Burly opener Wayne Clarke hammered the first century of the season and fast bowler Freston Hurdle claimed five for 37 to lead Police to a two-wicket victory over a young St. David's team in this season opening Premier Division game at Police Field yesterday.

Inspired by Clarke's undefeated ton, a weakened Police team, who have several key players in the West Indies watching Test cricket, only just managed to brush aside a spirited challenge by the visitors who were also below strength, with skipper Lionel Cann touring Florida with the Bermuda select and a few other senior players absent.

With Clarke's innings of 100 not out leading the way, the home side squeaked a victory with eight overs remaining and just one Police batsman remaining in the pavilion.

Other than Clarke's knock and a the contributions of Tyrone Smith and Hurdle, who each made 17, Police found the going tough against two young bowlers -- paceman Scott Minors and spinner Cameron Fox.

Minors finished with four for 18 from 7.3 overs, including two maidens, while Fox had three for 54 off 13 overs with one maiden.

The batting mainstay for Police completed his century after remaining at the crease for 173 minutes. He struck 13 fours and two sixes but was dropped on 40 and 58.

Earlier Phillip Pitcher helped to steer St. David's to a decent total with a flourishing 91, striking nine fours and three sixes. Also among the runs for St. David's were Sammy Robinson with 21, Scott Minors with 19 not out and Bruce Foggo with 16.

In taking five for 37, Hurdle bowled 18.2 overs with eight maidens. Veteran Tyrone Smith took two for 14.

Devonshire Rec. 188-8 Flatts 82 Veteran Erskine (Choe) Smith tore Flatts apart with his medium pace bowling, taking five for 21 off just nine overs to lead Devonshire Rec. to a 106-run victory at Devonshire.

Smith, who also had four maidens, was well assisted by Winston Trott Jr. who took four for 20 off 12.5 overs with three maidens.

In their chase for a winning target of 189, Flatts never looked capable of reaching victory after losing their first three wickets for just 14 runs.

With only three batsmen reaching double figures -- Rodney Woolridge 13, Aaron Woolridge 21 and Gerald Sims 18 -- the inevitable result was a resounding loss.

The home side declared on 188-8 at tea with opener Lloyd Smith scoring 42 and Lloyd Morrison 34.

Others among the runs were Anthony Amory with 32, Erskine Smith 26 not out, Terry Fray 20 and opener Donald Norford 13.

Sims snatched three for 49 and Troy Bean had two for 56.