Southampton Rangers ended their five-year famine in the Western Counties Cup after walloping an inexperienced Willow Cuts by a mammoth 148 runs in the final round at the Southampton Oval.

Already winners of the Premier Division two-day league and the Belco Cup, Rangers cruised to victory over Cuts, courtesy of a thrilling century by Curtis Jackson who bludgeoned the opposition's bowling to all corners of park during his 102 not out.

Player-coach Janeiro Tucker also cashed in with 88 during a 142-run fifth-wicket partnership with Jackson, who duly picked up the man-of-the-match award for his swashbuckling knock.

In fairness to Cuts, had it not been for Rangers' pair of experienced campaigners the final's favourites might have been in a spot of bother with skipper Kwame Tucker the only early order batsman to reach double figures with 37.

But from the moment Janeiro Tucker and Jackson came to the crease the pendulum started to swing heavily in the hosts' favour with Cuts unable to dam the flow of runs taking the contest out of their reach. Charles Swan who claimed three for 64, including the prize wicket of Janeiro Tucker and Bergon Spencer, three for 25, were the pick of the bowlers.

In reply Cuts managed a paltry 122 all out with Omar Amory top scoring with 38 while teenage left-hander Kevan Fubler batted with a maturity beyond his years for his 18, suggesting Cuts have a player with an exciting future. Rangers' captain Kwame Tucker admitted he was relieved to finally re-claim the Western Counties Cup that had eluded them for half a decade, before praising Cuts' colts.

"We didn't start the game particularly well and our top order batsman didn't really click into gear.," he said. "But we've guys like Janeiro (Tucker) and Curtis Jackson who can come in and turn things around for us.

"Curtis Jackson has been batting well all season and he's always capable of getting a big score for us - I thought he batted excellently.

"We haven't won this competition for five years so we're delighted to bring the trophy back to the club. Three trophies in one season is pretty successful and we're pleased with the way our season is panning out. We've had a few ups and downs in the Premier Division as we've had injuries to key players as well as international call-ups. But we're looking to finish in the top four so we can defend our Belco Cup next season.

"I was very impressed with Willow Cuts young players, I thought they acquitted themselves very well. If they can keep this team together then it will not be long before we see them in the Premier Division."

Veteran Cuts' skipper Dexter Basden, who returned to action after missing a few games due to injury, echoed Tucker's sentiments: He said: "There's not many 14 and 15-year-olds who get a chance to play against the likes of Janeiro and Kwame Tucker. I thought they played with a lot of maturity and show this club has a future to look forward to."

See scoreboard on page 26