VETERAN campaigner Chris Smith was recalled to Otley CC's first team in the final throes of the season with the specific purpose of maintaining their Division A status.

It is testimony to the man's dedication that his mission was accomplished.

With local rivals Menston joining them in the white heat of the battle to avoid the drop to Division B it was the dogged determination of Smith that helped keep his side in the top flight. An attribute missing from many of the players in today's game.

The club's went into the last day of the season locked in battle with Menston one point above Otley.

While Menston were getting the best of a drawn game with champions Bilton Otley were locked in battle with Adel.

Otley got the best possible start with an excellent batting performance that saw them post a score of 208-6. Smith was there to bludgeon a superb 77 which coupled with a half-century from Andrew Bourke set them on their way.

They still needed to bowl out their opponents to take full points and then had to hope that Menston did not win.

Robert Atkinson produced a magnificent 6-32 return to put Adel out for 137 and Otley were home and dry and celebrating.

Bilton, despite their re-shuffled batting order, hung on at 160-8 to thwart Menston's victory hopes after they had made 182-9 with Richard Taylor top scoring with 85 and David Lester contributing 24.

Menston went oh so close to saving their Division A place after dismissing Lloyd Mash for seven and the promoted Guy Saxton for five. Chris Hepinstall also went cheaply and Menston hopes were high.

Miles Corish stood firm however making a good 53 and with useful contributions from Andy Walker (33) and Danny Shuffe (27) Bilton were almost home and dry.

Rob Taylor however had other ideas and his five wicket haul always kept Menston in the frame.

Bilton eventually finished on 160-8 leaving Menston to suffer the drop.

Beckwithshaw sealed the runners-up spot despite only getting two points from a drawn game with North Leeds in which opener Ben Quick made an unbeaten 85 and Andy Gott bagged 6-67.