On the wide open spaces of Wellington Oval tomorrow, the two Dudley Eve finalists will have it all to play for after last night's first leg finished all even at Devonshire Rec.

Despite heavy rain over the last three days the pitch was in near perfect condition for a match that had twice been postponed. But only a small crowd turned out to watch.

Vasco looked rusty after the lay-off and Colts, having had the better of the chances, will reflect on this as a match they should have won. Still, a draw in the first leg means that both teams will be going all out for victory on New Year's Day. Vasco will have both Dwight Basden and Sinclair Gibbons to call on in the second final -- a ban prevented them from playing at Devonshire Rec. after an incident there last season -- while they also have the option of returning Sammy Swan and Clay Smith to the starting line-up.

Both came off the bench last night in the second half as Vasco tried to pull out a winner. But it was Colts who went closest as Keishon Smith and Quincy Aberdeen kept the Vasco defence on their toes while Keenan Burchall worked tirelessly in midfield.

The best move of the first half came when Colts put some good passes together involving Burchall and Smith before Aberdeen shot weakly at 'keeper Timmy Figureido from six yards.

In the last minute Vasco almost scored a fluke goal when Shannon Burgess' clearance near the edge of the box hit Keith Jennings in the head before dropping just over the bar. Jennings went off for treatment before returning in the second half.

Colts continued to run at Vasco after the restart as Burchall got through before setting up Jahmah Samuels for a shot which was saved by Figureido. Then Ottis Steede took a pass from Kentoine Jennings and while the Colts defence were watching Jennings as he ran through for the return pass, Steede turned the other way and lobbed a shot that dropped just wide.

Another save by Figureido proved crucial when he dived at the feet of Smith right in front of goal.

Vasco: T.Figureido; D.Stapley, Kent.Jennings, P.Towlson, B.Bruce, O.Steede, M.Wade, V.Astwood, T.Darrell (S.Swan 56 mins), A.Russell, Kei.Jennings (C.Smith 85 mins).

Colts: T.Hall; Jermaine Belboda, S.Burgess, M.Hollis, Jermel Belboda, K.Burchall (S.Waldron 63 mins), J.Samuels, V.Ball, K.,Smith, Q.Aberdeen, T.Smith (S.Phillips 60 mins).

Referee: Cal Simons Men of match: Timmy Figureido (Vasco), Keishon Smith (Colts).