IN a break from Feversham League action ahead of the eagerly-awaited Top Four play-offs, Lockton and Gillamoor took to the field in the Supplementary Cup Final.

Inaugurated in 2007, the Cup Final provides plenty of enjoyment for players and spectators alike, as well as giving lesser-known, and just as important, players a place to shine.

The decision to stage this season’s final at High Farndale, where Gillamoor and Lockton were in opposition, didn’t receive universal acclaim, and the prospect of some entertainment, and a closely fought contest, appeared unlikely as Gillamoor could only muster eight men.

Things quickly got decidedly worse for Gillamoor when, after six overs they found themselves in dire straits at just seven runs for five wickets, thanks to splendid bowling by Jack Garrity (3-2) and Tom Snowden (2-5) in their mandatory three over spell each.

Disgruntled spectators were about to depart when Farndale legend Andy Fawbert entered the ground to come and watch proceedings.

Famed for not occupying the crease for long of late, that didn’t stop Gillamoor captain Sam Farrow for enquiring about his services. Not one to refuse the opportunity, with Lockton’s blessings, he became a loan player for the duration of the contest.

Meanwhile, Pete Casey was carrying out a one-man rescue mission on behalf of Gillamoor, reaching an excellent 27 before having to retire in accordance with the rules.

Soon after, though, the eighth wicket fell, enabling Casey to legitimately return with Fawbert as his obdurate and unlikely partner.

Playing and missing, edging the ball clear of the close fieldsmen, and coupled with his frequent remarks laced with humour, Fawbert caused havoc among the regular season champions.

As such, in no time, Casey had raced to 52, the highest score in the competition’s history, courtesy of seven fours and a six - the latter of which takes some doing at High Farndale.

He, though, was eventually caught, with Fawbert remaining undefeated as Gillamoor closed on a relatively decent 74 all out, nothing short of a miraculous recovery after their dreadful start to proceedings.

Following the fine work of Snowden and Garrity early on, Simon Boyes also performed well to finish with figures of 2-20.

Nevertheless, Lockton were still confident of victory, but doubts quickly appeared when big-hitter James Boyes was bowled by Farrow for a duck in the first over.

Captain Charlie Coulson fared little better, and was the next wicket to fall just six balls later.

Gillamoor continued to make inroads into the Lockton batting line up, with Woodhouse (3-20), Tom Atkinson (2-8) and Steve Casey, who chipped in with three catches, keeping it very interesting.

Fortunately for Lockton they were rescued, from what might have been regarded as a rather ignominious defeat by Garrity.

Having to retire on 25, he eventually returned, finding a more than useful partner in Matt Dawson who, amidst mounting tension, calmly stroked his way to 14 not out.

With Garrity 30 not out, the two of them confirmed a narrow two-wicket success for Lockton with five balls left.

Pete Casey was named as the Man of the Match, but particular praise went to Fawbert, whose significant contribution made the encounter an exciting contest.