Social Club were left to rue their decision to ask Western Stars to bat first upon winning the toss in Saturday's match at St. John's Field, as Albert Steede and Treadwell Gibbons shared in a massive opening stand of 286.

And while it could not be confirmed yesterday if it was a record -- as league records are not kept -- the partnership is certainly one of the biggest in recent years.

Setting a record, however, wasn't in the minds of the pair when they began their innings 12.05.

Less than three hours later they were still at the crease, having resisted everything Social Club threw at them as Steede stroked 130 not out to take his aggregate for the season to 451 -- the highest in the league so far -- and boost his average from 64.20 to 90.20 in eight innings. It was his second century of the season.

"We weren't sure of any record and just played it as any normal game,'' said Steede, the Bermuda captain, yesterday.

"The umpire commended us after the match on how positive we played. We weren't just battering the ball recklessly. It wasn't a reckless innings by any means from either of us. We were just concerned about getting the next 10 (runs), 110 then 120, and we did that from the beginning.

"We would have been satisfied to get a sufficient total so that we could declare and try to get them out. When `Treaddy' was getting near his hundred we just decided to go until he got his hundred and then we declared immediately.'' Despite the fast scoring, the Stars pair batted with plenty of discipline.

"There was much more running than boundaries,'' Steede pointed out. "I only had two sixes and they came in the latter part of my innings when I already had a hundred. We weren't concerned about anyone in particular, though as a batsman you always have to be cautious because it only takes one mistake.'' With bonus batting points in the bank, Stars captain Arnold Manders declared the innings closed after Gibbons reached his century, finishing with 106 not out. Gibbons hit 12 fours in his innings and Steede 11 fours and two sixes, both batting for 170 minutes.

Stars were left with plenty of time to dismiss Social Club, knocking them over for just 71 in just 37.4 overs as Manders claimed four for 14 from 12.4 overs and Hasan Durham three for 10 from 11 overs.

Following another comfortable win on Sunday against Warwick, Stars are now the new Premier Division leaders. In the coming weeks they will be bidding for several pieces of silverware, including the Central Counties title which they have held since 1992. Also on their agenda is the league, Champion of Champions and Knockout competitions.

Meanwhile, Social Club take on Stars again on Saturday in the second round of the Central Counties. It will be a toss the challengers might prefer not to win.

DOUBLE TROUBLE -- Albert Steede (left) and Treadwell Gibbons both slammed centuries in a stand of 286.