Bailey's Bay opener Dennico Hollis paid tribute to his team-mates after their one-run victory over Eastern Counties rivals St. David's on Sunday to remain unbeaten and top the Premier Division 50-over table.

Bay travelled to Lords and escaped with the win in the first edition of the derby between the two clubs.

While the win was one of many on the road to the title, Hollis, who opened the innings with a well thought out 53, believes it is his side's determination, unity and harmony that has seen them win the first four games of the season.

"It was a pretty hard fought match and it felt good to come away with the win," said Hollis. "We feel good about our approach to the season thus far and come Sunday against Rangers, we want to carry on our performances.

"Early in the season it is about unity, determination and harmony in the team.

"Our main objective was to not lose any wickets in the first ten overs but that didn't work so we went about getting what we could out of the wicket and having belief in ourselves.

"They weren't bowling tight but on a good length so we needed to pick our shots.

"I had to fight it out when the wickets were falling, that was my main objective. But on a team perspective, we fought hard until the end and that is what a team is about.

"We aren't punishing teams but we are showing determination and character to get through the rough patches in games and coming out on top with the knowledge that we can do any task.

"It came down to the last ball, everyone was nervous, no-one wanted to see a no-ball or wide, and I want to commend my team even in the batting in the lower order that came in and got runs as well.

"We aren't playing to the best of our ability but we are sticking together throughout the whole match, so we are pleased."

The rivalry between the St. David's and Bailey's Bay stretches back further than most can remember, but the distaste can be seen from both factions when asked about the opposition.

The win was felt by many and sets up a mouth watering second match that hopefully can surpass the first, and could come in the County competition.

Next up for the league leaders is a date with the other unbeaten side, Southampton Rangers, at Southampton Oval with the winners taking a big step towards the title early in the season.

"This game is more then just the game, it is a community thing, and it is personal," added Hollis.

"To get the first win against them for the season it is speechless to me personally because our fans always rally around us and they are the reason we looked forward to matches like this.

"The winner holds bragging rights until the next game between the two, but we won't be satisfied with this, we want to beat them again to make sure the first wasn't lucky.

"Rangers is another big game and hopefully was can dominate them from start to finish, but cricket is a funny game so we will take it step by step and see how this game goes."