| At last the League title has come back to Guiseley for the first time since 1994 and rather than just winning the Cup, the 2nd XI has a different trophy in the cabinet having flattered to deceive in the League for many years. All was set up for a dramatic last game as the only two title contenders Bilton and Guiseley met at Nethermoor in the decider with Guiseley entering the game 3 points clear and needing only a 2 point draw to bring home the title. |
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| Losing the toss for the 11th time on the trot Guiseley were asked to bat giving Bilton their best chance of ensuring the victory they needed but some outstanding batting from Graeme Wolfenden (49) and David Ross (50) with a second wicket partnership of 76 put Guiseley in a strong position. Knocks of 29 and 27 at a run a ball from Chris Cooper and Ian Colquhoun respectively capitalised on a good start and a magnificent 33 from 18 balls by Adam Perring put the cream on the cake as the innings closed at 212 for 6. |
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| However in the first half of the season Bilton scored 216 and the Guiseley bowlers knew they had to be on their mettle to restrict teh dangerous batting line-up but the supporters had no need to worry as the openers struggled against Adrian Threapleton and Marcus Brown to score at 3 an over for the first 15 overs and the first ball dismissal of leading run scorer Chris Dawson LBW to Brown put them in the driving seat. |
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| Michael Pye batted well at No4 for 34 but had little support and 3 run outs created the collapse that led to their eventual dismissal for 130. There were joyous scenes as Marcus Brown and Adam Perring combined to run out last man Chris Morley and Nick Fraser led the Guiseley players from the field. The Bilton players were magnificent in defeat and the two teams who have become good friends in some close battles over the last 2 years enjoyed a beer togther afterwards. |
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| The Guiseley players were still found to be there in the small hours celebrating at their annual fancy dress end of season party but the sore heads the next morning were fully merited !!!!!!! |
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| Report by: Sean Yeates |
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