Oakworth were crowned kings of the local cricket scene after a thrilling final to the Keighley Cup 2000 at Lawkholme Lane on Sunday.

A total of sixteen clubs - all from the Keighley area -- started out in the competition with the opening draw being made way back in March, but after a series of tight matches it came down to last weekend's head-to-head between Oakworth, from the Craven League, and rivals Steeton from the Aire-Wharfe League.

The competition was resurrected for the Millennium Year thanks to the enthusiasm of the area's cricket clubs and sponsorship from the Keighley News.

"It has been great to see so many clubs taken part and we have been delighted to play our part in helping to revitalise the local cricket scene," said Keighley News Editor, Malcolm Hoddy.

Even before wickets were pitched on Sunday the final had been given added spice with teams from different leagues fighting it out to be named 'top dog'.

Oakworth had finished third in the Craven League after being in the battle for top spot throughout the season. They had also come close to taking their league's premier cup competition, missing out to local rivals Haworth, in a keenly contested final.

Steeton had also enjoyed a superb season as they attempted to hold on to the Aire-Wharfe league title which they won in 1999.

It had been close throughout the summer and on the last day they drew level on points with winners Guiseley, but were pipped for the title on the number of games won.

Hundreds of spectators flocked to Keighley Cricket Club's Lawkholme Lane ground anticipating a closely fought game - and they were not disappointed.

Oakworth batted first and after losing two wickets with the score on 14 they dug in with Kevin Hird (18) and Michael Scarborough taking the total on to 65 before Hird was run out. Scarborough went on to rattle up a personal total of 82 in an entertaining innings which included five fours and four sixes.

Robert Hopkinson added to the total with a knock of 43 as they set Steeton a target of 203-7.

Opener Alex Howarth scored an impressive half century with No3 batsman David Robinson (54) sharing an 86-run second wicket partnership. At that stage the match looked to be swinging in the South Craven side's favour and Robert Wynn was going strong on 34 when a slick stumping by Tim Walsh, off Hopkinson's bowling, gave Oakworth hope.

Gary Boulton also posed a threat, but a brilliant catch on the boundary by Kevin Hird, again off the bowling of Robinson, provided the turning point.

Steeton kept up the chase, but fell 22 runs short.

Oakworth's Michael Scarborough was named Man of the Match for his match-winning innings of 82 which he followed up with an impressive nine-over bowling spell which included four maiden overs, cost 10 runs and brought him three wickets.

"It was a superb final played in a brilliant spirit by both teams," said Trevor Coe of the Craven League, who was one of the umpires.

Jack Emsley of Keighley Cricket Club added: "It was a superb finale to the season. The cricket was first class and the number of spectators was just like in the days when the competition was at its height."

Now organisers plan to restore the competition as an annual highlight to the cricket season.