United fielded four of the 1993 cup-winning side for the final of the 20-over-a-side cup competition at Egerton Park CC.

Both teams went into the match high on confidence with good form in the Everards County League, Thorpe pushing for promotion from Division Two and Barkby leading Division Three by 50 points.

But Thorpe, runners-up in that 1993 final, had that sinking feeling after they lost a vital toss as Barkby captain Craig Hendry put them into bat.

On a wicket which had come to life after overnight rain and a mid-afternoon rain shower, Dutton caught the dangerous Thorpe captain Dil Yahadugoda one-handed to leave Thorpe 3 for 1.

Another Dutton catch left Thorpe on 24 for 2 in the eighth over and the introduction of Keith Skinner had an immediate effect as Thorpe were reeling on 34 for 3 off nine overs.

Thorpe turned to attack and hit bowler Towers for 18 off the 10th over to elevate them to 52 for 3 at the halfway mark, but Skinner struck again before a suicidal run-out reduced Thorpe to 55 for 5.

Cookson was introduced and produced two wickets, while another run out and Skinner's third wicket in his third over left Thorpe teetering on the brink at 59 for 9 off 14 overs.

Thorpe tried to bat out their 20 overs, but Hendry finished the innings off for 66 in the 17th over.

A great bowling and fielding performance with Skinner 3 for 11 off four overs, Cookson 2 for 4 off three and Lee 2 for 19 off 4, outstanding.

Barkby's reply was well paced, and although they lost four wickets, they acheived ther target on the third ball of the 14th over with a massive six by Mark Skinner.

Barkby's Keith Skinner received the man-of-the-match award from Egerton Park CC chairman Geoff Goodson for his 3 for 11 and unbeaten 15.

United hope to add to their silverware haul when they face Uppingham on Friday in the Burrough League Plate final at Melton Mowbray CC, Saxby Road.