OJ Pitcher of St David’s became the first One Premier Division Player of the Week winner for the season after his top score of 92 last weekend helped the league champions defeat Cleveland by 168 runs.

St David’s posted the day’s highest score, 271, and then dismissed Cleveland for 103. Pitcher hit 12 fours and a six after sharing in a fourth wicket stand of 154 with Dion Stovell. Pitcher received his award, a One bag, from Olatunji Tucker, the One Communications Marketing Development Manager, yesterday at the BCB office. Dean Richards of PHC was the First Division player of the week but was not present.

“I’d like to thank One Communications for their sponsorship, not only of this award as an incentive for players every week, but would also like to thank them for sponsoring the league and look forward to a successful future together,” said Pitcher, also the Bermuda captain.

“It was a good innings but a slow start, as usual with my innings. Dion and I came together and early in the innings we had a plan to just pick up the singles and it worked to perfection with the odd boundary. Once we got set we were hitting boundaries and picking up at least three singles every over on top of that so it was a well constructed innings and I’m disappointed not to get the hundred.

“There are a lot more games and I have set a goal for myself of three centuries this year and I have told the team that, so hopefully I can live up to my expectations. We’re undefeated so far and have set out that as a goal for the entire season. It’s a big task but we’re that confident in our team and our ability to be able to do that.” St David’s travel west on Sunday to meet promoted side Somerset who lost their opener by four wickets to Western Stars. “We’re never understrength, one week some guys have to work and we have someone just as good to come into the team,” Pitcher said.

“Somerset have been somewhat of a jinx team to us the last couple of seasons but we enjoy being at Somerset, always a good track with a nice atmosphere and looking forward to the challenge. Somerset will know we’re coming with all guns blazing and we’ll see what happens on the day.”

St David’s played Cleveland out of the game after posting their big score last weekend. “We’ve set out plans and goals for the season and our plans and goals are to win every trophy,” Pitcher said after the victory. “We’ve got one in the bag so obviously that builds confidence. To beat Cleveland the way we did is very pleasing.”

Southampton Rangers and Western Stars will also look to build on last weekend’s opening victories when they meet at Southampton Oval. Rangers stunned Bailey’s Bay in a close match at Sea Breeze Oval that wasn’t decided in Rangers’ favour until the second-last delivery. Cleveland will host Bay at Wellington Oval in the other match.

Sunday’s First Division matches will see PHC hosting Warwick at PHC Field while Flatts take on Willow Cuts at St David’s and Devonshire Rec meet St George’s at home. PHC, St George’s and Willow Cuts all recorded wins last weekend, with PHC handing Devonshire Rec a 59-run loss while St George’s beat Somerset Bridge by three wickets and Cuts got by Warwick by six wickets.

The first round of the Central Counties is scheduled for Saturday at St John’s Field where champions Stars will begin the defence of their title against Devonshire Rec.