THE final of the Lancaster Cup, sponsored by Redrow Homes, was held at Hatherleigh on Friday evening. 

Holders Hatherleigh Second XI took on Bridestowe who play in the same league division as Hatherleigh's first team.

Hatherleigh had beaten Tavistock in their semi-final with Bridestowe overcoming Whitchurch.

With a light drizzle falling, Bridestowe won the toss and elected to bat. Hatherleigh soon had Bridestowe in trouble at 18 for 3 in the fifth over with 15-year-old Steve Miles and 16-year-old Rob Cockwill both bowling impressively. Miles bowled his 4 overs for 8 runs with 1 wicket. 

Phil Hatton and Mark Fogarty took the total to 44 before Fogarty was bowled by Ross Cherrington for 6.  Adie Griffiths (47 no) then joined Hatton and they put on 36 for the fifth wicket before Hatton was bowled by Ian Jones for 42 with 4 fours and a six. 

This brought on a mini collapse as Bridestowe were reduced to 109 for 9.  But a big last over from Griffiths yielded 20 runs and Bridestowe finished on 127 for 9 off their 20 overs.  Jones finished with 3 for 32, Rob Cockwill with 2 for 26 but it was young Miles who took the bowling honours.

In reply, Hatherleigh got off to a steady start, scoring at 6 an over off the first 8 overs, losing the wickets of Pete Holland (who had scored a personal best of 155 the previous Saturday) and Graham Bryant. 

Ross Cherrington (25) and Terry Reynolds (28) took the score to 66 when Cherrington was bowled by Neil Griffiths.  Dan Payne followed in the next over leaving Hatherleigh on 67 for 4 in the 12th over.  Michael Cooper (20) then helped Reynolds put on 32 for the 5th wicket before Reynolds was run out in the 17th over with the score on 99. 

This left Hatherlerleigh requiring 29 off 20 balls.  The 18th over from Mike Butler cost 15 runs but crucially the wicket of Andrew Fishleigh who was stumped by Mark Fogarty. 

So two overs left and 14 runs needed with Gary Sizmur the bowler.  The over cost 7 runs and another wicket – this time Ryan Davies crucially run out for 13 off 9 balls with 1 six and 1 four.  114 for 7 became 121 for 8 leaving Hatherleigh requiring 7 off 4 balls. 

Despite a valiant effort by Ian Jones and Rob Cockwill the defending champions fell just one run short and Bridestowe became the 2008 Lancaster Cup holders.

Chairman John Gauler thanked the teams for one of the most entertaining finals for some time with the result being in doubt right down to the last ball.

The match had been played in good spirit and both teams were a credit to the sport. He thanked Hatherleigh for hosting the final and all those who had helped to organise the competition. 

He added that sponsorship of the cup was vital and to that end grateful thanks were given to the cup sponsors Redrow Homes.  Planning for the 2009 competition was already underway and it was hoped that all clubs in the West Devon Borough would enter.