IT was somewhat ironic that the 2012 Chard Evening Cricket League enjoyed probably its best weather of the season on its final night.

A good crowd went to the sun-drenched Chard CC for the league cup final between Thorncombe and 3Cs on Friday night and they were able to enjoy an exciting match.

The direction of the game swung from one side to the other, but it was Thorncombe who emerged victorious by 13 runs to clinch the league and cup double.

Thorncombe batted first and reached 108-7 with Joel Seward scoring 32, while there were useful contributions from Gary Warren and Tom Wakeley.

But 108 did not look enough as 3Cs started well in reply with Jake Hayes scoring a quickfire 27.

But they then suffered two somewhat comical runouts and the introduction of man-of-the-match Seward with 3-20 saw the 3Cs all out for 95.

The trophies were presented by Steve Sowden, chief reporter of the Chard and Ilminster News, along with trophies for the league winners and runners-up.

Steve said: “It was an exciting cup final which could have been won by either side. It was only in the latter stages that you began to realise that it was going to be Thorncombe’s night.

“I’d also like to offer my congratulations to Terry Sterland on his organisation of the league this year which must have been very trying because of the poor weather.”