St. David’s 93 and 236-9

Rangers 232-8 and 99-7

Southampton Rangers skipper Kwame Tucker praised their “father” Dwayne Leverock whose match-winning performance against St David’s helped secure the Two-Day Premier Division championship yesterday.

Spinner ‘Sluggo’ starred with bat and ball by taking six wickets and scoring 67 unbeaten runs as he guided Rangers to their second successive two-day title at Lords.

The picturesque ground is proving to be a happy hunting one for Rangers with it also being the backdrop to their Belco Cup success last month — where Leverock was once again their leading man.

Although the season is still in its infancy, it is once again threatening to be laden with trophies for Rangers with newly-appointed captain Tucker admitting the Premier Division is now their holy grail.

“We played some good cricket over the two days, but maybe we were a guilty of over confidence on the second day and allowed St David’s to apply a bit of pressure,” he said.

“They came back at us but I never felt we were in too much danger — although chasing 90-odd runs can be a little tricky especially when you start losing a few wickets.

“Once again Sluggo saw us through and batted excellently. We call him the team’s father and he’s a big-game player with both bat and the ball.”

Many may have doubted Rangers’ chances of silverware this summer following the controversial resignation of coach Clevie Wade and the departure of Lionel Cann — who now skippers St David’s.

But they have quickly allayed such fears with Tucker excited about the future prospects of the side he inherited from cousin, and former captain, Janeiro.

“I really like the blend of youth and experience we have and we’ve started the season in excellent form, already winning two trophies.

“We have set our sights on the Premier Division — that’s our priority now.”

Rangers won the toss and elected to bowl with Leverock picking up figures of four for 33 as St David’s were skittled out for just 93 with OJ Pitcher top scoring with 18.

In reply Kwame Tucker (57) played a captain’s innings and was well supported by Jason Wade who scored 63, with OJ Pitcher the pick of the bowlers with three for 22.

Rangers declared the following morning on 232 for eight — a lead of 139 — with victory well within the grasp and seeming certain trophy winners.

But St David’s fought back through OJ Pitcher (69) while tail-ender George O’Brien jr proved he is no rabbit with the bat hitting 41, with Janeiro Tucker taking four for 36 for Rangers.

With St David’s all out for 236 the visitors needed just 97 for victory, but a superb piece of bowling by the pacey O’Brien (three for 23) ensured it was a slight nervy finish with Rangers winning by a mere three wickets.

St David’s captain Lionel Cann said his team was not overly disappointed as the two-day form cricket of the game was not well thought of in Bermuda.

“To be honest I don’t really think two-day cricket works in Bermuda,” he said.

“The whole system needs re-structuring in order to make it work. A lot of clubs don’t posses the players for two-day cricket and there’s not sufficient coaching to get players playing that style of play. Some of the games don’t even last the first day — which makes a farce of the competition.

“Even if we had won the trophy we wouldn’t have over-celebrated — it doesn’t mean too much.

“I didn’t think Southampton Rangers really wanted to play on day two — they felt they had won the game and we could have used our second innings purely as batting practice.

“But St David’s play to win and we tried to set them a score to chase and although 90 is not a great total it can be a tricky to reach.

“I was pleased with the way we bowled and we showed we have the heart and the talent. I believe in time we will be the best team in Bermuda.”