Lightcliffe 3rds continue to display a strong team spirit and now possess an impressive 5 game unbeaten run. Despite the 3rd team never managing to keep the same 11 twice this season, that competitive but unified spirit has never gone.
As Mark Whiley won the toss aware that his two opening bowlers would not be there on time due to work commitments, the 3rds were still one man down. Unwilling to play with one man less, Mark got on the blower and within half an hour Jake Rushworth had arrived to save the day- his afternoon of doing nothing would have to be rescheduled.

Lightcliffe got off to a positive start with Olly Hemingway and Tom Powe playing their strokes in their usual combative manner. Soon after putting a strong foundation of 60 for no loss, Hemingway was the first to leave the pitch giving in to temptation, hoofing the ball into the air and getting caught. His successor was the in-form Marcus Kelly. Off the back of a 2nd team and a 20/20 call up, he had previously hit 47 here in the cup. Unfortunately for Marcus all respect and kudos he worked hard to gain evaporated as he failed to see the straight one, left it and was consequently bowled for 1.

At 4 Tom Denham too was coming in on the back of runs and he too made little impact on Alice Hartley’s scorebook. Coming in at 5 was Patrick Wild, reliable in the scorebox (apart from not counting dot balls!),we knew little of his ability on the pitch but all doubts were casually brushed aside as Patrick cut, pulled, drove and slogged his way to an impressive unbeaten, maiden 50. The huge applause rang from the balcony as Patrick comfortably took a back seat to be well supported by Mark Whiley and an emphatic James Godden hitting four 4’s and a 6 to reach 31 not out. Mentions should go to Tom Powe who played an excellent innings only for it to be cut short on 46 in dubious circumstances. A passing of words was exchanged between Powe and the opposite captain, little did we know a small battle had just begun.
Lightcliffe fell 2 short of another batting point reaching 198-8.

At tea we watched the veteran midfielder Paul Scholes dominate proceedings at Craven Cottage and as Lightcliffe geared up to take the field maybe this inspired Lightcliffe’s own ginger, Tom Powe.

After a team talk from the skipper, Lightcliffe took an early scalp in the 3rd over with Aidan Edwards dropping it short and forcing the batsman to pull only for it to go straight to square leg where Rushworth was waiting. Godden at the other end was his usual consistent self but not managing to take a wicket. Rastrick’s No. 3 came and immediately capitalized on the short balls and had soon reached 50 out of nowhere. As Mark had predicted Rastrick were going to take the game to us. Soon after though, Edwards had his second wicket catching the edge of the No. 2 batsman’s blade. Rastrick’s next batter was someone who will live long in the memory as the man who blasted 100 runs in 10 overs the last time the teams met. However, any fears were put aside as a tactical full toss from Mark Whiley bowled him and suddenly he and his team felt that this was another game to add to their unbeaten run.

However, runs were still being taken which brought Lightcliffe’s own ‘strawberry blond’ inspiration in to battle. It took only 10 overs to wrap up the Rastrick attack including an exhilarating battle between Powe and the Captain of Rastrick’s team. Dispatching Powe’s first bowl for 6 he requested that the team ‘fetch that’. Powe’s next ball brought another huge swing from the batsman to taunts of ‘where’s it gone!?’ as he had missed it completely. More swinging and missing later the expression ‘let your game do the talking’ came to mind.

However, Tom had the final say on what could only be the sweetest moment for a bowler as he clean bowled him to leave no doubt that victory was imminent. Whiley took two more leaving Powe to take the winning wicket giving Lightcliffe victory by a comfortable margin. Figures of 3 for 8 from the skipper and 5 for 31 from Powe, not to mention his 46 runs meant that he undoubtedly ran away with the Man of The Match award but without those invaluable runs from Patrick Wild a victory was never possible.

More to follow on a fantastic five-wicket win for the third team.

Full match report in the week.

To follow....................

After fluffing their lines at Hartshead Moor the previous week Lightcliffe firsts were back in the groove at Keighley on Saturday.

