Wendell Smith tore apart Flatts' bowling attack for the second consecutive year when he struck 71 runs to spearhead St. David's to a comfortable eight-wicket victory in the second round of the Eastern Counties Cup competition at Lord's on Saturday.

Smith, who a year ago hit 141 and joined Allan Richardson (161) in the record books with an opening stand of 232 against Flatts, this time found a new opening partner in Anthony Foggo.

The duo set the defending champions on a course that ensured victory with a stand of 134, Foggo scoring 58 after being recalled to the team to replace the injured Dale Fox.

By the time the stand ended the east enders were well within reach of their winning target of 196 -- set after a sporting declaration at 3.15 p.m. by the Flatts' skipper Rodney Woolridge.

Just as Woolridge deserved credit for calling his innings to a close then, Ken Pitcher and his St. David's team deserved credit for taking up the honest challenge at 3.30 p.m.

In the end they coasted home to victory with eight overs to spare, thanks to the solid start handed to them by the openers.

"Flatts probably wished they had more runs because it was an easy paced wicket. But I think it was a wise choice as they had to give themselves sufficient time to bowl us out,'' said Pitcher.

"Their score was a reasonable one as you know anything could have happened with a few breaks here and there.

"However, with the wicket playing like it was and with the calibre of bats that we have in our team we were confident of getting the runs.'' It's hard to imagine St. David's not taking up the challenge with their powerful batting and two hours plus 20 overs left in the game.

Although guest player Gary Brangman bowled well for Flatts after taking the new ball, Troy Dean proved to be anything but a useful partner and it wasn't long before the batsmen got on top. Brangman remained economical at one end but the other pace bowler struggled and the 50 came up in only 38 minutes.

Flatts introduced spin into their attack at 48-0, bringing on veteran Mackie Woolridge after Dean and Derek Wright's pace failed to make an impact but Woolridge couldn't do much either even though the wicket had been dampened a little by rainfall which stopped play for 15 minutes with the total on 60.

The 100 came up in only 65 minutes and off 19 overs and Flatts were unable to make any real headway until colt Floyd Smith was brought on with the total on 134.

His first ball will be a memorable one as he had Foggo (five fours and three sixes) trapped lbw and the dismissal slowed down the run rate.

With off-break spinner Dwayne Leverock bowling tight at the southern end and Smith sharp and always dangerous with his medium pace bowling at the northern end, Wendell Smith and new batsman Allan Richardson (25 not out) were forced to bat cautiously for a while.

Smith, however, was caught just inside the square-leg boundary by Wright off Floyd Smith with the total on 141-2 to add excitement into the game and hope in the hearts of Flatts. Smith struck seven fours and three sixes.

But the high was short-lived as Richardson and Albert Steede (32 not out) put on 53 runs to take the team to victory.

Brangman interrupted the proceedings when he was brought back into the attack for his second spell, bowling sharp as ever he pinned down the usually forceful Steede.

But Flatts' fielding was now ragged and seemed to be no spirit left in the team.

Smith took both wickets for 37 runs off 10 overs with two maidens. Flatts were reasonably pleased with their batting but must have been left wondering if they occupied the crease too long in getting the runs.

There were times when they scored too slowly, scoring their first 50 in 96 minutes and reaching the century mark in 165 minutes.

Skipper Rodney Woolridge (43) and Derek Wright (21) rescued them when they were 3-88, adding 37 for the fourth wicket. Then their best stand came when Gary Brangman (29) and James Bean (12 not out) put on 38 for the seventh wicket.

Also among the runs for Flatts were Millard Bean 21, Mackie Woolridge 20 and Troy Dean 13. Herbie Bascome took three for 49 and James Pace had two for 14.

St. David's meet Cleveland in the final at Lord's on August 29. Turn to Page 21 for a round-up of yesterday's action.

WELL DONE! -- Wendell Smith is congratulated by spinner Dwayne Leverock after reaching his half century against Flatts in the Eastern Counties Cup. Smith went on to top score for St. David's with 71.