the top of the Commercial Cricket League but North Village stayed in hot pursuit with a four-run victory over St Michael.

Safeguard Security romped to an easy win over Devonshire Stars while Sunday's other match between West Indian Association and Sandys Sports Club ended in a draw after being halted by rain and bad light.

William (Boxhead) Minors notched up his third consecutive half century but his 69, in which he struck one six and 10 fours, coupled with a knock of 42 by skipper Mark Smith, couldn't prevent Forties running out four-wicket winners at PHC Stadium.

James Thomas, like Minors enjoying a purple patch, led the Forties reply by hitting one six and nine fours in his 64 before being run out. Skipper Gordon Campbell also played an important role in his side's third victory, following up his four for 22 in PHC's 184 by making 43 as Forties replied with 185 for six.

Paul Field took over the captaincy from Frankie Bento and the move paid dividends for Safeguard Security who gained their first victory at the expense of Devonshire Stars who now occupy bottom place in the standings.

Field grabbed four for 10 from five overs as Stars were shot out for 69 at Garrison Field, Bento chipping in with three for 16. An unbeaten 38 by Barry Walkes helped Safeguard seal victory in only 18 overs.

North Village gained their third success of the season by pipping St Michael in a low-scoring match at Warwick Secondary.

Skipper Wendell Lindsay hit 47 in Village's modest 115 -- his opposite number Alleyne Francis took three for 25 -- but three wickets apiece by Donville Yarde and Cal Smith enabled the soccer side to squeeze home.

Jerry Callender and Terry Corday, respective skippers of West Indian Association and Sandys Sports Club, settled on a draw in their game at Shelly Bay after heavy rain at 8.15 halted play for five minutes with the West Enders needing 22 runs for victory from 28 balls. The skippers agreed the pitch was too wet and the light too poor to continue.

Fast bowler Steve Bremar bowled throughout the WIA innings, taking five for 80 from 21 overs, while Paul Ross sent down 15 overs at the other end to claim four for 56, restricting WIA to 149 for nine from their 42 overs.

Ross followed up his long stint of bowling by hitting an unbeaten 45 as Sandys replied with 128 for five.