All the pre-match hype for the Craven Cricket League's Cowling Cup Final at Bradley on Sunday suggested a close contest between Upper Wharfedale and Haworth. But what happened was far from expected as the sun finally shone in all its glory and the temperature soared, the Bronte side -- in their first final -- having the Dalesmen all out for 38 and going on to win by eight wickets.

Upper Wharfedale, without the services of Glen Harrison, lost the toss and were asked to bat first and hardly before the spectators had got settled Jason Waddington was on his way back to the hut, caught at mid-off by Anthony Godden for a duck. And his partner Casper Bean was not far behind, also caught at mid-off, this time by Craig Ogden, for eight.

Andrew Butt and John Carlisle tried to settle things down, but with the score on 25 the former perished for six and three runs later Carlisle was bowled for 10. One run later skipper Dave Daggett went for nought and on the same score Richard Foster was caught behind also for nought.

With the innings in disarray Dave Crabtree ran himself out going for a needless second against the arm of Damian Rowell and the innings quickly folded in the 29th over, Damian Rowell taking 6-12 in 14.4 overs, nine of them maidens. And he was well backed up by Richard Garside, who finished with 3-21 in 14 overs with seven maidens.

It would have taken a miracle to deny the Bronte side the cup for the first time, and they sensibly took their time although they had one or two anxious moments early on and a catch went begging in the gully. Skipper Derek Bright and Frank Rowell took the score to 34 when the latter was out for 10. Karl Brown cracked a lovely four to tie the scores and was then caught going for glory and it was left to Damian Rowell to stroke a four for victory with 42-2.

The trophies were presented to the players, scorers and umpires by league vice-chairman Brian Hollis on behalf of the sponsors, The Copy Shop. The umpires had few problems in deciding that the Willis Walker Trophy for the man of the match should go to Damian Rowell.

The sides were: Haworth -- Derek Bright, Frank Rowell, Karl Brown, Damian Rowell, Gary Bancroft, Anthony Godden, Chris Smith, Craig Ogden, Richard Garside, David Walsh, Tom Barritt.

Upper Wharfedale -- Jason Waddington, Casper Bean, Andrew Butt, John Carlisle, Dave Daggett, Dave Crabtree, Richard Foster, Richard Appleton, Stuart Whyte, Malcolm Watson, Tom Slater.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.