Defending champions Devonshire Rec. saw their title slip even further away when they were forced to hold on for a draw in a run feast at sun-baked St.

John's field yesterday.

With the news that second-placed Willow Cuts crashed to defeat at home to Nationals, Stars will be happy with the seven points, which leaves them with an 11-point lead.

But Devonshire, just off a successful tour of England, are now in dire straits, 48 points off the pace with six games left. Stars and the other front-runners have four matches remaining.

Devonshire started in the best possible fashion as, after winning the toss, skipper Anthony Amory sent back the first two Stars batsmen with only 13 runs on the board.

But Dexter Smith, in his first match in six weeks due to work commitments, Arnold Manders and Jeff Richardson righted the ship and put Stars in command until the latter stages when a combination of Donald Norford, James Pace and Roger Trott threatened to spoil their parade.

Smith and Manders put on 103 for the third wicket at which time Pace had the former caught behind for 64, having hit two sixes and four fours.

Somewhat upstaged in that partnership, Manders again played second fiddle when Richardson strode to the wicket.

Richardson, who blasted a Western Counties record 186 last week, was again in merciless form as he hit five sixes and two fours in a 37-ball knock of 54. He and Manders put on 88 runs.

Manders carried his bat through the innings and finished with a deserved century as Stars sought a formidable target with the wicket playing superbly for the batsmen.

He finished unbeaten on 113 and hit two sixes and 12 fours. Brother Anthony Manders was not out on 24 when Stars declared at 4.28 p.m.

Amory finished with two for 32 and Anthony Edwards, who became a father for the first time on the weekend, claimed two for 73.

Norford played a fine innings and it was a shame that he finished one short of a deserved half-century. The left-hander was at his best playing shots square to the wicket, accumulating a six and seven fours.

Devonshire made a game attempt to unnerve Stars as Norford and Lloyd Morrison (14) raced to 54 in the 11th over, when the latter was out. And even after Albert Steede (14) was caught in the deep at 70 for two the chase was carried on.

Norford was caught behind, Amory made a quick 18, then Trott was joined by Pace in the champions' last chance to slog to an unlikely win.

The two smashed 44 runs in 24 minutes with Pace hitting 31 off 18 balls, the last going to Allan Brangman at long-off.

Edwards hit Wayne Richardson for two sixes then was bowled and Trott was bowled around his legs for 29 by Arnold Manders at which time the visitors put up the shutters.

Gary Brangman was the best Stars bowler with three for 29 and Arnold Manders took two for 28.

ARNOLD MANDERS -- Unbeaten 113 for Stars.