SKIPTON CI II kept their nerve to win the first silverware of the Timothy Taylor’s Craven League season.

They defeated Menston IV by two wickets with two balls to spare in the final at Cononley Sports Club.

Menston, who are fourth in Division Three, won the toss and batted, but were soon put under pressure by CI II, who are second in Division Four, and particularly by Sefal Allam, who dismissed the top four on his way to 4-27 off his allotted eight overs.

However, Menston, who were 25-4, did not lose another wicket until the score was 93 as 13-year-old Sam Dowsland (31) joined Chris Boyes (29) and they added 68, with both hitting three fours.

Both were dismissed in quick succession, however, as 93-4 became 122 all out in 36.3 overs.

Although keeper Naveed Hussain did not last long after tea, and Edwin Sebastian was also run out, Hussain’s opening partner Jonathan Sharpe hung around to score 38 as wickets fell regularly at the other end.

Sharpe was finally out to make it 79-5, and it soon became 107-8, with Menston then slight favourites, but Danyal Iqbal (29no off 31 balls including four fours) helped CI over the line in tandem with Allam (5no), with four runs being scored off the first three balls of the final over.

Dowsland was named man of the match for his runs and 2-17 off five overs.

It was CI II’s first silverware since they won Division Four in 2021.

Next Sunday it is the Wynn Cup final between Gargrave and Bowling Baptists at Thornton-in-Craven CC (1pm), with Gargrave bidding to defend the title they won last season.