Dion Stovell is closing in on his third straight Premier Division title after starring with the bat and ball for St David’s against Western Stars at Lord’s yesterday.

Stovell, who claimed six wickets and scored 70 runs in his team’s five-wicket win, also won the title last season with St David’s and Southampton Rangers the previous year.

Stars elected to bat and made 175 for nine off their 50 overs, with Stovell, the Bermuda all-rounder, enjoying superb figures of six for 14 with his accurate off spin. Chris Douglas, another spin bowler, took two for 21.

Brain Hall and Tre Manders both scored half-centuries for Stars, with Ryan Tyrell the only other batsman to reach double figures for the visiting side, hitting 12.

Stovell then capped his performance with an assured half-century for the runaway league leaders and was well supported by Shannon Raynor who struck 47 not out. All-rounder Justin Pitcher scored 20 coming in at No 5.

Rohann Davis, the Stars off spinner, was the pick of his team’s bowlers with three for 35, as St David’s reached their target off 34.1 overs.

Stovell, who expects to rejoin Rangers next season, feels he has played a much more significant part in St David’s title charge this time around.

“I didn’t get too many runs or take too many wickets for St David’s last season,” Stovell said. “I’ve told St David’s that before I leave I need to get some more runs. I need to score a hundred and I’m also shooting for the MVP!

“I think joining St David’s was the right move for my cricket career at the time.

“I think I’ll probably head back to Rangers next year, try to get some of the old guys back and build the club.

“Firstly, I’m just trying to finish the season strongly and see where next year takes me.

“It think the league was sealed about two or three weeks ago and we’ll just try and win the two games we have left,”

Stovell said putting the ball in the right areas was key to his six-wicket haul.

“Our batting is deep so I always thought 173 was a total we could chase down nine times out of time,” Stovell added.

“I just tried to bowl in the right areas and pick up a few wickets early on, peg the batsman back.”