This was a buzzing, beaverish, dazzling display from LCC. After the home side elected to bat, new ball partners Cat Zaman and drummer Evan Edwards were straight on the money.

After two overs Keighley were 0 for 2 following a superb pick up and throw by Chris Taylor, followed by Zaman’s seaming one away to find the edge. Edwards was soon in on the act with a finest brace of wickets and Zaman kept plugging away to bag four deserved wickets.

Only Patel and Stevie Reape offered any resistance, both making fine knocks in the middle of the order. Spinner Umar-Umar Salim also caught the eye with his bowling. His watching brother, Uzman-Uzman Salim nodded in approval from the far boundary as Umar-Umar found turn and bite to bag a couple of wickets.

There was also time for veteran slow-medium bowler Richard Tesseyman to get in on the act. He removed Reape with a superb seam position. The LBW shout resulted in a quick finger from Jim Gomersal. The resulting celebrations raised a cheer as the ginger paceman got down on one knee and yelled "Tesseyman" at the top of his voice. It echoed round the Aire Valley as his team mates mobbed him with delight. There was time for one more run out, as Mark Horne’s quick shout of "keepers, keepers, keepers, yeah, yeah, yeah" saw Josh Wheatley pick up and throw in to remove number 11. Brilliant cricket

The Keighley teas get better by the season. A few years ago McDonalds and KFC were the order of the day. Not any more. Players enjoyed a fine salad and chips and prepared to watch CT get another half century. He duly obliged with an unbeaten 60, with skipper Jocky Wilson not out on 39 and Josh Wheatley chipping in. The LCC batters ground down the Keighley bowlers with solid defence on a drying wicket. Any loose balls were punished and the result was never in doubt. Taylor was once again celebrating a record as his surpassed Mohammed Kaif’s club record haul of 1,302. And there are still two games to go for him to add to his tally, and also seal the most important award of them all; the club fielding prize

This was the first team back to their best. The promotion goal is in site, and Grand National historians will be hoping they don’t 'do a Crisp' and get mugged on the line.

The club is expecting hundreds through the gates on Saturday as Bowling Old Lane come to town for a promotion shoot out. The Firsts have David Drillhouse available again after he spent last weekend riding the foorplate of Scottish growlers.

Bring on Saturday!

Tonight's practice will be being held whether it rains or shines today (Tuesday). After the success of last week's football where the 'olds' beat the 'youngs' there will be a Festival of Sports this evening if the rain continues to fall.

First up is catch the tiny tennis ball after it is hoisted into orbit by club coach Chris Taylor - those of you that have attempted this will know this is not as easy as it sounds; second will be touch rugby; and finally the evening will be rounded off with a game of football (but this relies on someone bringing one, so please bring a ball if you have one (and a pump for James Horne's rugby ball)). There might even be some sort of running event in the middle of it all so we can continue with the good fitness work of past weeks.

See you at 6.15pm (bring cricket kit as well, you never know...)

Lightcliffe 2nd XI v Bradford & Bingley 2nd XI Saturday 21/8/10

Lightcliffe won the toss and elected to bowl first in slightly overcast and damp conditions, knowing that the weather was to brighten and it should be easier batting second.

Aleem (3 for 39) and his brother Adil Ladak (3 for 63) bowled very well to keep runs tight and they frustrated the Bradford & Bingley batters. At the half way mark (25 overs) Bradford and Bingley were 62 for 3 and it looked as if Lightcliffe were going to restrict the visitors to a low total on a rapidly drying and improving pitch. However, the young Roach batted sensibly to 73 and the powerful Adam Swallow hit a quick fire 45 to help Bradford and Bingley to 213 for 8 at the close of innings.

Lightcliffe lost openers Steve Hartley and Siraj Hussain early on, in reply, but then Oli Hemingway and Ian Towers steadied things and played sensibly to keep up with the run rate. Half way through their innings Lightcliffe were ahead in comparison to the visitors, on 73 for 3. Towers fell for 23 but Aleem Ladak and Hemingway put together an encouraging partnership of 54.

