DENHOLME, who were relegated twice in three seasons in the Timothy Taylor's Craven League, are now on the rise, writes Bill Marshall.
The Division Three leaders claimed the John Clayton Cup at Silsden on Sunday, beating holders Gargrave II by 126 runs.
Gargrave put Denholme in to bat after winning the toss, but opener Hussnain Ali (49) and keeper Adam Taylor (35) added 56 for the second wicket.
After a shaky spot at 144 for six, Adam Vaux (15) combined with Irfan Khan (51) to pile on 52 runs, with Chris Hartley (34 not out) ensuring a solid finish.
Khan's 51 came from 44 balls, including six fours and two sixes, while Hartley faced just 18 balls, hitting four fours and a six.
Gargrave's Ben Wood took 2-40 and Tom Storr snapped up 2-39, but it proved too much.
Gargrave were all out for 123, with only Tom Goodwin (26), Will Peryer (22), and Kieran Ashley (22) reaching double figures.
Khan, who was named man-of-the-match, took 4-11 from eight overs, with Richard Taylor finishing with 2-8 after Ryan Judson's 3-26 opener.
Winning skipper Richard Taylor said: "The day could not have got any better, although it could have gone a bit quicker in the second innings when they stalled a little bit.
"But this was probably our strongest bowling attack of the season and we stifled the game, and we had a strong batting line up as well, which showed with our lower order getting runs.
"We have passed 300 a couple of times in the league."
This final was Denholme's third match in as many days, and Taylor revealed: "Five of us have played in all three and there were some tired bowlers at the end."
Gargrave skipper Will Storr said: "The last 10 overs of their innings just killed us off, but our batting was the story of our season, but Denholme batted and bowled well."
Silsden received thanks for hosting the final.
