Western Stars 182-3 Allan Brangman captured three wickets, while Albert Steede and Arnold Manders registered half centuries as Western Stars completed another successful defence of the Central Counties Cup with a workmanlike seven wicket win over Police on Saturday.

Never were the champions in danger as careless batting by Police early on reduced the challengers' threat. And despite economical -- if not spectacular -- bowling performances by the visiting trio of Roger Blades, Adrian King and Dwayne Leverock, Police crashed to defeat.

Chief architect of the early order collapse of the men in blue was Stars' fast bowler Brangman, who produced a torrid opening burst in seizing the first three wickets, reducing his opponents to 42 for three. They then fell to 42 for four when Wayne Richardson captured another wicket.

Brangman finished with three for 38 from 9.5 overs of hostile pace bowling, including among his victims Donovan Livingston (four), David Greenidge (eight) and Dennis Archer (four).

His effort appeared to lift his teammates although Police regained their composure following the fall of Ferdinand Thorne (26) as captain Stevie Lightbourne and veteran Tyrone Smith went about resuscitating the innings.

Lightbourne seemed well on his way to at least a half century when he got careless against the leg breaks of Hasan Durham and gave a simple edged catch to wicketkeeper Anthony Manders when on 41.

Similarly, Smith, unable to contain his appetite for the big hit, took a swipe at a Wayne Richardson delivery and was caught by Brangman for 26.

Of the remainder, only Dwayne Leverock stood out, ending 19 not out.

Aside from Brangman, Richardson, Durham and Manders each claimed two wickets each.

After a slow start by openers Gregory Francis (11) and Gregory Sampson (39), Stars gradually worked their way to a frenzy as Steede (53) and Arnold Manders (58) took a liking to the attack.