Flatts 63 Bailey's Bay opening bowler Corey Hill saved his brother Ricky from criticism for a late declaration by almost single-handedly dismissing Flatts in the first round of the Eastern Counties on Saturday.

Hill returned best-ever figures of seven for 26 in 9.4 overs as eighty-seven minutes is all champions Bailey's Bay needed to pull off an unlikely 260-run victory as the challengers lasted just 19.4 overs.

Bay will now meet Cleveland in the second round on August 17.

A victory was out of the question when Flatts began their innings at about 4.30 but they were expected to at least hang on for a draw as tie looked to be in their favour.

But fold they did -- for just 63 -- despite moving along to 53-3 after an opening stand of 20 between Troy Dean and Treadwell Gibbons. Gibbons then added a further 25 for the second wicket with colt Gershon Gibbons. But once he was third out Flatts batsmen fell like dominoes.

Bay made the victory all the more humiliating by using just two bowlers as Braithwaite had two for 28 from 10 overs.

Hill had double wicket maidens in his sixth and eighth overs and the medium-pacer did not concede a single run in the last 3.4 overs when he claimed six wickets.

Only Treadwell Gibbons reached double figures amongst the Flatts batsmen, scoring almost half their runs as his 31 came in 42 minutes and included five fours and a six. The last six Flatts batsmen all failed to get off the mark, with four of them falling to Hill.

Corey's effort was overshadowed by that of his brother Ricky whose 111 earned him the man-of-the-match award afterwards.

Of the five hours and 34 minutes Bay occupied the crease after being sent in, Hill lasted for four hours and 15 minutes before finally falling to a catch to Vivian Simons off Gary Brangman. He stroked 15 fours and two sixes.

Flatts had some early encouragement when they removed Glenn Smith for 13 when the score was 30 and Roger Trott for five on 48-2. But a massive stand of 165 for the third wicket between Hill and Charlie Marshall (77) brought up the 200 and effectively put the match out of Flatts' reach.

Hill and Marshall hold the partnership record for the third wicket, having put on 180 in the 1994 final against St. David's.

With so much depth in the Bay batting, Flatts had little reprieve after the departure of Hill and Marshall in the space of two runs as Noel Gibbons (26), Corey Hill (22), Irving Romaine (26) and Cal Dill (27 not out) kept them on the field for another hour before the declaration.

Gary Brangman was the most successful of the Flatts bowlers, claiming four for 80 from 19 overs. Gordon Hollis took two for 36 from six.

Dale Benjamin, who came in as a colt after Dwayne Leverock pulled out because of illness, picked up a wicket with his 10th delivery.

More cricket, Page 29 HOT BATTERS-- Bailey's Bay's Charlie Marshall (top) hits out for more runs and skipper Ricky Hill (above) whispers his prayers in relief after reaching his ton in Saturday's 260-run victory over Flatts at Sea Breeze Oval.