Southampton Rangers 140-1 Getting through to the finals of the TeleBermuda Champion of Champions competition looked a comfortable task for Western Counties Champions Southampton Rangers who handily defeated Eastern Counties Champions St.

David's by nine wickets at Devonshire Rec. on Saturday.

Inspired by a trio of bowlers, Southampton stamped their authority on the proceedings from the outset by winning the toss and putting St. David's to bat on a damp wicket which proved to be unfriendly to the batsmen but a delight to the attack led by guest player Clarkie Trott, Ryan Belboda and Clevie Wade.

The trio combined to snatch all 10 wickets in just 37.3 overs for a mere 136 runs.

Medium pacer Trott was the chief wicket taker with four for 21. Veteran seam bowler Wade followed with three for 22 and medium pacer Ryan Belboda had three for 50.

Belboda's figures were damaged at the end when Lionel Cann decided to launch a desperate attack with wickets falling rapidly, slamming the bowler for two sixes and two fours off his last over.

Cann was the second highest scorer for his team with 32 runs off just 14 balls, following skipper Clay Smith who stroked 35.

Unlike the troubled St. David's batting, Southampton openers Dexter Smith and Keith Wainwright had no problems with the wicket and quickly took the initiative.

The left-handed Smith laid a claim for a recall to the Bermuda Red Stripe squad with an impressive knock of 46 off 38 balls, driving and pulling Bermuda national squad bowlers Herbie Bascome and Lionel Cann to the boundaries with regularity.

The aggressive Smith, who was finally bowled while attempting to drive 16-year-old pace bowler George O'Brien through the covers, struck nine fours while the more subdued Wainwright was not out on 44. The pair added 90 for the first wicket.

Wainwright and Olin Jones (20 not out) put on 50 for the second wicket to steer the team to victory off just 20.3 overs.