JUBILANT Chris Smith snapped up the catch which won the Wynn Cup trophy for the first time in the history of Haworth Cricket Club -- by one run.

The classic cup battle between local rivals Haworth and Oakworth was destined to be a close encounter, but the odds were stacked against the Bronte side.

Even before the start they had suffered two setbacks, losing Jamie Rowell and Duncan Marsden to illness and injury. No one would have dared to predict the thrilling finish which made history for the Haworth club.

Oakworth, who are riding high in the league, started odds-on pre-match favourites and after winning the toss they asked Haworth to bat first. Damian Rowell, who many considered the lynchpin of the Bronte side's hopes was out in the seventh over after scoring just three runs.

Colin Williamson and Adrian Ratcliffe dug in and took the score to 80 when Ratcliffe perished for a battling 34. Williamson followed 17 runs later after scoring 40.

With the overs dwindling fast a quick-fire 26 from Richard Godden helped the score to 138, but two wickets fell within the space of two runs.

Skipper Richard Powell was joined by Karl Brown and in a frantic spell of quick singles managed to scurry to score 161-6 when they ran out of overs. Powell scored 27 not out and Brown 14 not out asd Jeff Inman finished the most successful bowler with three for 37 off 12 overs.

The score looked to be a good 20 runs short of a total they would need to really test Oakworth, but the fighting spirit have given their bowlers a chance.

The reply got off to a steady start. Lee Hollingsworth, who aggravated a back injury while fielding, batted steadily to score 24, but his fellow opener, Nathan Barrett perished for two and Robert Fairburn was dismissed for seven. When Williamson brilliantly stumped danger-man Robert Fairbairn for 10, the game was thrown back into the melting pot.

Michael Scarborough joined Adam Fradley and the two looked to be cruising to a comfortable victory. Fradley, after looking comfortable, mistimed a lofted drive and was caught for 11. Scarborough continued to play his shots but must have been alarmed to see wickets falling at the other end.

He was brilliantly caught at long off on 62, to leave the score at 150-9 and set up the nail-biting finish.

Jeff Inman joined Kevin Hird, who hit two fours, one a searing straight drive which rocketed to the boundary. Together they took the score to 159 - needing just three runs to win - with six balls to go.

A leg bye off the first ball from Rowell edged them closer and put Hird on strike. Two dot-balls followed and Hird flicked the fourth delivery off his hip to short square leg where Smith was waiting to snap up the catch.

Damian Rowell had bowled superbly throughout the afternoon to finish with six for 61 off 22.4 overs and was well backed up by Derek Bright who took 4 for 57.

League President Peter Shuttleworth presented the trophies on behalf of sponsors Dacre, Son and Hartley. Umpires Malcom Watson and Roy Balmforth chose Colin Williamson as Man of the innings of 40 which laid the foundation for his side's total, followed by an excellent spell of wicket-keeping.

n The Craven League takes on the Bradford Central League on Sunday in their annual charity match to raise money for Manorlands.

This year's match takes place at Denholme with players from the second division of the leagues doing battle.

The Craven team is: Lee Bilbrough (HWE), David Wear (Denholme), Chris Booker-Carey (Foulridge), Matthew Cox (Airedale, Tod Taylor (Denholme), Colin Bottomley (ISJ), Richard Shovelton (Chatburn), Mohammed Nawaz (Foulrdige), jason Bilbrough (HWE), Martin Lazenby (Gargrave), Tom Stephenson (Foulridge). Rsaerves: Andy Parker (HWE), Adam Bailey (HWE), Andrew Filkin (Glusburn).

The game starts at 1.30pm and admission is £1 with all proceeds going to hospice funds.