BRADFORD side Bowling Baptists failed to pull off a seismic shock in Sunday’s Wynn Cup final, as Gargrave deservedly retained their title with a seven-wicket success at Thornton-in-Craven.

Baptists are leading the way in Division Two of the Timothy Taylor’s Craven League, but Gargrave look set to win the Division One title.

This cup final win could be part of a famous double for Garvgrave, whose captain Will Smith won the toss on Sunday and had no hesitation in asking the Bradford side to bat, with that move paying off.

He revealed after the game: “We have mostly bowled this year after winning the toss as that is our strength, and that was always the plan here.”

Gargrave took wickets at regular intervals, with the only stand of note being 36 for the sixth wicket between Omair Ishtiaq (22) and Salba Rahman (20) as Baptists were dismissed for 108 in the 39th over.

All six of Smith’s bowlers returning decent figures, and he noted: “It was important to take early wickets as they have a strong batting line-up up top, and George Gregson bowled really well.”

He took 3-29 off his eight overs, while Smith bagged 2-22 and Bradley Gardner 2-9.

Joe Wood and George Beckwith chipped in with a wicket apiece, while Matty Simpson went wicketless but only conceded six runs from his eight overs.

Smith was confident at the tea interval, and although Lee Barrett got a duck, Gardner (19) and Simpson (31) put on 45 for the second wicket.

Gargrave were eventually seen home in the 21st over by an unbroken partnership of 56 between keeper Shaun Airey (36 not out) and John Beckwith (22no).

All of the Baptists bowlers suffered, with the notable exception of Shazaid Yousaf, who claimed fine figures of 2-14 from his eight overs in a losing cause.