Justin Ferguson

GULSHERAZ AHMED ended the season with a sparkling 82 to give Keighley that champagne feeling.

The club which almost went to the wall only two seasons ago has bounced back with style, and if they can keep the team together next season will have a real chance of winning promotion.

They have relied on young players pulling the team through and now they have almost come of age.

Aussie Justin Ferguson has had a good season, with Dale and Ross Towler leading the bowling attack.

They missed out on crucial wins when they were hampered by the weather, or would have been among the clubs fighting it out for promotion this time.

The final flourish came with a 144-run victory over Great Horton.

Keighley 2nds ended the season with another comfortable victory over Great Horton which cemented the third place in the table.

Great Horton batted first on a difficult wicket which allowed Keighley to rest the main bowlers. Benson and Coppen each got two wickets in their five over spells that reduced Great Horton to 19 for 4. The poor batting continued as the pick of the bowlers Peter Smith took 3 for 13 which crippled the visitors. A Smith and Jaques took a wicket each and two sharp stumpings from Millward helped to dismiss the ten men of Great Horton for 59.

The low target posed few problems for Keighley as Smith, Towler and 27 not out from Craig Ratcliffe eased Keighley to a win with only 40 overs of play.

Keighley can be greatly encouraged by this years performances by several players. Benson, Birkett and Kamal were the top run scorers and Ali and Birkett took over 40 wickets each. Keighley did well to finish third but will look to pursue the league title next year.