St. George's 140, St. David's 137-2.

Few expected Glenn Blakeney to be serious when he threatened to sit out the entire season a few weeks ago, and in his first appearance on Saturday he tore St. George's bowling apart.

The talented bat struck a half-century to lead champions St. David's to an easy eight-wicket victory in the Camel Cup semifinal at Wellington Oval.

Chasing a modest winning target of 136, St. David's continued where they left off a season ago, winning handily with Blakeney finished not out on 69 and teenager O.J. Pitcher undefeated on 39.

The pair added 114 for the third wicket after openers Phillip Pitcher (four) and skipper Sammy Robinson (13) were dismissed. Blakeney was the dominant partner, stroking seven sixes and four fours while Pitcher chipped in with five fours and one six.

The winning target was reduced to 136 after just under 30 minutes was lost to rain, St. David's polishing off these runs in a mere 18.3 overs.

Opening medium pace bowler Greg Foggo grabbed both of the wickets at a cost of 42 runs, bowling eight overs and a maiden.

Earlier, St. George's were let down by poor batting with just two of their seven players reaching double figures. Opener Detroy Smith struck 58 and veteran Charlie Marshall 16.

Tailenders Gary Brangman, joining the team this season from Western Stars, struck 13 and Kameron Fox 18 not out as St. George's surrendered after 29.5 overs.

St. George's fought an uphill battle from the outset with both openers Smith and Michael Paynter (two) run out. Smith, though, stayed around to put on 41 during a third wicket stand with Marshall.

Smith struck three sixes and seven fours.

Young medium pace bowler Mackie Crane, playing his first game for St. David's after moving over from St. George's, rocked his former teammates by taking three for 49 off nine overs while O.J. Pitcher had impressive figures of two for 28 off nine overs with five maidens.