ORDERED that the order is affirmed, with costs.
The nature and degree of the penalty to be imposed pursuant to CPLR 3126 is generally a matter left to the sound discretion of the Supreme Court, and the harsh penalty of striking a pleading, or preclusion, which effectively results in the striking of a pleading, is inappropriate absent a clear showing that the failure to comply with discovery demands was willful, contumacious, or in bad faith (see, Guiliano v. Carlisle, 286 A.D.2d 417; Vatel v. City of New York, 208 A.D.2d 524). The Supreme Court providently exercised its discretion in denying the appellants' motion, as they failed to make the required showing (see, LaManna v. Cahn Woolen Co., 249 A.D.2d 451).
The appellants' remaining contentions are without merit.