Somerset skipper Albert Steede last night congratulated his players after what he claimed had been a pressure-packed Cup Match.

"First and foremost I would like to commend the fellows on the fine job that they did absorbing the pressure during the first day because we were under immense pressure with St. George's getting off to that flying start," said the west enders' victorious captain.

"But we didn't panic and we stayed focused and composed and inevitably we did get wickets and I guess for them to only score 234 runs in their first innings was very much a positive for us because they were averaging 120 runs an hour."

"So I was very pleased and proud of the team how we stuck together during the times of adversity.

"On the second day, I think that we did even better. We bowled well and held onto our catches and did what we had to do. We restricted the St. George's' batsmen and everything went according to plan."

The skipper admitted that several individuals in the team played crucial roles.

"Dexter (Basden) did extremely well with the bat along with Janeiro (Tucker). And Baldy Ming did his job in solidifying the innings. All-round I think that we had a good, solid team.

"(Dwayne) Leverock also has to be commended for bowling like 35 unchanged overs and then Corey (Hill) came on the ball later and did his job. So like I say, it was just a fine all-round performance."

Veteran Basden went out of the classic in style.

Coming to the crease with his team at 66 for two in pursuit of 218 for victory, the big-hitting batsman provided a timely knock of 69 that ultimately paved the way for Somerset's win.

And after seeing his team to the brink of victory, Basden hit everyone for six by announcing his retirement from the mid-summer classic.

"I definitely wanted to go out in style," he exclaimed. "I told them (Somerset) last year that I was retiring but the president (Colin Smith) and a few of the members encouraged me to try out one more time because it was also our 100th anniversary. What a splendid way to go - but this it.

"I will still be playing for Willow Cuts but as far playing Cup Match with Somerset . . . I will always love Somerset and I thank them very much."

While Basden's career may have ended, Somerset colt Dennis Pilgrim announced his arrival in fine fashion, grabbing four St. George's' wickets during the east enders' first innings and stroking a brisk 22 before taking three catches and yet another wicket in St. George's' second innings to cap off a remarkable debut.

"It's unbelievable!" Pilgrim said. "I'm an all-rounder . . . what more can I say. I really can't put it in words. Just to play Cup Match on the 100th anniversary let alone get a victory on my first Cup Match. . . I just can't put it in words."

After Hasan Durham was unable to bowl during St.George's' second innings, it was left to Somerset's jovial giant, Dwayne (Sluggo) Leverock to take up the slack. And he did so brilliantly, grabbing four wickets off 35 unchanged overs.

"I had to battle today because I knew that we had only one spinner," said an emotional Leverock afterwards.

"They told me that I bowled 35 overs, but it didn't feel like it.

"Knowing that the people were involved in the match gave me an inspirational boost and that's what we needed.

"I was glad to see the people come out and basically that kept me alive and we just kept pushing for a win."