Theakston Nidderdale League: Ouseburn crowned champions

Ouseburn were crowned Theakston Nidderdale League champions for the second year in succession after beating local rivals West Tanfield on the final day of the 2017 season.
Ouseburn celebrate their title success. Picture: Caught Light PhotographyOuseburn celebrate their title success. Picture: Caught Light Photography
Ouseburn celebrate their title success. Picture: Caught Light Photography

Adam Fisher’s men went into Saturday’s derby knowing that they simply had to better the result of second-placed Masham to secure top spot, with their closest challengers beginning the weekend three points behind them.

And with so much at stake, Ouseburn were in no mood to leave anything to chance, sending Tanfield packing with just 118 on the board.

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Chris Morrison helped himself to 4-29 as only a defiant knock of 65 not out from Sam Abel saw the hosts post any kind of total.

A fine half-century from all-rounder Morrison (60), then saw the visitors to 119/2 and an eight-wicket success inside 26 overs.

Masham’s game at Birstwith was abandoned with the away side looking well-placed at 59/2 chasing their hosts’ 139 all out. Ouseburn’s victory did however render the outcome of the game meaningless anyway, as far as the title race was concerned.

At the other end of the table, Alne finished the season in the second relegation position, despite beating rock-bottom Spofforth.

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The men from the Magic Circle bowled their hosts out for 150, James Roberts hitting 65 as Owen Vaughan and Toby Stirke both took 4-17.

Tom Jackson (67) and Vaughan (48) then saw Alne over the line at 154/2, but their win was not enough to save them from falling through the trap door due to Knaresborough Forest getting the better of Burton Leonard.

Australian ace Aaron Brunner once again led the way for Forest, plundering 91 not out as his side chased down a victory target of 140 to finish the campaign two points above the drop zone.

Elsewhere, Jarrod McPhee’s half-century helped Goldsborough consolidate sixth place courtesy of a comfortable triumph over Hampsthwaite.

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The visitors were restricted to 126/9 as Kev Wilks claimed 4-32 before McPhee’s innings of 61 not out wrapped up the points.

Five wickets for Matt Cavanagh guided Helperby to a seven-wicket success at Darley, the home team having been dismissed for just 99 batting first.

In Division Two, Wath & Melmerby clinched the championship, bowling out Burnt Yates for 89 then racing to a seven-wicket win in 15.2 overs.

Dacre Banks are promoted as runners-up, while Ripley and Newby Hall go down.

Harrogate Strays and Killinghall will take their places in 2018 having secured promotion from the third division.