MENSTON IV, bidding to win the first piece of silverware in the Timothy Taylor’s Craven League season, lost a tense John Clayton Cup final to Skipton CI II by two wickets with two balls to spare 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 needlessly run out, Hussain’s opening partner Jonathan Sharpe hung around to score 38 as wickets fell regularly at the other end.

He 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.

The day before Menston IV had won a competitive match by two wickets at home to Bingley Congs III, who made 154 after winning the toss.

Ben Richardson took 3-40, Ollie Holder 2-7 and Qasim Hassan 2-16.

Opener Paul Smith then batted throughout the home team’s reply, scoring 72 not out off 117 deliveries, including seven fours, and adding 68 for the third wicket with under-17 Will Lowans (35).

Captain David Holder (19) then put on 44 with Smith for the seventh wicket after they suffered a mini collapse from 98-3 to 101-6 before winning in the 43rd over to stay fourth.

In Division Four, Menston V remain ninth after being defeated at Ingrow II, who made 240-7 after winning the toss, with under-14 Nat Texel taking 4-30.

Under-15 opener Isaac Rashid then nailed his colours to the mast with 39, adding 43 for the second wicket with Haroon Rashid (19), under-13 Henry Dodgson (27) then putting on 46 for the fifth wicket with skipper Keith Texel (37).

They finished on 166-7, with all seven Ingrow bowlers taking a wicket.