The curtain came down on the Bradford Central League season in dramatic fashion yesterday, reigning First Division champions Girlington snatching the title from under the noses of Saturday-morning leaders Apper-ley Bridge.

Bridge, needing only to avoid defeat at Allerton to clinch a cup and league double, were foiled at the last hurdle when they suffered a shattering four- wicket defeat at the hands of their defeated Waddilove Trophy rivals.

Girlington (321-8) were in typical swashbuckling style at Great Horton Church, where Majid Zia (73) and an unbeaten 49 from Mussawar Shah were to the fore.

In reply, the home side could muster just 95, ensuring that Girlington retained their crown following the shock defeat of main rivals Apperley Bridge.

Meanwhile, just up the road at Allerton champions elect Apperley Bridge slipped from 165 for six to be all out for 174 (Mohammed Khurshid 53).

The home side, led by Chris Brown, who hit an unbeaten 96, and aided by Dale Fawcett (27no), stormed home to avenge their cup-final defeat and deny their visitors the glory of a historic double.

In the final fixture, basement boys Salem Athletic (83, Safir Hussain 6-35) suffered yet another defeat, this time at the hands of visitors Norwood Green (84-3), who recorded a seven-wicket win.

Second Division champions Salem Athletic (202) ended the season on a high, with youngster Hisan Ahmed hitting 55 in a 95-run victory at Norwood Green, who replied with 107.

Allerton (62-5) had a five-wicket success at Applerley Bridge (60), where both Mohammed Tariq and Irfan Khan captured five wickets each in dismissing the home side.

Girlington (113-2) recorded an eight-wicket win at home to Great Horton Church, who earlier made just 109 (Jarar Aghar 55, Ashan Ali 5-23).