Harden let their chances of a spectacular cup double slip from their grasp, when Bolton Villas snatched the Waddilove Cup.

A week earlier Harden's second string had secured the Thrippleton Cup, by beating Villas, and only a day before the cup final Harden's 1st XI had enjoyed a 267 run-rampage against Villas.

But on the big day things did not go their way.

Andy Stockdale (56) and Steve Wilson (47) gave Villas a solid start with an opening partnership of 87. Mick Birks joined Stockdale for a further stand of 60 and it looked as if the visitors were going to pile up a huge score.

Harden's bowlers finally got to grips with things and the run dried up. Wickets fell as Villas tried to force the pace and they ended the innings on 184-8.

It was a total well within Harden's reach and things were going well until Andy Moulds was brilliantly caught on 23. Andy Bailey went for 42 and skipper Anthony bairstow was caught on 27.

Even then their was no cause for panic and the Harden side was looking good with overs to spare as they reached 115-3.

But David Whitrick mesmerised the lower order batsmen, taking five wickets for just 15 runs after being brought back into the attack. Harden were all out with four overs left as the first part of their 'double dream' collapsed.

However, both the first and second teams are still in with a chance of their respective league titles, and there is also the Keighley Cup to go for.

In the league Harden had produced a super performance against Villas, racing to 267-7 with Bairstow top scoring on 59.

Villas soon realised they were going to be no where near the target and settled for a draw, leaving Harden to work their way through nine bowlers in a bid to tempt the visiting batsmen into errors.

Harden 2nds also followed up their Thrippleton victory with a league win, but this time it went right down to the wire.

Villas were dismissed for 93 with only a half century from Patchett, coming in well down the order, to give the score any respectability.

Harden started their reply in bright fashion, but the wickets started to tumble and they finally scraped home with nine wickets down.

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