Heads held high despite defeat, St. George's cricketers and management officials expressed pride at the spirited fight they gave Somerset on the 100th anniversary of their Cup Match rivalry.

As his players came to terms with their four-wicket loss on Somerset's home turf, St. George's skipper Charlie Marshall applauded the effort which those under his captaincy produced in trying to recapture the coveted prize.

"I am very impressed with my team. We took the game to Somerset. We gambled on the first day, declaring after lunch, and today we gave them a competitive score in about two hours and the last 20 overs.

"I think my players did an excellent job. I am sure the fans of St. George's are very proud. We didn't have the Cup and we took the game to them. We were expecting victory but things didn't go right in certain areas but that's okay. I am still very impressed," said the veteran player, terming this match the best of his 20 years in Cup Match cricket.

Marshall added that knowing that either defeat or victory was on the cards made St. George's fight until the death to pull off what would have been a stunning turn-around win. "I told the guys we need a victory or we will lose. We gambled on a few things, changed our bowlers around and tried to see what would happen."

Despite the outcome, the leader did not regret any on-field decisions, adding that he told his players to enjoy the game and the atmosphere regardless of the result.

President of St. George's Club, Neil Paynter, shared Marshall's sentiments and saluted his side for contributing to an absorbing and unforgettable Cup Match.

"I'm not disappointed in my team. Our team made Cup Match what it should be. We took the game to Somerset and they produced the goods but, at the same time, I am proud of how we played.

"I don't think there was much difference between the teams. Our captain decided we were the challengers and we were going to take it to them and force them to make a game of it and that's what we did. We had nothing to lose and I think the fans got what they wanted," noted Paynter, heading for the presentation ceremony.

The club boss said St. George's gave a "total team effort" over the two days but gave special mention to the two colts - Travis Smith and Peter Philpott - who rose to the occasion in their Cup Match debut.

"Our colts - Travis and Peter (Philpott) - performed admirably. Many people didn't want them in our team but they did the job."

Confident in his team's ability to bounce back, Paynter predicted it would be St. George's sipping champagne on their home ground - Wellington Oval - next year.

Assistant team manager, Barry Sousa, said the ninth-wicket partnership of 72 between Somerset batsmen, Corey Hill and Dennis Pilgrim, in the first innings, put a dent in St. George's plan and cost the challengers valuable time yesterday.

"What really hurt us was the extra 48 runs that were put on this morning. It took about an hour (to get Somerset's last two wickets) and we lost a wicket or two to get that 48. That's what put us behind the eight ball. We didn't have that in our plan but that's how it goes sometimes."

He too lauded his team's gutsy display but conceded "we just didn't make enough runs and that's what counts".

"Only one team could win and unfortunately it wasn't us but we're happy and proud of ourselves. I think we gave a good show. I must congratulate Somerset. They played well and they were the better team on the day," said Sousa.