Baxenden end Barlick's double dream (From Craven Herald)

Baxenden end Barnoldswick's double dream

11:08pm Wednesday 12th September 2012 in Sport

Barnoldswick ’s hopes of a Houldsworth Solicitors Ribblesdale League championship and cup double were shattered at Oswaldtwistle on Sunday.

The newly-crowned champions were beaten by the 2011 title winners Baxendale in a thrilling Ramsbottom Cup final.

The man who did most to scupper their hopes was Baxenden skipper Andy Caunce, who was voted man of the match after his side’s 19-run triumph.

Caunce, who was playing his last game before retiring said: “It's a great way to go out.

” “I’ve been quite fortunate in my career” agreed Caunce who made a vital 43 in Baxenden's innings of 265 all out.

“And I certainly don’t have regrets about my career.

”Baxenden, who last lifted the Ramsbottom Cup in 2010, were also indebted to professional Kamran Younas for posting a sizeable target.

Younas finished with 100 as Barnoldswick, bidding for a first ‘'Rammy Cup’ win since 1985, tried to stay in the game.

And they were certainly in touching distance of victory when they reached 229-4 in their reply.

However, Abdul Saddique (81) and skipper Matt Nutter (48) were removed in successive ball from Younas and Kurt Smithson to trigger a collapse.

“I was always confident even when they needed 40 of the last 10 overs,” said Caunce.

He added: “You can’t take it away from Barnoldswick.

To go through a season losing only one league game is a fantastic achievement.

“They played their part in a fantastic final between two very good teams.

Thankfully, for us, we came out on the right side of the result.

”Younas finished with 5-32 while Smithson chipped in with 3-49 as Baxenden, who finished 51 points behind Barnoldswick in the league, lifted the trophy for a third time in four years.

Overseas professional Imran Khalid had inspired Barlick to victory in their final league game 24 hours earlier.

He made 73 and took 6-11 in a 122-run win over Cherry Tree.

Earby ’s miserable season ended with them losing by 134 runs against Read.