However, Lightcliffe lost Hemingway, who top scored on 38 and walked before being given out LBW. Kelly then quickly followed and Ladak for 24. With the score on 102 for 6 the game was ebbing away. Stand-in skipper Rob Crookes (33) came in later in the order to steer his side to some valuable batting points and received help from Adil Ladak (12) with a 9th wicket stand of 31. The innings closed on 155 all out.

Lightcliffe travel to Bowling Old Lane this week and with the season quickly drawing to a close they will hope for a much needed win.

Crooko

John Brooke on two former club members.

Norman Robertshaw
I had a call today (18 August) from Norman Robertshaw's cousin, Sandra Jackson, to let the club know the sad news that Norman had died. He was 82.

Norman, as many of you will recall, was one of a group of men, including Ernest Hitchcock, Harry Marsden, Ron Cairns and Richard Huddleston, who were regular attenders at the ground during a period of over 15 years. Some of the group often travelled on buses to away fixtures. Along with Robert Firth from the committee and others they formed the basis of a well informed and loyal group.

Norman, affectionately known as "Stormin' Norman, had a good knowlege of the game and was always interested in club and county records. He still looke at our results in the Courier every Monday. He particularly enjoyed the regular friendly banter with the lads in the team and actually enjoyed their mimicry of his slightly eccentric reactions.

Norman's funeral is on Tuesday 24 August at 2.15 at the Chapel of Repose on Clare Road.

Eric Whiteoak
You may not be aware that the bench in memory of Eric Whiteoak, a life vice -president of the club who died this spring aged 76, is now in place on the balcony. This was presented to the club by his widow Joan who is also a life vice-president.

Eric, as you may know, was treasurer at the club for almost thirty years and a regular member of the second team for over 20 years. As a talented left arm spinner and useful batter he was a member of the successful team of that period that won, amongst other things, both the Division 1 second team league and Priestley Shield in 1968.

He was a fine man who continued to take an interest in the club after he stopped playing and acting as treasurer. His son Richard played for the juniors and went on to play for LCC's first team.

In addition to Eric, the club also lost another former second team player, and loyal member, this year with the death of Derek Crabtree. Derek, an off spin bowler, was a contempory of Eric 's and the pair often bowled in tandem.

JMB

Lightcliffe 3rdXI 175-5 beat Triangle 3rd XI 104 by 71 runs
Sunday 15th August 2010

The Sunday side won their fourth match in a row in the season’s second 30/30 morning bash.

Rightly put in to bat on a pitch still showing the effects of overnight rain, Lightcliffe may have anticipated more problems than they encountered in reaching 58 without loss in good time, as Triangle struggled to land the balls in the correct areas. Those deliveries that did "bite" (of which there were a number) rarely did so in a fashion to trouble the openers.

It was a disappointment therefore for young Ollie Hemmingway to fall LBW in his 30s, having for the second consecutive week been set for a more substantial innings. The therapeutic value of the Saunders home Hot Tub couldn’t lift Colin from early morning sleep deprivation, as he departed cheaply.

Marcus Kelly’s current good form continued with a steady 27, being the major partner in another 50+ partnership with Kevin Booth (still suffering footwear memory loss problems). With two pairs of Kelly boots again on simultaneous display, Marcus was left wishing the Air Nikes provided less assistance to his veteran partner as rapid ones and twos resulted.

Booth, departing in "attack mode" (ie a shot with back lift) for a half-ton, allowed Tom Powe and Thomas Denham to nurdle, cut and drive, ramping up a decent total, albeit with a pitch that allowed batting to be increasingly more predictable. Would the late arrival of Triangle’s 10th man be significant in reply?

The Halifax League "Dukes" ball was again the curse of a 'Cliffe opening bowler. On this occasion James Godden removed after 4 overs, was left complaining about the generous amounts of unpredictable swing. Not so his partner Tom Powe.

