CHERRY Tree skipper David Hayes has hailed his side's Jennings Ribblesdale League title triumph as a real team effort after they destroyed Great Harwood's chances of making history.

The Blackburn-based club were crowned champions for the second time in five years after a nail-biting win over Baxenden on a dramatic final day.

That victory ended Harwood's hopes of completing an historic league and cup double, following on from their Ramsbottom Cup success against Earby two weeks ago.

In a gripping finale to another thrilling season, Harwood's lightning-quick triumph over rock-bottom Edenfield had ensured the title-race went right down to the wire.

But Hayes and his team-mates kept their nerve like true champions to secure the points they needed to emulate their achievements of 1997.

"It still hasn't quite sunk in yet," said Hayes.

"I don't think many people gave us a chance at the start of the season because a lot of the other teams were supposed to have got better over the winter.

"The likes of Baxenden and Earby had both made good additions and a lot of people felt it was going to be a stronger league than it had been for a while.

"But we stuck together and it's been a real team effort.

"If you look at the averages there's no particularly outstanding figures from any of our players.

"People have batted well down the order whenever we've been in trouble and others have chipped in with important wickets at crucial times.

"Michael Veevers has probably been our most consistent batsman, Mo from the second team has been a revelation since he came in.

"And Nigel Robbins has chipped in with some vital bowling performances.

"But it's very much an award for the whole team."

As for Harwood, they must now pick themselves up after finishing up as bridesmaids again.

They last won the title back in 1900, and after a series of near-misses over the last couple of seasons, officials at the Cliffe Park club must be wondering if they will ever lift it again.

But Hayes has offered some words of comfort for his side's nearest challengers, insisting they can be there or thereabouts again.

"In the past, they've been accused of lacking the bottle but I don't think you could say that about them this year," said Hayes.

"They came in with a strong run at the end and they've had a terrific year so there's every reason to think they'll be up there again next year.

"I've heard a rumour that Daniel Cheeseborough might be leaving, though, which would be a massive blow to them because he's a very good player.

"You've got to congratulate them, though, for what they've achieved because they were close to completing the double."