The party was in Somerset last night as the victorious West End cricket team and its faithful supporters celebrated the return of the Cup to their trophy shelf.

In this year's thrilling Cup Match classic, Somerset defeated arch-rival St.

George's -- with two balls to spare -- for the first time in 14 years.

And last night club captain Dexter Basden held the cup high over his head as he set out from the ground on the palomino "Son'' for the marching of the cup.

It was a double celebration for Mr. Basden who marked his ninth wedding anniversary yesterday as well.

Before setting out he told The Royal Gazette : "It feels good -- it's my first time on a winning team and I'm overjoyed. It's a dream come true, it's unbelievable -- I'm speechless -- look at my face, it will tell you how I'm feeling.

"It's really good to see all the supporters come out tonight but I'll tell you I never rode a horse before.'' As he spoke, supporter Ed Simmons came over, clapped him on the back and said: "Thank you -- congratulations.'' Later Mr. Simmons said: "It's beautiful, but make sure you tell St. George's we're not gonna play for a draw for the next 14 years like they did -- we're not playing for no draws -- we play the game.'' Accompanying Mr. Basden for the victory ride was Somerset coach Winston Reid on "Jackson'' -- a standard bred horse.

Mr. Reid played for the club on the winning sides in 1979, 1981 and 1982.

He exclaimed: "Man, this is the best but these guys didn't have to do this.

"If I had known I was going to be riding a horse as well I would have stayed home.'' Victor Butterfield said "it feels very good to bring the cup back'' which was why he had brought two horses from his stables at Scaur Hill for the occasion.

Young and old Somerset supporters congregated in and outside the ground during the cool summer evening and celebrated the historic event as the sun set.

The Somerset Brigade Band led the march along Middle Road, Sound View Road, East Shore Road and back to the club in a six-mile circuit while playing tunes Roll Out The Barrel, Hail, Hail The Gang's All Here, Movin' and Happy Days Are Here Again.

And the Gombeys joined the procession and supporters swore they seemed to be dancing a little livelier than normal.