A well known connoisseur of "form", Tom has presumably identified Triangle batsmen as bowling fodder this season, seemingly refusing to play against any other opposition in his three 3rd XI appearances in 2010. So it proved. A wide long hop whacked to Booth at extra cover, was followed up next ball with a fizzer off the glove pouched by apprentice ‘keeper Ali Butters (improving with every game). The hat-trick ball – Powe’s leg side wide came accompanied by a word unprintable in this report, but which starts with a silent letter and generates 30 on a triple word score at Scrabble.

Skipper Mark Whiley arrived to claim four wickets, (also containing an unconverted hat-trick opportunity). Hemmingway’s catch at slip mimicked Thunderbird 3 leaving the launch pad (but without the getting-off-the-ground bit). Siraj Hussain a wicket from ball one, but no more. A late rearguard action by Triangle’s last pair, which involved some big shots (mainly at Whiley’s expense) and test match style refusal of singles, was halted by the coup de grace of brother Amir’s third delivery.

A quick reminder that the annual summer quiz night will be held in the pavilion this Saturday evening (21 August).

It will be usual format, with a hot pie and pea supper, raffle, and well stocked bar.

Tell your family, tell your friends, and come down to the club on Saturday for a pleasant evening in the willow team room.

Start time is approx 8.15pm.

The value of having a world class groundsman at LCC - backed up by a fine team of helpers -has once again being underlined.

In the latest pitch, ground, and surrounds marks - carried out by JCT600 Bradford League umpires - LCC has come out on top.

This is testimony to the work of head groundsman Rod Heyhoe, backed up by the likes of Paul Hayman and Robert Brooke.

The exact scores are not yet available for the web, but watch this space for more info!

Well done to Rod and his team.

The end of season club trip is proving popular with only a couple of places left on the coach.

So, please hurry are book your place for the not to missed trip to the races on Saturday 18 September.

For an 'all in' cost of £30 you will enjoy return coach travel to one of the finest race courses in England, ticket in to the races, and a magnificent bacon bap.

Here is the day's program:-

9.30-10am - Meet Sun Inn

10.15am - Depart Sun Inn

Noon (ish) - Arrive Catterick

1.30pm - First race

5pm - Racing finishes

8pm (ish) - Return to Lightcliffe.

Over 20 people have now signed up for the day, so if you don't want to miss out please contact Gaz Stevens on 07971415553

History shows that it’s when in sight of the finishing line that the biggest challenges remain.

The question is, will the first team be like Edmund Hilary, triumphantly reaching the summit in the face of adversity? Or will the parallel be drawn with Robert Falcon Scott as, with destiny calling, they agonisingly miss out when a rival out foxes them at the 11th hour?

In a matter of weeks the answers will be known. On Saturday the firsts failed to put in any kind of performance. Yes, the toss was crucial but that would an easy excuse. Quite simply, the better team on the day won.

The way Hartshead’s openers knocked off the 95 runs required showed there was a lack of demons in the wicket.

What’s more, apart from one early chance through the slips, the home team’s first two rarely looked in any danger. All the bowlers toiled away in the late summer sunshine, but early wickets were required. Despite some good LBW shouts from Richard Tesseyman the breakthrough could not be found. It was just one of those days.

By 6pm the game was over and a ten wicket defeat left the firsts with nothing to show for their efforts. The team has a point to make next at Keighley, in more ways than one.

Earlier in the day, thousand run man Chris Taylor was first to go for a rare low score. With Jocky Wilson adjudged caught behind, and David Knight held at slip, the firsts were rocking at 12 for three. Michael Brooke helped the solid Josh Wheatley re-build, but after the former was bowled, James Horne and Umar Umar Salim went in the same manner.

