Traditionally the Western Counties has never been considered one of the Island's most popular cup competitions.

But judging by statistics in recent years it has arguably become one of the Island's most exciting.

For not once but on three occasions this summer the coveted silverware changed hands.

Last year's champions Willow Cuts successfully launched their defence of the trophy by defeating Somerset Bridge in the opening round. But the West Enders relinquished their grip on the cup via an upset loss to PHC in the second round.

For PHC, however, the joy would be short-lived as Southampton Rangers, hosts for this summer's competition, stripped their neighbours of the spoils in the third round.

But before the celebrations had subsided at Southampton Oval, the cup was again on the move after a youthful Warwick - led by the free-flowing batting of Dion Stovell and Kian Butterfield - upstaged a seasoned Rangers squad in last Saturday's final.

Off the field, the Western Counties has also endured its share of drama as former president Wendell White, treasurer Johnny Nusum and secretary Shane Simmons all resigned under a cloud of mystery last May, temporarily leaving the association without leadership.

But thanks to a band of concerned affiliate members and the swift actions of new president Gary Dowling and his team of administrators, the association appears to be back on the up.

“We saw the need to become involved because the Western Counties has been around for nearly 50 years and it was very sad to see it slip to the extent that it had,” said Dowling.

“And our goal now is to see the Western Counties restored to where it was when I used to play cricket by getting the communities more involved and inviting family members of some of the people who have played over the years to come back out.

“I think it (Western Counties) is one of the better competitions on the Island because you are always guaranteed a result. You don't see one team batting up until 5 p.m. and then allowing the opposition only one hour to bat. So as far as the cricket goes, I think we have reached a reasonably high standard.”

That fact's supported by the results of this summer's competition, said Dowling.

“Now we need to get a better fan base because people leave Somerset and go all the way to St.David's (to witness Eastern Counties competition) and most of that is based on tradition. We have the better cricket but they have the better tradition,” he added.

“They (spectators) go based on what has happened in previous years but if you were to take an overview of the cricket itself, the exciting games are now being played in the Western Counties.

“When people come out to a game (Western Counties) they know their team always stands a chance of winning and the underdog always has an opportunity. For example just last Saturday Warwick produced so many good young players - not taking anything from Rangers - and demonstrated the real strength of their club through their youth programme.”

Dowling also encouraged affiliated Western Counties members to come out and lend their support.

“I would like to see better support from each of the teams even when they aren't involved in the actual match. We have had very good support from some of the clubs but sometimes when certain clubs aren't involved you don't see many of their members at the match,” he said.

“But we have started to see larger crowds turn out and that shows in itself. But there are quite a few things we still need to get sorted out and we do look forward to even bigger and better things to come because we do have a solid plan already laid out.”

So far, Dowling has embraced the challenges associated with running the Western Counties with open arms, ably supported by a team of “enthusiastic administrators” and “very helpful volunteers”.

“I wasn't elected as president, “ he quickly pointed out. “But it's been a great experience so far and I enjoy what I do. I also enjoying working along with the people who have taken the plunge with me and who have supported one hundred percent. And I think now the clubs and the players realise that much can be accomplished when things are administered right. But we had to start from scratch and it is going to take us some time before we get to where it is we are striving to go.”

The current Western Counties Association is comprised of president Dowling, secretary Kim Jackson and treasurer Vernell Brown while Teresa Burrows, Mike Watson and Randy Raynor have also played an integral role behind the scenes as volunteers this summer.

“We on the Western Counties Association want to continue being more innovative as we plan for the future,” explained secretary Jackson. “We need innovative members who are prepared to adhere to the constitution while developing plans to continue to make the Western Counties a successful event in the future.

“And we were extremely delighted with the Junior Western Counties competition this year and so we also look forward to making that a bigger and better event as well.”