SKIPPER Craig Walton played the lead role as Steeton IIs defeated Guiseley to lift the Birtwhistle Cup for the first time on Sunday.

He took 2-29 in an economical nine-over spell of bowling as Guiseley made 198-9, and followed up with an unbeaten 65 as his side cruised to a seven-wicket win with 7.2 overs to spare at Horsforth Hall Park.

Walton was well supported by Oliver Gledhill (66no) as Guiseley, winners in four of the previous six years, were defeated.

The key to Steeton’s success was their stead bowling. David Wynn (2-20) Paul Hardwick (2-26) and Gary Boulton (2-49) ensured that the Guiseley batsmen were never able to dominate.

Joe Reed (45) posed the biggest threat to Steeton. Six of his colleagues scored double figures but none of them was able to make a telling contribution.

The cup triumph at least took the focus away from another woeful batting performance from Steeton’s first team as hey suffered a 58-run Division One defeat against North Leeds.

Things looked promising for Steeton when three of their bowlers took two wickets in an over. The pick of the attack was James Emmott who finished with 5-39, as North Leeds were dismissed for 150.

It looked a modest total but once Andrew Foulds (23) was dismissed at 52-3, the Steeton side slumped to 92 all out.

Harden skipper Paul Quinlan scored 49 and took three wickets but was unable to prevent a six-wicket defeat at Knaresborough in Division Two.

Silsden now know they will have to apply for re-election after a nine-wicket defeat against Bolton Villas. The Cobbydalers were bowled out for just 53 as Sam Lawrence (5-19) and Lewis Brown (3-29) got to work.