ARE WORTHING THE LAST CHAMPIONS?

Although neither team fielded their strongest side for the final, it did present a chance for some of the younger players to gain match experience. Winning captain Dave Mars-hallsay said: "The players wanted to play. This competition may be seen in league form instead of cup next year. We have had a strong bowling attack in the evening league, and they bowled well today."

Marshallsay was right to praise the bowlers as they caused the Chippingdale batsmen problems from the beginning. Nick Dumbleton picked up three wickets in one maiden over, and was only denied a hat-trick by Brian Hilton.

Chippingdale desperately needed a partnership to develop, but Gareth Cook's bowling piled on more pressure and suddenly the batting team were in trouble at 10 runs for five wickets.

Hilton hit a couple of fours and climbed in to double figures, the only batsman to do so, but Dumbleton bowled him to halt the partnership with Amjuid Riaz. The Chippingdale batsmen still tried to find the gaps but Australian spinner Matt Paul came on to clean up the tail and finish with three wickets.

Marshallsay appreciated some of the benefits of the cup: "Matt has got a few runs in the first team and turned the ball today. The Evening League has been a bit of an experiment for us this year. We have played some youngsters and been able to have more cricket at the Manor in the evening. We were all up for it and wanted to win it. Nick bowls a good length and Cookie also bowled well."

Paul wasted no time in chasing the target, and played attacking shots from the beginning. He hit seven boundaries in his 34 runs, and remained unbeaten at the end with Alex Harris.

Chippingdale may feel they did not do themselves justice, with bat or ball, but Worthing played competently to claim the cup, and may prove to be the eternal holders.

See The Herald for a report of Saturday's game at Roffey.