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Olicanian Cricket Club promoted to the top flight

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Three weeks after their pavilion was burnt to the ground, Olicanian Cricket Club have been promoted to the top flight of the Airedale and Wharfedale Senior League for the first time in their 97-year history.

They lost their final game of the season to Beckwithshaw but still picked up the two points they needed to ensure promotion.

Chairman David House said: “Immediately after the fire, the first team won consecutive league games and to finally get over the line on Saturday was something special.

“Coupled with our third team winning their league and getting to the Ian Chappell Cup Final, this has to be the greatest season in our club’s history. It’s just a shame that things have been marred by the fire.”
 

Meanwhile this weekend, two Yorkshire cricketers and players from across the Airedale and Wharfedale Senior League will come together to play a fundraiser for the Olicanian Cricket Club.

Saturday’s match is being staged at Burley Cricket Club and will feature Yorkshire’s Harry Brook and George Hill.

Brook is a regular in the Yorkshire first team and Hill, who has captained England Under 19s this summer, began his cricket career at Olicanians.

The match, to be played over 40 overs a side will feature a select XI against an Olicanians XI.

Apart from the two Yorkshire players, the following have been confirmed as taking part: Henry Wilson (Ilkley), Danny Groom (Tong Park), Barry Singleton (North Leeds), Steve Brown (Otley), Henry Barrow (Ben Rhydding), Stuart Hudson (Beckwithshaw), Tom Lester (Hall Park), Ed Brown (Bingley).

Saturday’s game starts at 1pm with the bar open all day. There will be BBQ and food available after the game. Aire-Wharfe League secretary Matt Grimes will be DJ for the evening.