CLECKHEATON Golf Club's Nigel Colbeck was delighted as his side secured their second Division One Scratch League title in three years last week, finishing the season in style with a thumping 8-0 victory over Bradford.

Colbeck insisted that the side have a close bond, which has proved vital to their success, even putting in the hours together during a chilly off-season.

Speaking about the league win, he said: "It was a fantastic effort and there is a great team spirit among us, as we're all young working lads from Cleckheaton.

"We bonded by coaching together during the winter and morale has increased further because of the support we've had from the members this season, especially at home.

"I think special thanks also need to go to Cecil Bloice, our scratch captain, Mark Vertigans, the first team vice captain and club president Phil Lazenby, who has attended most of our games this season."

Colbeck was pleased with the balance of experience and new signings that the side had in 2018, saying: "Chris Green and I have been here for a while, but Tom Vertigans has come in and had a fantastic season too.

"Ben Cheetham has proved an excellent addition from South Bradford and we now have a group of four or five players in our 20s, as well as important senior players like Paul Arthurs and Simon Irving, who can go on to dominate for a while."

Although Cleckheaton won the league by 11 points, they faced stiff competition, and Colbeck admitted: "Baildon and Bingley St Ives are always up there, and Bradford have a good young side.

"But we managed to beat all three of them during the season, which proved vital. We bounced back from a 7-1 defeat at Bradford in June to beat them 8-0 on the final day, which was satisfying."

Colbeck is expecting an equally tough challenge next year, where his side will go up against, among others, West Bradford, who have gone from Division Four in 2016 to the top tier in 2019.

He said: "It's going to be tight next year. It always is, and that was proved by (2017 winners) Shipley's shock relegation from the top division this season.

"It's important to get points at home, where six each game is ideal, but your away games are crucial. If you can keep getting four points or more there, it gives you a great chance of the title."