All the pre-match hype suggested a close contest between U Wharfedale and Haworth at Bradley. What transpired was far from expected as the sun finally shone, the temperature soared -- and Haworth clinched a red-hot victory.

Wharfedale, without the services of Glen Harrison, lost the toss and were asked to bat first.

Hardly before spectators had got settled Jason Waddington was on his way back to the hut, caught at mid-off by Anthony Godden for a duck. His partner wasn't far behind, also caught at mid-off, this time by Craig Ogden, for eight.

Andrew Butt and John Carlisle tried to settle things down. However, with the score on 25 Butt perished for six and three runs later Carlisle was bowled for 10.

Just one run later skipper Dave Daggett went for 0. On the same side Foster was caught behind, also for 0.

With the innings in disarray Dave Crabtree ran himself out going for a needless second against the arm of Damian Rowell. The innings quickly folded on 38 in the 29th over, Rowell taking 6-12 in 14.4 overs, nine of which were maidens. He was well backed up by Richard Garside who finished with 3-21 in 14 overs with seven maidens.

It would have taken take a miracle to deny the Bronte side their first triumph in the competition. They seinsibly took their time although they had one or two anxious moments early on and a catch went begging in the gulley.

Skipper Derek Bright and Frank Rowell took the score to 34 when Rowell was out for 10. Karl Brown cracked a lovely four to tie the scores and was then caught going for glory. It was left to Damien Rowell to stroke a four to take the cup.

The trophies were presented to the players, scorers and umpires by Brian Hollis, vice-chairman of the League on behalf of the sponsors, The Copy Shop.

The umpires had few problems deciding that the Willis Walker Trophy, for the man of the match, went to Damien Rowell.

U Wharfedale 38

Haworth 42-2

U Wharfedale: J Waddington c Godden b D Rowell 0, C Bean c Ogden b Garside 8, A Butt c & b Garside 6, J Carlisle b D Rowell 10, D Daggett b D Rowell 0, D Crabtree run out 1, R Foster c Barritt b D Rowell 0, R Appleton b D Rowell 6,S Whyte b Garside 0, M Watson not out 1, T Slater c Barritt b D Rowell 0, Extras 6. Total 38.

Bowling: D Rowell 14.4-9-12-6, R GArside 14-7-21-3.

Haworth: D Bright not out 23, F Rowell c Appleton b Watson 10, K Brown c Carlisle b White 4, D Rowell not out 4, extras 1. Total 42-2

Bowling: M Watson 8-5-5-1, D Daggett 6-1-18-0, S White 2-0-10-1.

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