Ajai Daniels scored 70 not out to lead Devonshire Recreation Club to a five-wicket victory over Willow Cuts in the Open League First Division yesterday.

Devonshire Rec, the home team, were precariously placed at 61 for four when Daniels and Freeman Lema came together in the middle order.

They added 70 for the fifth wicket to take Devonshire Rec to the brink of victory when Lema was out for 18 to make it 131 for five, chasing the 150 posted by Cuts.

Lema was put down by Gabriel Fox at cover point before the youngster held a good catch above his head the next ball to dismiss Lema, who was also dropped at mid-off by Kamal Bashir minutes earlier.

However, Daniels made certain of the victory, scoring the winning boundary down the leg side for his seventh four. The youngster, who was a goalkeeper for Southampton Rangers last season, hit four sixes, included one that went over the fence and on to the North Field.

Tariq Jennings scored 27, before fellow opener Dapo Frederick and Lamar Caines were dismissed by seam bowler Bashir, who claimed three for 34 from 8.5 overs to lead the Cuts attack.

Devonshire Rec lost wickets on 26, 44, 61 and 61 before Daniels and Lema steadied things for them with their match-changing stand. They replied with 154 for five.

Earlier, Cuts were dismissed in 36.2 overs with Bashir their top scorer with 33 after opening the innings with veteran Dwight Basden, who scored 27 in the stand of 67 in 13.2 overs. Basden batted for 38 balls and hit three fours and two sixes while Bashir’s 33 came from 58 balls.

Shaquille Bean, batting at No 4, was top scorer with 44 from 36 balls, hitting four fours and two sixes after Cuts slumped to 85 for four and then recovered slightly to 117 for six.

Chris Dailey claimed three for 35 and Jodi Maroni two for 46.