Swallow masterminds Ben Rhydding's great escape (From Wharfedale Observer)

Swallow masterminds Ben Rhydding's great escape

9:01am Monday 17th September 2012 in Sport

Charlie Swallow produced an inspiring display that snatched an unlikely Aire-Wharfe League victory for Ben Rhydding, securing their place in Division One at the expense of Thackley, who are relegated just a year after being crowned champions.

Thackley needed a winning draw against Otley to be sure of survival but they crumbled against some fine bowling from Ricky Halloran, only managing to reach 71 thanks to Shane Marshall’s ninth and tenth wicket stands with Nasser Jamal and Andy Stothart which put on 35 runs. Josh Atkinson (45) led Otley’s successful reply.

With Kirkstall Educational batting first at Ben Rhydding, nothing less than victory would see the home side survive the drop.

The task became harder when Kirkstall set a target of 202-6. It looked impossible when Ben Rhydding collapsed to 38-5, then 43-6 and 70-7.

But as they showed in the Waddilove Cup final, Ben Rhydding are fighters and their hopes rested on the shoulders of No3 batsman, Swallow, who was still at the crease.

He put on 87 with Laurie O’Connor (37) and then saw the job out with Alex Miller (28no) finishing with his own season-best score of 78no.

At the other end of the table Collingham squeaked a victory over Steeton to add the title to their Waddilove Cup win.