Social Club were denied a rare domestic treble yesterday at The Den as they endured an 80-run defeat at the hands of an inspired Devonshire Rec. in the final of the Central Counties competition.

Set 248 to win after a lacklustre performance with the ball, Social Club struggled from the outset on a wicket which offered chronically uneven bounce.

For the most part, it was the Brangman family show for Rec. in the field with the first three Social Club scalps, Dhano Outerbridge, Clevon Darrell and Dwayne Adams all perishing at the hands of a duo of Brangmans.

With Glenn Blakeney, scourge of First Division bowlers all season, striding to the wicket at number four however, the feeling persisted that Social Club would have too much firepower for what could only be described as a rather gentle Rec. attack.

But deceived by the bounce whilst attempting a pull shot, the Bermudian international left-hander was soon back in the hutch having added only one to the score, popping a straightforward catch into hands of a grateful Winston Trott.

At 65 for five, Social Club were staring down the barrel of a heavy defeat, and although Jemiko Marshall and Charlie Marshall batted well in partnership for the sixth wicket, they were undeniably up against it on such an unpredictable surface.

The former had looked comfortable at the wicket for his nine, before being caught on the crease by a ball from the left arm seamer Dean Stephens to be adjudged lbw by umpire Fubler.

Charlie Marshall also looked dangerous, smashing first Lamont Brangman and then Derrick Brangman for large sixes over mid-off and square leg respectively.

When on 20 however, Marshall aimed another leg side heave off the loopy left armer of Derrick Brangman ? only to see the ball roll along the ground upon pitching to clip his off stump. There was absolutely nothing the powerful veteran could have done to prevent his dismissal and his angry reaction, hurling his helmet against the wall of the pavilion whilst leaving the field, was an indication the penny had dropped that it was not going to be Social Club?s day.

The First Division limited over and two-day champions did briefly threaten a revival however, thanks to a trio of determined efforts from Terry Thomas (14), Kenny Phillips (23) and in particular Kevin Hurdle (23 not out).

But on a pitch which began to misbehave itself more and more as the match wore on, the skiddy medium pacers from the diminutive figure of Winston Trott were always likely to be a threat.

Switching to the Frog Lane end after Thomas had miscued a drive straight into the hands of Ricky Brangman at cover off the bowling of one of his three sons on the field of play, Derek, Trott set about dismantling Social Club?s lower order.

Phillips was bowled by one which nipped back between bat and pad, Dean Bean was lbw first ball ? although the tailender was clearly aggrieved at the decision having taken a generous stride forward ? while number 11 Khani Darrel was caught plumb in front soon after to spark off joyous celebrations.

Earlier meanwhile, Rec?s innings was given a good start thanks to a grinding effort from opener Caldon Grimes (47) while Ricky Brangman Snr (29), Ricky Brangman Jnr. (23), Derrick Brangman (46) and Dennis Williams (25) all made useful and often destructive contributions.

And although Dean Bean bowled well for his four wickets, Social Club?s efforts in the field were overshadowed by an embarrassingly high number of extras ? 46 in total ? including an extraordinary 34 wides.