OTLEY Cricket Club captain Ben Morley has lavished praise on his team after they secured the treble by lifting their third Aire-Wharfe League title in five years on Saturday, and he insists the team are in a strong position as he bids farewell.

Morley revealed he is leaving to join Farsley in the Bradford League for next season, but he trusts that former captain and opening bowler James Davies will lead the side with aplomb in his absence.

Saturday's thumping eight-wicket triumph over Horsforth had a Hollywood ending, as Morley smashed a six to win the match in his final act for the club.

He said: "It's one of my better cricketing memories, although the ball was there to be hit for six. We knew that we'd be guaranteed the title if we lost no more than two wickets so my aim was just getting the team over the line."

That equation came about as Burley began the day just two points behind Otley, and despite them eventually losing to Guiseley, Morley admitted: "There were definitely nerves from all the lads.

"Burley have kept us on our toes all year and we knew they had every chance of winning their final game so we were focused on picking up the all-important 19 points (out of a maximum of 20)."

The outgoing captain claimed that everyone had played their part this season, saying: "I couldn't pick out one man as there have been great batting and bowling performances all over the shop.

"There's been a great spirit in the dressing room and that's been one of the factors in our success this season."

That success has seen them win the league and the Waddilove Cup, but there was a less-publicised victory in the TB T20 Cup Final against Burley in July.

Speaking about that triumph, Morley enthused: "Dave Hester was captain for that tournament and we had a bit of a mixed side to give a few younger lads a chance.

"We did well to win that final against Burley and the tournament was good practice for our Saturday matches, even if it is difficult to get people to commit to playing after work."