Although Cumberland lost, they competed well against Howard and  can feel satisfied with just a 6,4 loss. 
Alan Watson picked up his customary maximum for Howard, not losing a leg along the way.  Ian Gordon posted a brace and looked like he would go on to complete a treble, but the ever consistent Abbie Hurley fought back from two legs down to edge past the Scotsman 14,12 in the decider, her best win of the season. Simon Forest was unavailable so Howard called up Neville Forsyth and he was also pipped at the post against Abbie. 11, 8 in the fifth. The Howard player couldn't find his form in the other matches and was overpowered by Julian Barker and Gareth Fox, going down three straight. The doubles was won by Howard to secure the narrow victory

Written by: David McAulay