The 2010 Cup Match would have been entirely different if Deunte Darrell or OJ Pitcher hadn't come to the fore and rescued their respective teams, albeit in different circumstances.

Both came in at number four for their clubs, a spot that they both proved is vital in the game of cricket.

Darrell arrived at the crease with challengers Somerset in a world of trouble at 24 for two and stroked his maiden half-century in his first home Cup Match appearance, taking the side to 190 before his demise for 72.

While admitting that he had no choice but to put his head down to get his side out of the massive ditch they were in, the youngster relished the chance to put up a big score in front of his home crowd and family.

"We had a bad start at the beginning of the innings and when I got to the crease I knew I had to put my head down and get on with the task," said Darrell. "I had to consolidate for a few overs after the loss of Chris (Douglas) and then Stephen (Outerbridge), followed by Janeiro, so I knew it was imperative that I hung around.

"For my second Cup Match, and my first at home I have realised that staying to the wicket pays off. You have to know how to occupy the crease and keep your patience."

While his first 50 will live long in his memory, Darrell is already looking forward to next year and the chance to grab the cup back from his rivals.

"To score this at home was a big thing to me after I look back. I know it isn't a century but playing for Willow Cuts and Somerset in this game, it was a special moment for me and I am looking to produce more in the years to come.

"It was my goal from the start to go out on my home field and do what I needed to do, I had set a few goals before I went out there and I managed to get one which was my maiden half-century, but to get to the ton would have been a milestone."

Darrell believes that had the weather not intervened his side could have been heading to Wellington Oval next year as holders, not challengers.

"I feel that we had a chance of winning," he said, "that we could have put up some runs to defend and then set the tone for the rest of the day.

"Obviously it didn't work out like that but we have to be understanding that it wasn't us. Mother Nature messed things up for us. Next year we will go back to St. George's and look to right the wrongs from this year and last."

For Pitcher, it was a case of going to the crease in a buoyant situation, with the champions cruising at 63 for two before ending the day on 134 for three, and Pitcher on 34.

Yet, with Malachi Jones bowling at his supreme best, grabbing three wickets in his opening two overs to leave the champions in serious trouble, Pitcher had no choice but to held his end of the bargain.

The veteran of more that a decade of Cup Matches held down the fort with a patient 63, before finally falling to Jones with his side back in contention at 191 for seven.

"We wanted the win and wanted to have a big enough lead to apply pressure on them but the weather didn't allow that to happen but we are happy," he said.

"We knew they wanted the win as bad as we did and their hunger would have played into our hands, but we retain (the trophy) and that is what the main objective is.

"Being unbeaten going into the day's play, I knew the pressure would be on and with Delyone and Lionel going quickly, I had no choice but to stay around. I felt the pressure a little bit and people were saying I needed to stay there which restricted my shot playing knowing the situation we were in, but I hung in there and got the side to were we wanted to be.

"We have the trophy still and it is a good day for St. George's, both the fans and the players."

For Cup Match pictures go to Spotted on the Rock.