TRIUMPHANT Ben Rhydding Cricket Club raced to the next stage of their successful switch to the Nidderdale League on Saturday, with both sides securing 20-point wins to achieve a matching pair of titles in the same season for the first time in the club’s 103-year history.

The Countances Way club earned a mammoth 723 points between their first and second team, the premiers overcoming a 20-point disciplinary penalty to take the title from Walton Park CC with a dominant 142-run win over Kirk Deighton.

Oliver Musgrave anchored a 286-2 first innings to score an unbeaten 99, while there were half-centuries for Forrest Hamilton (58), Sam Tattersall (66) and a quickfire 51 not out from Lewis Bolton.

The visitors were bowled out for just 144 thanks in the main to 40-wicket man Rob Withers (3-27) and the capping of a stellar all-round performance from Hamilton (5-24). Their promotion takes them to the top division from 2025.

Having travelled to Knaresborough Forest with points tally level with fellow title chasers Crakehall, the second XI took their final wicket through Sion Blears with just 11 balls to spare to guarantee the trophy and spark wild celebrations. Another dominant batting outing saw them post 302-5, with Matt Vowles (80) setting things up nicely before Charlie Hatton produced his debut century with 115. Forest were dismissed for 101.

It is the second title in the reign of first team skipper Sam Tattersall after Ben Rhydding secured the Division Three championship after their switch from the Aire Wharfe League in 2021. He said: “This is a season that will live long in the memory of everybody connected with the Club. For both teams to win their final eight games in a row, and confirm the titles on the final day, is a truly remarkable achievement.

“From the first team’s perspective, I think it’s been made even more special without having a single ‘stand out’ player. Everybody who has played this year can point to at least one game in which they have provided a match winning contribution. It’s been a fantastic team effort from everybody involved at the Club and we look forward to pushing on.”

Celebrating the second team’s success and promotion from Division Seven, outgoing captain Mikey Hillas said: “I’m immensely proud of every single player who’s pulled on the whites this summer. It’s been deeply satisfying to see the sheer joy with everyone connected with the club in what has been arguably our most successful season in our history. To be captain of the 2XI side has been an honour and I hope this is the beginning of something even bigger. This club is special, the people are special. Long live the Rhydding”

The achievements of the weekend were made even more special given they were able to offer the dream sign-off on the 24-year presidential reign of indomitable club legend Frank Taylor, who will step into a new role within the committee ahead of next season. The club are looking forward to their next on-field challenges and will be looking to continue their development of its facilities and infrastructure over the winter months.