STUART Vincent bowed out as Ilkley captain on the greatest high in the club's history.

The 32-year-old full back is retiring after 11 season's at Stacks Field – the last six as captain.

Vincent said: "It has been a wonderful club to be a part of. I have been lucky during my time as captain to be part of two championship wins, two Yorkshire Shield triumphs, and play at Twickenham in the National Intermediate Cup.

"The club has really made great strides and I am so proud to have been involved. There is a wonderful spirit among the players and so many wonderful people around the club who do so much unsung work."

For Vincent winning North One East has erased one of his few unhappy memories. "It was a real struggle when we went up before. We ended up being relegated so it was nice to have another crack.

"It has been great to have so many young players come into the side and perform. I can remember when I first joined the club and was the one being looked after, now I am the one doing the looking after.

"I thought winning the Yorkshire One title and Yorkshire Shield last season was the cherry on the cake for me, but this tops everything. Absolutely marvellous."