Cat Zaman also heard the death rattle, Richard Tesseyman was triggered LBW (“missing leg” said the fiery opening bowler) (“just hitting middle” said hawk-eye). Only Josh Wheatley stood firm, mixing defiant defence with superlative stroke-play. His half century held the innings together, but 94 was never going to be enough. So it proved. So LCC’s supporters, including a guest appearance from the Barmy Army’s Steve Cooper, trudged down Highmoor Lane in a reflective mood. It’s going to a nervy three weeks.

No one was available for press comments.

It was always going to be a tough match against a side currently top of the table and losing finalists in last week’s Sovereign Healthcare Priestley Shield final and Baildon fully deserved a very convincing victory against Lightcliffe.

Lightcliffe won the toss and stand in skipper Rob Crookes decided to bowl first on a slightly damp wicket – hoping for some early movement and wickets. The Baildon openers helped themselves instead to some wayward bowling, Ross Todd scoring 54 and Wlison Darren 77.

However, Lightcliffe chipped away and pegged things back and the introduction of young leg-spinner Saraj Hussain saw Lightcliife get their first wicket, 76-1. The damage was done however, and the rest of the Baildon batters began to play with a little freedom after a good start.

Lightcliffe never managed to stay on top, bowling too many bad bowls to restrict the visitors on a damp but improving wicket, Baildon’s innings finished on 233 for 7. Hussain ended with 3 for 50 and fellow spinner Ian Towers 3 for 44. Wicket-keeper Rob Crookes took 4 stumpings in the innings.

Lightcliiffe’s reply quickly whimpered out on a much improved and drier wicket. The top 4 batters all reached double figures but failed to carry it through. Crookes clipped the ball nicely to leg and looked set before playing a rash shot to get caught on 18. Javed Iqbal worked the ball around well for 22 before being caught to an excellent diving catch at point and Mick Wood looked comfortable on 15 before chipping a delivery in to the hands of a welcoming fielder, as one of Baildon’s Jamie Abbott’s 4 victims (4 for 17).

Lightcliffe were missing four front line batters for this game but there was no excuse for some poor batting and shot selection against a steady bowling attack. They will have to improve if they are not to get dragged into a relegation battle, with some strong opponents coming up in the remaining games. Lightcliffe have slipped to 9th in the table, just 35 points clear of a relegation spot.

The photograph in the photo section of the web site shows three of the five Lightcliffe cricketers who have scored 1,000 runs in a Bradford League season. They are, from the left, Martin Radcliffe (1003 runs in 1978), Chris Taylor (who already has 1,000 during the current season), and Ron Jackson (1036 runs for the second team in 1977).The two missing players are Richard Walker, who achieved the feat in 1991, and Indian Test player Mohammed Kaif, who jointly held the record for the fastest 1,000 in the league, having reached the figure in 15 innings in 1999. Taylor beat Kaif’s record when he reached the milestone in his fourteenth innings, against Morley on 31 July.

Radcliffe was a familiar sight at the Wakefield Road ground from shortly after the end of the Second World War when, with his elder brother John, a former club chairman and still honorary auditor, he was taken to home games. He became ‘tin-boy’ in the scorebox, graduated to selling programmes, and eventually took over the responsibility of scorer. He made his first-team debut in 1959 and played until the end of the 1981 season, by which time he had scored more runs than any other player, passing Albert Hartley’s total of 10,490 in his final season. He was also an outstanding cover fielder.

Radcliffe excelled at other sports. For many years in the sixties and early seventies he was the Old Brodleians fly-half, where his handling skills and speed off the mark made him a prolific scorer and creator of tries. As a young table tennis player he had represented Brighouse, and this same speed of hand-eye co-ordination helped him to become the top squash player when he was training to be a teacher at Loughborough Colleges.

While at Loughborough Radcliffe, like all students at the college, had to take part in a round of boxing. The draw was open, irrespective of weight, and Radcliffe, a featherweight in those days, was drawn against Great Britain rugby league and Wales rugby union forward John Mantle, the week after Mantle had made his Wales debut. Radcliffe needed all his legendary pace to keep out of Mantle’s reach for three minutes. Last Saturday was the first Bradford League game he had seen since he last played for the club 29 years ago.

