there will always be a special place in his heart for the one which launched his Cup Match career 20 years ago.

On that day in 1980 at Wellington Oval, with a draw the only possible result after time lost to rain, Marshall brought the match to a thrilling finish with a six on the last ball of the second day off Robert Hinds to end on 100 not out and become the first colt to reach that milestone.

Since then some notable batsmen have broken through, including Somerset captain Albert Steede who is already poised to move into third place among the all-time leading scorers. But none have made the same kind of entry as Marshall -- though Sammy Robinson hinted briefly at a century with 63 on his debut two years ago.

Marshall has no doubts another batsman will emerge one day to beat his record.

"There is a lot of talent out there and one day it's going to be broken and I'm going to be congratulating a youngster,'' said the Bailey's Bay captain.

"I would like to see it happen, records are there to be broken. Yes, the first year was a great moment, breaking the colts record, but I've enjoyed every year since then.'' And while Steede has quite a few more years left, Marshall is playing each Cup Match as it could be his last. At 39 he knows he doesn't have too much time left to leave his mark on the classic.

"In the last four years I have looked at Cup Match as being my last year because you never know what's going to happen,'' said Marshall.

"This year I'm looking for some great things to help St. George's secure the trophy. I'm looking for enjoyment in my last couple of years because I know it's only going to be a matter of time before I'm watching the game. People have to understand there is life after cricket. Herbie and coach Dean Minors have asked me to hang around for next year, for the 100th anniversary.'' This Cup Match will be his 18th, making him the longest serving among the current players now that Clevie Wade and Arnold Manders have departed the scene.

Marshall is unlucky not to have another record under his belt, namely three centuries which no player has ever achieved.

In 1987 when he was controversially included after coming off suspension and scoring a century in the last trial match which was his first game of the season, Marshall was left on 84 not out after captain Wendell Smith stuck by his predetermined declaration time in a bid to force the first victory in four years.

"After we bowled Somerset out that year we did have time left, but I don't regret what Wendell did because he knows I've always been a team player,'' said Marshall.

"He did give me two overs and I didn't get the runs as fast as he expected but I don't have a problem with it.'' Smith still stands by his decision to declare in mid-afternoon on the first day. "That year we had a specific time in mind and once that time came we decided to cut it off,'' said the former captain.

Marshall fell five runs short of a second century in 1999 when Irving Romaine held a sharp catch at short leg to remove his club captain.

"I was very disappointed because I was looking for some big things that year and felt really good,'' Marshall admitted.

Only three players, Lloyd James, Rupert Scotland and Arnold Manders, have scored two centuries in the history of Cup Match.

Steede has certainly been the most consistent Cup Match player in the 1990s.

He made his debut in 1989 and after last year had 808 runs. Now he needs just 22 more to move ahead of Edward Swainson and into third place in aggregate runs behind Smith and James.

And though he may still be 300 runs shy of Smith's overall record of 1143, the former St. George's captain has no doubts Steede will pass him.

"I'm sure in time Albert is going to become the all-time leading scorer, I don't have any doubt about that,'' said Smith.

"The guy is a prolific scorer and values his wicket so I can see within two or three years he will stand at the top, barring injury. He's obviously got maybe another six years left in him and that's 10 to 12 innings.

"I think he'll end up with close to 1,500 runs, maybe. I'm sure he'll probably be looking to pass 1,000 this year, knowing him!'' Cup Match records -- P15 Charlie Marshall: Cup Match career spanning 20 years.