VETERAN batsman John Swanney had two reasons cheerful as Accrington and Great Harwood were crowned champions of their respective leagues.

The 51-year-old played in the Accrington side the last time they lifted the Lancashire League title in 1975.

And yesterday, Swanney celebrated at The Cliffe as Great Harwood ended their 108-year wait to be crowned Ribblesdale Senior League champions.

It is perhaps an unlikely tale given that the opener only started playing again last season after a break of 18 years.

But in that time, he coached some of the players who helped Accrington to the double.

He said: “I broke into the first team in 1973 and played about half the games in the 1975 season.

“Graeme Fowler was the same but he left midway through that season and left to play for Great Harwood.

“But we had a great team. There were many eyebrows raised when we signed Alan Worswick as professional, especially as he played as amateur at the club.

“But he had a fantastic season. He took 99 wickets and scored over 500 runs.

“Peter West was the skipper and we had players like David Parsons and Ian Birtwistle in the side.

“I also played at Rawtenstall for five years so I was in a dilemma who I wanted to win.

“I know Accrington will have been glad to get some revenge on Rawtenstall as they pipped us to the double in 1976 so I’m really pleased for the club after the troubles they’ve had in the past few years.”

But Swanney added another Senior League winner’s medal to the one he won at Cherry Tree in 1989 with Great Harwood.

And he admitted it was a surprise.

“I only started playing again last season for a bet,” he said. “I wanted to play again before I was too old and just play in the seconds and help out some of the young lads.

“But I got into the first team last season and it’s fantastic for the club and the town.

“I’ve worked in Great Harwood for a long time and the town is desperate for success.

“It’s been a long time coming but they’ve been knocking on the door for such a long time and they’ve deserved it.

“Last season, Allan Armer and Russell Whalley missed big chunks of the season.

“But this year, they’ve had more or less a settled side but the lads who have come in have all contributed and that’s probably been the difference.

“It’s a catch here and a quick 10 there that can make all the difference to a match and they add up over the season.

“The bowlers have done an excellent job and Allan has to take a lot of praise because he pushed himself up the order to open and lead from the front.

“I never expected to win another league medal in my 50s but it’s certainly a nice and unexpected surprise.”