Looe batted with discipline in the Cup Final at Ladock against Division Eight Western Champions Crofty. The opening pair of Howard Balman and Roger Carter stamped their authority at an early stage and their confidence flowed throughout the team. Both players demonstrated a range of textbook shots which had the strong Looe following enjoying the final remnants of this great season for the club.
Richard Balman batting fluently reminded the onlooking first team members (who have gained promotion as well this year) that he is becoming a force to reckon with. He tore into the Crofty attack and was partly responsible for the useful total that was set.
Looe who had their innings curtailed by rain rallied to the cause on the field and with slick fielding and tight bowling were able to bring the Cup back to Looe with 43 runs to spare. Alan took four wickets and the tight economical bowling of Mason and the veteran Joyce were impressive.
The final catch by Lane off Matthew's bowling depicted the great spirit within the club as the large contingent of admiring first teamers ran on to congratulate their clubmates. The annual dinner in November will be a great occasion for the club. It will be an opportunity to celebrate the surge of youth interest in the club, first team promotion and the Division Eight Cup win.
Captain Nick Alan in his remarks on receiving the trophy stated that the team had won for George Price Hughes who despite having batted well all year had not made the final due to a nasty fall. A top table seat has been reserved for you George!
Scores - Looe 162-8 (R. J. Carter 40, A. H. Balman 23, R. Balman 56 n.o., N. Alan 11, K.Levitt 11, bowling - Grant 1-48, S. Dunstan 2-53, Denning 2-30, W. Dunstan 2-24. Crofty 119 (L. Grant 14, P. Martin 49, S. Dunstan 10, C. Tucker 10; bowling - Joyce 2-45, N.Alan 4-55, P.Matthews 2-3, J.Mason 0-11
Looe won by 43 runs.