Newly crowned First Division champions Cleveland County celebrated their title-winning campaign in dramatic fashion, holding their nerve to edge PHC by 14 runs following a remarkable batting collapse at PHC Stadium.
Cleveland, who officially sealed the Bermuda Cricket Board 50-Over crown with a match to spare, posted 185 all out after being anchored by a blistering innings from Clay Darrell. Batting with authority, Darrell struck an unbeaten 93 from just 78 deliveries, including eight boundaries and four sixes, before running out of partners. Sage Carter proved the standout bowler for the hosts, claiming 4-49 from his nine overs.
PHC looked well on course for a routine chase as openers Charles Trott and Davin Dill mounted a dominant 122-run stand for the first wicket. Trott led the charge with a fluent 70 off 73 balls, matching Darrell’s tally of eight fours and four sixes, while Dill contributed a breezy 68 from 72 balls.
However, Trott's dismissal triggered a catastrophic order collapse, with PHC losing all 10 wickets for just 49 runs.
Cleveland seamers Makai Young and Darrell took full advantage of the opening to dismantle the middle and lower orders. Young led the fightback with 5-36 from his 10 overs, while Darrell capped an exceptional all-round display by taking 4-34 to dismiss PHC for 171 and preserve the champions' winning momentum.
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