Wellington Oval (Flatts won toss): St George’s beat Flatts by 31 runs

Detroy Smith stole the show with bat and ball as St George’s opened their 50 overs campaign with victory over Flatts on Sunday.

Flatts elected to field on a scorching day at Wellington Oval and their decision brought early success.

Shane Robinson struggled to find his line in the early stages, bowling four wides in his first two overs and Jason Anderson got the ball rolling with the first boundary for St George’s off Flatts’ other opener Brianna Ray. However, he would soon be out as Keegan Jones made a beautiful leaping catch at mid-wicket to dismiss him.

Both Ray and Robinson had appeals for leg before fall on deaf ears as Detroy Smith began his innings, with Smith cracking a four and a six from the two deliveries immediately following Robinson’s appeal.

Ray, who had an excellent bowling day overall, continued to make the most of the movement the wicket was producing. However, Smith flicked another elegant shot over cow corner for six to conclude the powerplay at 54 for one.

Just as Smith was comfortably rotating the strike with his partners, they lost all timing and spacial awareness. Nzari Paynter was caught by Flatts wicketkeeper Franks to be the first victim of medium-pacer Sai Kumar.

Captain Macai Simmons was trapped leg before by Keegan Jones and Clay Darrell was bowled by Jermaine Clarke to leave the hosts at 94 for five.

Club president Mishael Paynter replaced the injured Isaiah Greaves who has a fractured finger, but was run out by Kumar. New overseas recruit Garvel Stanisclaus was bowled by Harvey, and Keegan Jones cleaned up last man Omario Clarke to dismiss St George’s for 140 in less than 30 overs.

Smith was ably supported by Paynter (25) and Shaki Darrell (14), the only other batsmen to register double figures. Flatts bowled 36 extras, including 20 wides.

Flatts had the momentum after restricting their hosts, but the balance of the game shifted when Jan-Johan Nel was caught behind by keeper Jason Anderson for just two, with umpire Roger Dill taking his time to raise the dreaded finger.

Smith bowled Jermaine Clarke and then enticed Keegan Jones to play straight to Nzari Paynter at shallow point, leaving Flatts on 38 for three at tea, and 49 for three at the end of the opening powerplay.

Captain Dajon Carey and keeper Kijuan Franks tried to play their shots and build a partnership for the fourth wicket, but Clay Darrell ended it on 27, bowling out Carey on the fifth ball of his first over.

Reggie Baker tried to plead his innocence after a bouncer by Detroy Smith forced him to knick to Anderson as most around the pavilion did not think they heard a noise. He would later show quick reflexes to run out Franks and leave Flatts in serious trouble at 68 for six after 15 overs. Smith concluded his spell of ten overs with three maidens, taking four wickets for just 19 runs.

Shane Robinson tried to poke the ball around the park and took a few risks when he could, but eventually mishit a shot back to Anderson to virtually extinguish the visitors’ chances of victory. The Flatts bottom order of Paul Carr, Brianna Ray and Xavien James were skittled in quick succession to secure a low-scoring victory for St George’s.

Smith and Clay Darrell took seven of the ten wickets to clinch victory for the blue and blue, while Smith added the run out of Franks.