Cricket: Skipper Ryan stars as Knaresborough CC clinch Addison Cup in bicentenary year

The all-rounder struck 45 and snaffled two crucial wickets in Beckwithshaw’s chase to provide the first trophy of Knaresborough’s bi-centenary year in front of a large crowd at Aspin Lane.

Beckwithshaw had comfortably beaten ‘Boro in the cup final two years ago, but came up short this time around despite Harry Lister’s late flurry of runs.

Knaresborough chose to bat first and, despite the early dismissal of James Ford, got off to a strong start with England U17s player Eddie Barnes (35) and overseas star Eben Martin (17) sharing a 50 stand.

When those two departed to Stuart Hudson and Scott Thompson, Beckwithshaw were on top of the game but Ryan timed the ball well in the middle overs.

Greg Pickles gloved behind with the score of 101-4 and Andy Ward soon followed suit with a poor shot, caught by Ollie Hodgkiss.

Quick running between the wickets and some power-hitting by Joe Preece (20) took Knaresborough up to a competitive, but not unbeatable, 150-6.

Beckwithshaw were in need of a strong start but Hudson nicked Ryan behind on 12.

Two wickets in one Ward over put Knaresborough firmly in control, and the all-rounder then produced a sublime direct hit to oust Ben Quick and leave the chase on 52-4.

More woeful running followed for ‘Shaw before Lister and Tom Lilley built up a partnership to bring the crowd onto the edge of their seats.

Lister smacked two sixes off one Jordan Tear over, while an expensive over from Martin left ‘Shaw requiring 55 from the last five.

Man of the match Ryan returned to the attack and snared Lister (40) into a false shot in the 19th over, with the catch taken by Ward.

The wicket brought an end to Shaw’s realistic chances of victory and Tear held his nerve in the final over – with 24 needed – to leave ‘Shaw short.