KEIGHLEY scored a nail-biting victory over Harden in a thrilling final of the Keighley Cup at Lawkholme Lane on Sunday.

In the first semi-final, Harden bowled Crossflatts out for 91 despite Nathan Bradbury scoring 33. Robin Hopwood took 4-3 for Harden.

In reply, Harden made 92– 4 with the evergreen James Roper scoring 50 not out.

In the second semi-final, Ingrow St John's posted an excellent 155, but a young Keighley team were too strong and reached their score with an over to spare, with the loss of four wickets. Humayun Shahzad made an explosive 63t.

With a good crowd enjoying the warm weather, the scene was set for a Keighley v Harden final. Keighley captain Richard Wear won the toss and asked Harden to bat.

This proved a good decision with Harden soon struggling at 26-3. However, Isaac Murray (22) and Matty Topham (25) put on 48 before Topham was out with the scoreboard on 74-4. Quick wickets followed but Harden rallied well, posting a respectable 116-9. Alex Towler took 3 wickets for 12 runs for Keighley.

The Keighley innings got off to a flying start, the first wicket falling on 44 with the dismissal of Shahzad (23). Jonny Wilkinson (28) and Max Davison (6) followed and Keighley found themselves at 64-3 and nerves started to show with Davidson and Jack Beetham both run out in moments of panic caused by tight bowling and increased pressure by the fielders.

The Wear brothers, Richard (28no) and Andrew, steadied the innings before Andrew was dismissed for 8. As the final over started Keighley needed just 4 runs to win and they reached their target with 3 balls to spare in what proved to be a close, hard fought contest.

The winner of the inaugural Derek Grainger Man of the match in the final award, kindly donated by Len Falkingham, was Richard Wear for his 28no and 2-27 .