The airmen from HMS Seahawk have bounced back from cup-final defeat by the RM band Service in 2002 to beat HMS Sultan in the final of the Navy Cricket Knock-out Cup.

On a Burnaby Road wicket which looked flat and dry, but with the threat of heavy showers, the engineers won the toss and elected to bat.

An opening partnership of 39, followed by one of 33 for the second wicket, indicated that the Sultan captain had made the right decision.

But the Cornish attack stuck to their task, and with Lt D. Whitehead (2 for 32 in eight overs), AEM K. Jones (3-25 in eight overs) and skipper PO J.J. Walker (3-21 in five overs) bowling very well, the training establishment was reduced to 129 for 9 in the allotted 35 overs.

Seahawk’s response was steady, with opener PO ‘Boiler’ Bonnet laying a solid foundation of 41 runs, winning him the Man of the Match award.

And although there was something of a late-order collapse, the RN air station from Helston still reached their target for the loss of seven wickets with seven overs to spare.

Brig C. Hobson, Chairman of the RN Cricket Club, presented cups and mementoes to players and officials.