A MAGNIFICENT century by captain Ben Morley helped Rawdon claim the Aire-Wharfe League Division One title on Saturday.

In a title race that has been one of the closest in years, Rawdon sealed the trophy with a nine-wicket win at home over reigning champions Saltaire.

Openers Nathan Goldthorp (4-45) and Tyler Willmott (3-51) helped to restrict the visitors to just 140, with skipper Ben Morley spearheading a famous victory with a staggering 111 not out from just 64 deliveries.

Morley had previously steered their closest challengers Otley to the title, but they could not take this year’s battle to the final weekend after falling to a 45-run defeat against visitors Collingham & Linton.

Electing to bat, Collingham made a competitive 223-8, largely down to middle-order Charlie Swallow (76 not out) and No.10 Kieren Helwig (31 not out), who put on 67 in the closing stages.

Though comfortably ahead in their run chase for the majority, Otley collapsed from 48-2 to 53-5 and then 131-7 to 143-9, Adam Weatherall (4-51) and Toby Jacklin (3-39) the most prolific with the ball as they were bowled out for 178 in reply.

Burley-in-Wharfedale remain on course to finish third after picking up maximum points with a 38-run win at home to Ilkley, a result that confirmed the visitors’ relegation.

Beckwithshaw’s relegation fears were also realised in a low-scoring game against Bilton, Tuseif Arshad (5-35) shining with the ball before wicketkeeper Chris Peirson (30) and skipper David Cummings (29) helped Bilton chase down 142 in 35 overs.

Elsewhere, Taran Chana’s decision to field paid dividends, making 44 with the bat to help North Leeds to a seven-wicket win at Addingham, while New Rover beat Horsforth Hall Park by a single wicket at the Richmond Oval, despite Tom Lester making 75.