Ben Rhydding are the new Division Two champions after a dramatic final day which saw Steeton lose for the first time this season at Pool and blow their title chance.

Steeton and Ben Rhydding had known for a couple of weeks that they will be playing in Division One next season but there was still the matter of the title to be decided.

Steeton had led the table since May 14 but, having dropped points in the last two weeks, went into their final match at Pool leading their rivals by just two points.

John Best removed Pool’s top three quickly during a spell of 6-61 but then Callum Braddock 73 and the experienced John Goldthorp (56) guided Pool to 217-9.

Shane McNamara led the reply but was trapped lbw on 48, just 21 runs short of 1,000 for the season, and after that only Mark Taylor (38) and Andy Luxton (30) got into double figures as Steeton were dismissed for 152.

Ben Rhydding, only promoted from Division Three last season, seized their chance. Redmond Bolton (76) top-scored in their 189-8 before skipper Nick Smith (4-10) helped dismiss North Leeds for just 101 to clinch a seventh straight win and the title.

Smith admitted afterwards: “It’s fantastic for the club and it all came as a bit of a surprise, “We hoped that Steeton would slip up and when they did I am delighted that we could take advantage.

“It is incredible that we were in Division Three only last season and now we will be in Division One next season.

“We have a young side and it will be a big challenge for them.”

Reflecting on the title race he said: “Steeton will be disappointed. They have been the outstanding team in the division and led the table for such a long time.

“We just kept plugging away and our run of wins at the end of the season was perfectly timed/ “There is a wonderful spirit in the team and the winning culture we have managed to instill over the past two season has been vital.

“The club has had many lean years but this is just fantastic. We’ve never been in the top flight before.”

There was also promotion joy for their neighbours Ilkley. After missing out in the previous two seasons they finally climbed out of Division Three with a six-wicket win over Alwoodley Alex Bailey (48) and Andrew Wheeler (4-55) starred for Ilkley whose promotion was confirmed when Woodhouse beat second-placed Colton.