Western Stars 153-6 Champions Western Stars proved that with even a considerably weakened squad they are capable of defending the Knockout Cup this season.

This fact was underlined yesterday when they scored a four-wicket quarter-final victory over St. George's at Wellington Oval with stalwarts such as skipper Albert Steede, Hasan Durham and Treadwell Gibbons all missing.

In their absence, two veterans spearheaded Stars to victory -- medium pacer Gary Brangman grabbing five wickets for 14 off 9.5 overs and wicketkeeper Anthony Manders leading the batting with a high score of 55 after being promoted to number three in the order.

Stars held a firm grip on the proceedings from the start when they snatched the wickets of St. George's openers Detroy Smith (two) and Dexter Smith (seven) with just 25 runs scored.

The East Enders fought back through Eugene Foggo (21) and Sinclair Gibbons (11). Then skipper Dean Minors played a dominating role as he contributed 66.

With others failing to make their mark, the injured Minors attacked with a vengeance despite needing a runner for most of his inninigs. He reached his 50 off 41 balls and finished with six sixes and three fours while facing just 54 balls in total.

In addition to Brangman, Stars got solid support from Wilbur Burt who took two for 26 off five overs.

Stars wobbled early in their reply at 34 for two. But a third wicket stand of 56 between Anthony Manders and Saleem Mukudem (28) got them back on track.

Manders stayed around until the score was 150 for six and within reach of the winning target of 153. Cleon Scotland added a vital 23, putting on 56 during a fifth wicket stand with Manders.

St. George's, whose attack was limited without skipper Herbie Bascome, used six bowlers, some of whom had not previously seen action this season.

Graham Fox was the only one to take more than one wicket, finishing with two for 32 off seven overs.

Bailey's Bay 280 Social Club 164 A fine allround performance by Corey Hill led Bailey's Bay to this expected victory over Social Club at Sea Breeze Oval.

Hill first led Bay in the batting with a superb innings of 54, and then spearheaded their attack with a return of six for 27 off 10 overs, including three maidens.

Batting first Bay, even without skipper Charlie Marshall, proved to be too much of a force for the Social Club bowlers. Besides Hill, opener Cal Dill with 55, Chris Smith Jr. with 40, Noel Gibbons (35) and Jermaine Warner (26) all made telling contributions.

H.Clarke grabbed three for 28, D.Bean two for 53 and J.Durham two for 64.

W.Furbert was the high bat for Social with 26 while Ashton Thomas struck 23, Leonard Gilks 20 and A.Tucker 13.