Easton's opening bowlers Matt Bolland and Shaun Green paved the way for their team's success against Hursley at Cocket's Mead on Monday night.

Making good use of their home conditions, the pair restricted their opponents to just 21 runs from the opening seven overs and Hursley were always off the pace after that.

Despite the innovative batting of the prolific James Kennedy, who conjured up 36 in quick time, they fell eight runs short as the light of the moon illuminated the closing overs. Had the Irishman batted in his accustomed opener's role the result might well have been different.

The boundary count told the story, with Easton cracking 9 fours and a six in their 20 overs, while Hursley could manage only 3 fours and a solitary 'big one.'

Easton skipper Kevin Neave top scored with 25 and received good support from Andy Birch (24) and Shaun Green (23) as the home side were bowled out in the last over for a challenging 118. Spinner Raman Prendergast (3 for 28) was the most successful bowler.

In reply, Hursley opener Paul Marks struggled to a painstaking 33 as Bolland and Green, aided by some sharp fielding, applied the shackles.

When Kennedy appeared at number 4 in the 12th over, the game was beyond recall. Birch (3 for 31) and Steve Green (3 for 33) collected late wickets as desperate Hursley hit out in hope.

The trophy was presented by Derek Igglesden, whose father donated it to the WDCCA many years ago.