Bailey's Bay 104-4 Spirited performances with the ball by Anthony Braithwaite and Corey Hill sparked champions Bailey's Bay to yet another emphatic defence of the Eastern Counties crown on Saturday at Sea Breeze Oval.

Braithwaite, celebrating his recent call to the Bermuda national squad, was all but unplayable on a day when a strong crosswind gave new meaning to the name Sea Breeze and clearly assisted the bowlers.

The fast-medium bowler ravaged the Islanders' middle order with a stunning burst of pace, accounting for the wickets of James Pace, Phillip Pitcher and the prized scalp of Albert Steede for a duck to end with figures of three for 14 from 14 overs, six of which were maidens and was justly named Man of the Match.

Meanwhile, Hill did his part, removing captain Allen Richardson, who had stubbornly resisted -- unlike most of his colleagues -- for a top score of 40, while also accounting for danger men Lionel Cann and Del Hollis.

Hill ended with figures of three for 38 from 13.2 overs, with six maidens.

Indeed the morning session was dominated by the ball, as Bay took full advantage of the conditions to have St. David's in trouble early and never relinquished the grip.

Only Richardson, playing in what he indicated to be his final county match, was able to counter, amassing 40 from 68 balls in 98 minutes. Included in the innings were four fours, a six and one five.

After losing their first wicket at 18, that of Shea Pitcher (zero), St.

David's looked to have righted the ship as Pace (8) and Richardson joined in a second wicket partnership that added 29, moving the total to 47.

However, it was at that point when Braithwaite upped the ante, mowing through for three wickets in two overs, as the visitors went from 47 for one to 47 for four.

And the rot continued, with only the Scottish based duo of Cann (26) and Hollis (12) able to reach double figures, with St. David's capitulating for a meagre 100, coming from 39.2 overs in 182 minutes.

Others among the wickets for Bay were Noel Gibbons, with two for nine from six overs and Clarkie Trott, the most expensive of the four bowlers used, who claimed one for 38 from six overs.

Bay got off to what seemed a flying start in pursuit of the modest target, captain Ricky Hill (eight) driving Herbie Bascome for four off the first delivery and crashing the third through the covers for another boundary.

However, Bascome gained revenge with his fifth ball, getting it to nip back, catching an inside edge and watching with delight as Phillip Pitcher scooped up the catch after stand-in wicket-keeper Richardson had initially juggled the chance.

Tight line and length by Bascome and Gregg Foggo served to tie down Devrae Hollis and Glenn Smith (five), the latter finally losing patience, slashing at one from Bascome and offering a head high catch to Foggo, fielding at point.

Hollis followed to the pavilion, a victim of Cann, and Bay were in a tight spot at 22 for three.

CLEAN BOWLED -- Bailey's Bay batsman Roger Trott expresses his frustration after being bowled by Dennis Archer of Police during the BF&M Champion of Champions Cup semi-final on Sunday.