Somerset Bridge 48 Somerset Bridge skipper Corvette Lambert timed his absence right to escape this massacre in Saturday's Western Counties Cup opening round at White Hill Field.

Lambert, attending a friend's wedding, left it to the deputising Denzil Dill to endure the punishment that Southampton meted out to the home side, the crushing defeat by 238 runs being among the heaviest any team has suffered in the past decade.

Bridge were handed lessons in all phases of the game -- and it was a painful learning experience.

Bridge won the toss and put their opponents in to bat -- the second mistake they had made before getting onto the field. The first was to omit guest player, veteran all-rounder Arnold Manders, who was initially chosen but later excluded when they chose to go with their regular league players.

Southampton batsmen, led by the dynamic left-handed Dexter Smith who was their only guest player, quickly got on top of the bowling and never allowed Bridge bowlers to gain any sort of initiative.

Smith stroked a brilliant 81 to further enhance his hopes of regaining a place in the St. George's Cup Match side after a two-year absence, while Janeiro Tucker struck 64 and skipper Olin Jones 27.

Forceful batting by these players, combined with useful knocks by openers Keith Wainwright (20), Kwame Tucker (19 retired hurt) and Michael Brangman (23 not out) saw the reigning champions reach a formidable score.

Smith was unfortunate not to pick up what would have been a well-earned century, falling to Perry Saunders at a time when the three-figure mark seemed a near certainty. But as he attempted to drive a ball, one of his gloves flew off and he lost control of the bat, giving a simple catch to wicketkeeper Leroy Brangman.

Smith's fine innings included seven fours and three sixes while Tucker, not to be outdone, struck eight fours and two sixes. The two added 56 for the third wicket.

Perry Saunders was the best bowler for Bridge with three for 37 off eight overs.

Few gave Bridge any chance of getting the required runs -- and they were proved right.

With only four on the board, opener Shannon Tankard was trapped lbw by Garry Williams for a duck -- and wickets tumbled at a rapid rate afterwards.

Southampton bowlers triumphed in just 22.4 overs with Ryan Belboda snatching three for five off 4.4 overs, including two maidens, and Janeiro Tucker taking three for nine off four overs.

Williams finished with two for 12 off seven overs and three maidens while Gary Crofton took two for 13 off seven overs.

Cover drive: Southampton's Olin Jones plays through the covers in an innings of 27 during Saturday's Western Counties Cup game.