Western Stars 126-8 Forced to dip into their talented pool of youngsters because of the unavailability of key senior regulars, Western Stars got more than they expected out of P.J. Thomas.

Thanks to Thomas, Stars scored an eight-wicket triumph over Cleveland in their Premier Division overs match at St. John's field on Saturday.

In his first appearance with the senior team the diminutive 13-year-old right-arm spinner stunned Cleveland with a magnificent spell of bowling, tearing their innings apart when they were recovering from 50 for the loss of three.

Brought in to halt a fourth-wicket stand that had taken the total to 93 Thomas got the breakthrough Stars wanted and went on to claim five wickets for 12 runs in six overs, including a maiden. His performance received raving applause from his two famous team-mates, skipper Arnold Manders and star batsman Albert Steede. "He really bowled well today. Cleveland were recovering when we brought him and it didn't take him long to break that fourth-wicket stand at all,'' said Manders.

From 93 for three, Cleveland slumped to 123 all out with Thomas spearheading the bowling attack for Stars. Veteran fast bowler Gary Brangman had two for six in six overs, three of which were maidens.

Carlton Smith led Cleveland in batting with 29 while Jason Simons followwed with 25, skipper Curtis Jackson with 16 and Allan Douglas 14 not out. Stars got batting support from Manders and Brangman who both struck 33 while Cleon Scotland hit 24 and Steede 17. Andre Manders was not out on seven and Thomas undefeated with three when victory was reached. Andre Smith had three for 39 to lead Cleveland.