Skipper Lionel Cann hailed Cup Match 2007 as the most exciting draw in the annual classic's 105-year history ¿ before warning Somerset it could be a long time before they wrest the trophy from St.George's.

While Cann's champions were not able to stretch their Cup Match supremacy to three straight victories they did retain the coveted trophy with the rain effected game ending in parity.

Bermudian international Cann, who was appearing in his 12th Classic, said he was delighted to still be a champion and saved special praise for youngster

OJ Pitcher who he dubbed "future Mr Cup Match" after his swashbuckling 94.

"It's a great feeling to still be a champion and I believe this was the most exciting ever draw in Cup Match's history." he St. George's captain.

"Somerset came to win and in Dean Stephens, Malachi Jones and current Mr Cup Match Janeiro Tucker they have players who will provide us with headaches for many years to come.

"But we showed we have some very talented players in the likes of George O'Brien, Rodney Trott and OJ Pitcher who will become the next Mr Cup Match."

"I believe if we can keep the nucleus of this team together then Somerset will never beat us ¿ we never looked like losing the trophy."

It has been muted St. George's stalwarts Charlie Marshall and Clay Smith may call the curtain on their illustrious Cup Match careers, but Cann has urged the duo to prolong their playing days.

"I was delighted neither Charlie or Clay took the the microphone to announce their retirements from Cup Match during the presentation," he said.

"As long as I'm captain I want those two guys in my team and they still have so much to offer ¿ they both love the game. They are great ambassadors for Bermudian cricket and long may they continue."

Cann conceded the heavy showers had spoiled the spectacle to a certain extent but admitted St. George's priority had been to retain the trophy ¿ a feat which they prevailed.

Opposing captain Hasan Durham said he was proud to have made his bow as Somerset skipper and said his players wanted to bat on despite the bad light which brought a close to the game.

"We took the game to them with our batting and played some aggressive cricket ¿ I'm proud of everyone of my players" he said.

"In the likes of Malachi Jones, Dean Stephens, Jacobi Robinson and Janeiro Tucker we have some very talented players and a bright future.

"I would also like to thank the umpires and match referee for their excellent jobs as well as all those who turned up to make Cup Match the special occasion that it is. I'm already looking forward to next year when we bring the trophy back to Somerset."