Steeton celebrate stunning season in Aire-Wharfe League cups

Claiming the Waddilove Cup with victory against reigning champions Rawdon on August 7, the club’s second team then brought the Birtwhistle Cup back to Summerhill Lane the following weekend to clinch the first cup double in their history.

“It’s been an absolutely cracking year,” admits club representative John Akrigg.

“To win both the Waddilove and Birtwhistle Cups in the same season is very unusual, and I think it’s the first time that it’s happened since the club was formed.

“Both the first and second teams have massively exceeded our expectations in the competitions, especially having beaten higher opposition on their way to the finals.

“To win the Waddilove Cup as a Second Division team against the reigning champions is definitely something.”

Steeton batsman and club representative John Akrigg hopes the cup double will keep the fans coming back in 2023. Picture: Bob Smith. (Image: Bob Smith)

Facing much-fancied opponents in Division One champions Rawdon, to bring back the Waddilove Cup was a massive achievement for the club.

Despite crucially winning the toss and electing to bat, when competition top-scorer Mat Nutter edged through to James Dobson just two balls into the match, it looked like being even more of an uphill battle for Steeton, firm underdogs heading into the tie.

But half-centuries from overseas Jack Ramage, skipper Stevie Pearson and James Robinson saw the Summerhill Laners to a competitive 253-6, a total that they defended by just 16 runs after some strong performances in the field.

Their second string were involved in an even closer encounter against Collingham & Linton Seconds, securing the Birtwhistle Cup with just three balls remaining thanks to some sensational bowling at the death.

“I think it tells you something about how close the Birtwhistle Cup final was when nobody in the crowd moved an inch, even after six hours of cricket,” Akrigg adds.

“It went right down to the final over, and the match could have gone either way.

“But everybody played their part and it was fantastic to bring the trophy back to Summerhill Lane.”

The club has also enjoyed a prolific season in the league, with their second and third teams having all but secured promotion to Division Four and the Third XI Division One respectively with just one match of the current season remaining.

And that has reflected in the crowds that the club attracts, which have been steadily increasing during the course of the campaign.

A large crowd travelled to support the team at the Waddilove final at Olicanian, with the club’s fans and first-team players then returning the favour the following weekend.

“It’s amazing how many people come down to watch when you keep on winning,” Akrigg says.

“We’ve exceeded expectations this season, but now it’s down to us to keep it up and bring them all back to the club next year.”

Akrigg admits that the club’s new signings have played a leading role in their success this term, with wicketkeeper-batsman Ramage having proved to be as prolific with the bat as he is behind the stumps.

In just his first season in the Aire-Wharfe League, the young Australian has notched a staggering 1,333 runs across matches in the league and cup thus far, with a top score of 139 at Harden in May.

“Jack is a top-quality keeper as well as an opening batsman,” Akrigg adds.

“He’s a family friend of Stevie’s, and so when he was looking to play cricket, he introduced him to Steeton. He’s a nice guy and has fitted in well here.

“His father made a name for himself in the league during the 1980s, and so it’s good to see Jack following in his footsteps with over 1,000 runs this season.

“Hopefully, we’ll be able to secure his services for another few years.”

Former Keighley duo Louis Horsfield and Paul Quinlan have also made an impact, imparting their Bradford Premier League knowhow after joining mid-way through the campaign.

It has been a truly remarkable season for Steeton, and they will no doubt be sad it comes to an end this weekend.