Somerset CC 132 Western Stars 135-5 Thanks to some fine batting by Andre Manders and spirited spin bowling from Hasan Durham, Western Stars lifted the Knockout Cup yesterday with a comfortable five-wicket triumph over Somerset CC in the final at Somerset.

It marked the first time they had won the trophy since 1989.

In their chase of a modest victory target of 133, Stars' opening batsman Manders inspired his side with an unbeaten 61 -- one of his best batting performances this season.

Durham preceded that performance with a sterling bowling spell, finishing with impressive figures of three for 20 off just seven overs, including two maidens.

In restricting Somerset's batsmen, Stars were also helped by three other bowlers. Skipper Arnold Manders grabbed two for 18 from 10 overs with three maidens while fast bowler Gary Brangman had two for 17 from 8.1 overs and Daillo Sharrieff two for 33 from five overs.

Captain Manders said the victory was particuarly sweet for his younger players as the club had previously won the cup some seven times and the older players had already experienced that thrill.

"It's the first time for a lot of our younger players like Hasan Durham and Cleon Scotland. It's the only one (trophy) they haven't won in their careers and I am really happy for them,'' said Manders.

"This was definitely one of the competitions we wanted to win this season and I am really pleased that we came through and accomplished this goal.'' Somerset's batsmen appeared to be going well when they reached 100 for the loss of just three wickets, thanks to a fine 41 by opener and skipper Wendell White.

But that was all to change when Durham grabbed the wicket of Craig Brangman when he was on 26 and the total on 110, and it was all downhill for Somerset from there on.

The remaining batsmen were dismised without offering much resistance, adding just another 22 runs. In addition to White and Brangman, Leon Place was the only other batsman in double figures with 19.

Stars got off to a solid start in reply with openers Albert Steede (9) and Manders adding 40.

The prized wicket of Steede with the total on 40 gave Somerset some hope and they were further inspired when Jermaine Postlethwaite and Cleon Scotland followed Steede into the pavilion without scoring -- the score then reading 46 for three.

Stars flirted with disaster when they fell to 57 for four after Durham was out for one but opener Manders and his skipper, who chipped in with 18, added 39 for the fifth wicket to take them to safety.

The stage was then set for Andre Manders and veteran Ricky Brangman (23 not out) to steer them to victory.

David Gibbs was the top bowler for Somerset with three for 37 off nine overs.

Stinging blow: Western Stars batsman Hasan Durham is struck in the chest by a fierce delivery from Somerset's David Gibbs during yesterday's Knockout final at Somerset.