First defeat costs Steeton the Division Two title (From Craven Herald)

First defeat costs Steeton the Division Two title

12:41pm Thursday 15th September 2011 in Cricket

Steeton’s first defeat of the season cost them the Division Two championship.

As they were going down by 65 runs at Pool, Ben Rhydding were defeating North Leeds by 88 runs to snatch the title by four points.

It was a disappointing end to what has been a memorable season for the club.

Jon Best took his haul of wickets to 63 as he took 6-61 in the Pool innings of 217-9.

In reply Steeton were soon reeling at 21-2 before Australian opener Shane McNamara (48) and Mark Taylor (38). steadied the ship.

Left-hander Andrew Luxton chipped in with 30 runs from 31 balls but the tail collapsed as Steeton were all out for 152.

It was a disappointing defeat for Steeton but at least they have the consolation of a place in Division One next season.

Upper Wharfedale ended their season with a 13-run success over Olicanian.

Steve Pearson took 5-45 as they dismissed Olicanian for 161 in reply to their 174 which included 57 from Andy Foulds.

Skipton finished ninth in Division Three after securing a surprisingly convincing nine-wicket win over champions Bardsey.

They dismissed them for just 57 with Ben Holderness taking 3-20, Gary Owens (3-15), and Sam Baldwin (2-14).

Skipton took 18.5 overs to reach their victory target for the loss of just one wicket, that of opener Stephen Carling.

Australian Kieran Williams finished his season with an unbeaten 23.

Silsden finished two places and four points ahead of Skipton after a two-wicket win over Hall Park.

Opener Lee Bilbrough made 51 as they chased down a Hall Park total of 179 to finish on a high note.