens and Kwasi James both picked up three wickets for the visiting side. Stephens claimed three for 21 and James three for 27, also with three maidens as Cleveland slumped from 41 for two, with two wickets being lost with the score at 44.

Stephen Douglas Jr was top scorer with 15, while Jason Simons scored 12 and Dennis Musson 11.

Willow Cuts also did not find runs easy to come on the Wellington Oval pitch, losing four wickets on 65 before finally reaching their target with just two wickets in hand.

Dwight Basden was top scorer for Willow Cuts with 19 while 13 extras helped the run chase.

Damali Bell claimed three for 26 while Clay Darrell had figures of three for three off three overs.

Bailey’s Bay also had an early afternoon at St John’s Field where they wrapped up their eight-wicket victory over Western Stars at 2.30pm. Winning the toss, Stars posted just 73 in 25.2 overs with Ian Armstrong their top scorer with 17, while Tomiko Wilson scored 12.

Lateef Trott had impressive figures of four for ten in 5.2 overs for second-place Bay, while Derek Brangman supported with three for 28 off seven overs.

Tre Manders scored 36 not out against his former team as Bay reached 76 for two in 16.3 overs.

Terry Fray scored 16 as Macai Young took the only Bay wicket, giving up 12 runs in his six overs.