Western Stars 162, 129

Devonshire Rec. 290, 2-0

A fine century by 19-year-old all-rounder Derrick Brangman helped to lead Devonshire Rec. to the First Division two-day league title over home team Stars at St. John’s field yesterday.

Inspired by the young right-hander’s knock of 117, Devonshire Rec. coasted to an emphatic ten-wicket victory much to the delight of their 30-year-old skipper Dean Stephens who played a major role in the victory with a haul of five wickets for 12 runs in Stars’ second innings.

The team’s were tied on points going into this finale.

“It’s my fourth season in trying to win this trophy and I am relieved to finally see us pull it off,” said the skipper who is enjoying his second season in full charge of the team.

“The hard work of our players finally paid off, now I am hoping that we can win the Premier 50 overs division. If we come away with these two titles then it will be a very successful season for us.”

But Stephens pointed out that it hasn’t been easy leading the team - revealing that there were tough times dealing with variuos situations - but reckoned that perseverance paid off and rewarded them.

“You need a lot of patience, but it’s good when you see results like this that proved that it has all been for a good cause. We’ve got a good young team here at Devonshire Rec. and we hope that there is going to be a lot of success ahead for us.”

The skipper also paid tribute to Derrick Brangman’s solid performance, noting that the batsman had been one of their shining stars for the season. “He’s been great for us,” conceded the skipper.

Brangman was certainly the thorn in Stars’ side during the first innning, causing them a huge headache before tearing their bowling apart with his batting feats.

He was also the bowling hero for Devonshire in Stars’ first inning, turning in the best figures with a haul of three for 36 runs off 12 overs as the home team could only reach a modest 162 off 54.5 overs. Brother Lamont Brangman finished with two for 25 off 12 overs and five maidens while Dennis Williams claimed two for 32 off 12.4 overs with two maidens.

Justin Robinson was the top scorer for Stars with 57 while Maurice Lowe followed on 31 and Machai Campbell 26.

Derrick Brangman’s torrid batting display which produced five sixes and nine fours off 98 balls during his stay at the wicket for 113 minutes ensured his team would reach a formidable total. Skipper Stephens followed on 58 to help their team come within 10 runs of the triple-century mark.

Treadwell Gibbons jr was the best bowler for Stars with three for 72 off 17 overs with three maidens while Machai Campbell took two for 60 off nine overs with a maiden. Batting a second time around Stars struggled to reach 129 off 51.2 overs with Don Vickers top man on 32 not out.

Stephens turned in a prolific spell of bowling, finishing with the astonishing figures of five for 12 off 15.2 overs with ten maidens.

The skipper left it for his youthful opener Kamau Leverock, nephew of Dwayne (Sluggo) Leverock, to score the two runs required for victory with the 12-year-old getting them off two balls.

The other scheduled game in the division between Leg Trappers and Social Club was not played - the former forfeiting going into the weekend after being unable to field a team for the two days.

Other results: Second Division: Match at Southampton Oval drawn - Cleveland 284,155; Warwick 166, 176-6. Match at Somerset CC drawn - PHC 212-6, 169; Willow Cuts 230, 144-7.

Third Division: Match at White Hill won by Somerset Bridge by six wickets _ Flatts 205-7, 40; Somerset Bridge 152, 96-5.