DESPITE incessant rain on the day before the Countess of Feversham Cup final between Duncombe Park and High Farndale was due to be played, the Slingsby ground staff still managed to work wonders on the actual pitch to ensure the match went ahead as scheduled, albeit the outfield remained sodden.

High Farndale, who last won the competition way back in 1978, suffered a severe setback in the first over of their innings when their star batsman, Richard Smith, having previously hooked a four from the second ball, fell to a simple catch by Brian Leckenby when the ball, sent down by Phil Rutter, popped up unexpectedly. After that it became something of a procession back to the changing room for the forlorn High Farndale batsmen. John Curtis departed without scoring, caught comfortably by Scott Plowman off the bowling of Jonathon Leckenby. Ollie Grayson soon followed, bowled for three by Rutter, who ended his five over spell with figures of two for eight. Adam Durrant then got into the act, catching the next batsman of his own bowling for four.

Meanwhile the other opener, Tim Hunt, having watched the demoralising events at the other end, increased the tempo slightly, but runs only came generally in singles. He eventually succumbed to a Durrant delivery bowled for a courageous 27. Vernon Smith lasted one ball, victim of a Will Snowden catch off Plowman (1-18). Craig Sunley manufactured a six off Plowman, but Durrant (3-24) eventually accounted for him, lbw for 12. Jonathon Leckenby had Jimmy Blacklock caught by Plowman for one, and Mark Henderson caught by Brian Leckenby for one. Harry Pinder (13 not out) and Chris Wilson (three not out) at least managed to prevent High Farndale from being all out, closing on 76-9 after 20 overs.

It was never going to present much of a challenge for Duncombe Park's strong batting line up, epitomised by Thomas Fairburn blasting 14 from three deliveries. To his utter amazement he then fell victim to Tim Hunt's off-spin, the ball trickling on to his stumps to dislodge a bail. Hunt (1-18) and Vernon Smith (0-17) bowled well, posing real problems for number three batsman Brian Leckenby, who was somewhat lucky to survive.

However, the mandatory change of bowling brought about the inevitable acceleration in the rate of scoring, and it became all too easy. Obank, in fine form this season, reached 37 not out, and Leckenby, despite not being at his best, moved to 23 not out as Duncombe Park comfortably reached the target with still six overs remaining – their name on the trophy to be engraved for the first time since 1999.

The president of the Feversham League, Sir Richard Beckett, presented the cup to the Duncombe Park captain, Jonathon Leckenby, and the man of the match plaque, decided by the umpires, to Patrick Obank.

Lockton comfortably reached the final of the Supplementary Cup when they overwhelmed an understrength Gillamoor side by 92 runs. Enjoying home advantage, three Lockton batsmen in particular without undue alarms made it to the cut-off point for retiring, Tom Snowden (26) , James Boyes (25) as well as Ant Stones, who was permitted to have another go, extending his score to an undefeated 37 when the overs expired, with Lockton supremely placed on 139- 7. Two wickets apiece for T Hodgson and Ben Stamp, conceding four and 14 runs respectively.

In reply, Gillamoor quickly succumbed to Lockton's accurate bowling attack, namely James Boyes (3-6), Alex Machen (2-3) and Matt Dawson (2-7). G Evison (17) manfully held out for a while, but eventually it was to no avail as Gillamoor were dismissed for 47.

Gillamoor can still be pleased with their efforts in their first season back in the league for a number of years, particularly in regard to the maintenance of their ground which is in excellent condition.

Forthcoming fixtures:- Sunday, August 29 Glaisdale v Lockton Top Four Play-off semi-final, 2pm, Sunday, September 5, High Farndale v Slingsby Top Four Play-off semi-final, 2pm, Sunday, September 12, Top Four Play-off final at Glaisdale, 11am, Sunday, September 19 High Farndale v Lockton Supplementary Cup final at Slingsby, 2pm.