With defending challenge cup holders Hempnall choosing to concede their semi final clash against Bob Carter it left Wymondham and Thorpe Marriott to battle it out for the other final place. It was soon evident that Marriott had a massive job on their hands when they visited Wymondham in the first leg as both singles players produced comfortable wins. Chris Mann beat Majorie Hall 14-2 while Jack Pye won 14-7 against John Jarvis. The fours continued in the same vein as Roger Steele, Billie Barker, John Jeffery and Jon Sparham beat Jenny Walker, Sylvia Turner, Kath Frost and Tony Turner 10-6 and Hayley Stratton, Melvyn Barker, Mark Linsdell and Debbie Sparham also produced a strong 9-2 win against Janet Pinchen, Mandy Marshall, Trevor Pinchen and George Clarke. The second session saw the Wymondham singles continue their strong form as Chris Mann beat John Jarvis 14-7 and Jack Pye won 14-2 over Majorie Hall. Debbie Sparham's four won their second match 9-6 over Tony Turner but George Clarke held his nerve to snatch a 6-5 win over Jon Sparham in the other fours match to give Marriott a glimmer of hope. But this hope was dashed in the first session at Marriott the next day as yet again Chris Mann and Jack Pye piled on the agony in the singles as wins of 13-6 over Majorie Hall and 9-7 against John Jarvis sealed their place in the final. The fours session was shared as Debbie Sparham's four beat George Clarke's block 7-5 but a win for Tony Turner's Marriott four against Jon Sparham by 10-5 gave them two points. The singles saw a perfect display from Wymondham as they won all eight match's over the two legs as Chris Mann won 13-5 against John Jarvis while Jack pye beat Majorie Hall 17-2. Tony Turner's four won their second match of the night beating Debbie Sparham 8-5 but Jon Sparham beat George Clarke 11-9 for a 34-6 aggregate win.
Hempnall's withdrawal from the competition does raise questions that there are too many fixtures to fit in at the end of a season where cup competitons and other league cup finals have to be fitted in. Next season's challenge cup could well see ties played over one leg with the final to be played at a neutral final.