LAST Saturday, Harden Cricket Club did the unthinkable and secured back to back Aire-Wharfe Division promotions after a first-class campaign.

The Bradford side capped off a brilliant season by defeating Bolton Villas by seven wickets away from home.

Chasers, Thackley in third and Calverley St Wilfrids in second, could not stop Harden's momentum as they marched on to the Division 3 title- losing only once in the second half of the season.

And club captain, Andy Wear, couldn't quite believe that his side had accomplished promotion for the second year running.

He said: "It took a while for us to believe that we'd actually done it and I don't think I've properly come to terms with it even now.

"In gaining consecutive promotions, it has been a long couple of years which we've been rewarded for and it's a brilliant feeling, not just for me but the whole side.

"We deserve this. We had to deal with relegation so we wanted to immediately get back up the divisions and we started that climb last year.

"Getting back to our original division was nice but we've got one further now and it's an unbelievable feeling.

"I'm extremely proud of the boys."

Wear added: "At the start of the season we set out to finish in the top half but then we won our first five league fixtures.

"That's when we had to change our season objectives and change our mentality going forward.

"It was then about not settling on a top half finish but trying to actually push on and win the league. We had a minor blip in mid-season but we only lost once in the second-half of the campaign."

Reflecting on the key reasoning to his side's success this season, Wear admitted that his side have a formidable bond.

He said: "We all play for each other, we all get along and there is a brilliant atmosphere around the club from top to bottom.

"I think having a good team morale is key to any success in sport and we've proved it this year.

"You can pick out individuals who have had exceptional seasons, for example our opening bowlers but overall I think the team spirit has been bang on."

Harden can now prepare for a campaign in the Aire-Wharfe Division 2 , where they will face off with the likes of Tong Park Esholt, Steeton and Green Lane.

And Wear believes his side should hold no fear going into next season.

He said: "We can only be confident about next season having only lost six league games in two years.

"It's all about the mentality you go there with and if you attack it with a winning mentality, then it's a good habit to have.

"We will obviously look to bring a couple of new additions into the side but I'd honestly be happy with taking our current side into the second division, as I have every confidence in them."

Wear added: "We will set out to do as well as we can and we will arrive with full confidence into next season."