DUNCAN Parker had absolutely no intention of getting up for work today.

The Todmorden player is currently temping after travelling around Australia for eight months.

He only returned to Centre Vale eight weeks ago but had his Monday morning hangover planned after Todmorden's 125-run victory over Haslingden to clinch their first Worsley Cup since 1982.

Parker was one of the stars, picking up the Lancashire Evening Telegraph Man of the Match trophy for his best bowling figures of 5-24 which skittled out Haslingden's reply for 111.

And, in the home side's total of 236, the middle order batsman hit a vital 27 which included two sixes -- one of which was lost in the undergrowth behind the pavillion -- to take his side clear of the 200-run mark.

"It's been brilliant. I've only played in the semi-final and now the final because I've been in Australia but we deserved it," said Parker, his hands full of medals and trophies. The team spirit with the captain Nigel (Hunter) and professional Dan (Marsh) has been phenomenal. We are together on and off the pitch and we all have a lot of self-belief.

"We've waited a long time for this and I won't be at work on Monday, that's for sure!"

Parker also had words of praise for the Todmorden crowd who, as opposed to quiet village-like cricket supporters, were singing "football" songs and giving the players plenty of encouragement.

"They were fantastic, we always get a good following home and away," said Parker.

And what about the two male streakers who danced around the pitch during the Haslingden innings?

"Yes, I know them," laughed Parker, and that's all he would say on the matter!

Captain Hunter, an Australian, is in his first season in charge at Todmorden. He came over to England in the 1980's, has pro-ed around the country and linked up with Tasmanian Marsh at the start of this season at Centre Vale.

"From a personal point of view, it's great to come to a club and in the first year win a cup final," he said. "I understand what the Worsley Cup means to all concerned at Todmorden. Everyone behind the scenes as well, from the groundsman to the caterers, has chipped in with this victory.

"Once we got past the 200 mark it was always going to be a difficult target to chase. We needed a few early wickets and got them."

He did though single out Parker's contribution, who is not even one of the regular bowlers but got his chance with the 10 overs per player restriction.

"Dan and Alex (Scholefield) are our usual bowlers and, to be fair, they have been brilliant all season. But Duncan's done well so we'll have to think about that one now."

But really it was Haslingden who made a perfect start, getting out veteran opener Richard Baigent, Todmorden's regular run-machine, with just 20 to his name.

But they struggled to do the same to the second wicket partnership of Stuart Priestley and Marsh. They struck up 70 together before Priestley gifted an easy catch off the bowling of Andrew Sidley to Bentgate professional Paul Strang. Priestley's 52 came with six four's and earned him a collection of £192.30.

Marsh was next to fall with a great catch from Mark Griffin on the boundary. The paid man made 66 -- with eight four's -- and he went home £112 richer.

Todmorden were kept quiet in a middle spell by Sidley and Michael Blomley and seemed to be in the 120's for an age -- scoring just 28 runs of nine overs at the half-way point.

But Scholefield (44) and Parker (27) upped the pace to set a tough target of 237.

A fantastic catch by Hunter started Haslingden's demise after a steady opening. Opener Mark Griffin had already departed but Hunter, running backwards, took a wonder catch as Paul Blackledge (24) became the first of Parker's victims.

"I just fell over and it was in my hands," joked Hunter.

Then Parker and Mark Clayton took centre stage. Michael Ingham (eight) was caught at outside edge by Chris Whitehead off the bowling of Parker and Strang the came in, faced two balls, and was back in the pavillion for a duck.

Clayton took over dismissing Barry Knowles (14) and Neil Grindrod (0) in successive balls before Andy Smith came in to add some respectability to the score, hitting three sixes.

But the revival was short-lived and the day -- and night -- belonged to Todmorden.