1.   But the most thrilling final of all saw an American defeat.

2.   Nottingham Boat Club won another thrilling final when they beat the holders Neptune of Ireland in the Thames Cup, the third-ranking eight-oared event.

3.   St. Helens downed Bradford in a thrilling Challenge Cup final.

4.   The hope is for a long overdue thrilling final and that really depends on how well the Brazilians can play.

5.   The South Africans defeated two-time defending champions England by three wickets in a thrilling final, with Jonty Rhodes and Adrian Kuiper producing a flurry of big sixes.