Jackson was brought up in Liversedge and played for his home club, graduating through the second team into the firsts, until he joined Lightcliffe in 1965. He played there until 1988, when he retired from league cricket, but continued his prolific run-scoring for a further decade or more with the now defunct Lane Head club.

Opening batsmen of the calibre of Radcliffe, Alan Warren and Lewis Pickles meant there was never a place in the first team for Jackson, but whenever he did have an opportunity, he invariably made runs. In 1977 he became the first batsman ever to make 1,000 runs in Bradford League second-team cricket. Ron captained the seconds for several seasons in the 1970s. He is still regularly seen at Lightcliffe, although these days he spends most of his Saturdays following the fortunes of Spen Victoria, where his son, Peter, a former Lightcliffe player, is first-team captain. Ron’s daughter, Christine, has been a Bradford League umpire for many years.

Taylor has scored 1,000 runs on two previous occasions, for Undercliffe in 2003 and for East Bierley in 2005. He has had two spells with Yorkshire, the first beginning in 2001, when he was a member of the team which won the county championship. He also had two seasons at Derbyshire, where he made hundreds for the first team on his debuts both in one-day games (this was against Yorkshire) and the county championship.

In 2006 Taylor and current Yorkshire and England Lions captain Andrew Gale set up the Pro Coach Cricket Academy, which provides coaching for young cricketers throughout the country. Taylor has retired from first-class cricket to concentrate on building up the business, of which he is a director. He joined Lightcliffe this season as player and Director of Cricket Development, and sees his commitment to the club as long-term.

Lightcliffe 3rdXI 242-7 beat Northowram Hedge Top 3rd XI 183-10 by 59 runs
Sunday 8th August 2010

The Sunday side “found” 2 batsmen who at the weekend recorded personal bests and in doing so sealed their side’s first League double of the season.

With only 3 players in the team averaging much over a dozen this season, things looked bleak when the visitors found themselves with 2 of these in the clubhouse and only 17 on the scoreboard, after being put in to bat on a green pitch with the ball swinging.

Step forth new batsman no 1 - Marcus Kelly. Reports of his potential from the junior ranks have consistently been overshadowed by less than diligent performances, reflected by statistics of 7 cleaned bowled dismissals in 9 starts for the 3rds to date this summer. This week (and in the correct boots) never had there been a better opportunity for the mop-haired junior to put doubters in their place.

Kelly initially played junior partner in a 50 stand with Ollie Hemmingway, frustratingly ended with the latter’s lazy shot to Fearnley, who at the time was yet another broken bowler whose LBW pleas had been smashed against the man of granite – John Howarth.

For once unflustered by balls that beat the bat and sufficiently patient, Kelly was resplendent at the crease. A lazy flick to the mid wicket boundary and a delayed straight driven 6 from the slow baler,
shots for the purist.

The stage was only briefly shared with new bat No 2 – Tom Denham. Oft cast as support bowler his support batting role changed to centre stage, as Kelly finally went off for 69. Slow graceful strokes through the covers gently nestled into leafy boundary edge flora. A classic “leave” outside off stump. Chairman John Brooke purred on the boundary.

Mark Whiley made a poor role model, but strangely complimentary partner to Denham. With technique that implied the top hand should be used to wipe sweat from the brow, and calls for singles more associated with mythical berserkers, the Lightcliffe skipper terrorised the home side as 74 came in the innings’ final 9 overs. Having experienced the zenith and nadir of batting technique in 30 minutes, Brooke staggered to the tea room for a swift half to calm the nerves. Denham bat aloft, walked off unbeaten with a personal best of 61, whilst the home side reflected on 3 dropped catches that effectively changed the game.

A defendable total still required performances. Aidan Edwards again delivered with an opening 5 over salvo of one wicket and a single conceded. The only “requests” made to “The Strayhorts” front-man by the home batters – to take his sweater. Sam Kalanovic was an excellent support act with 2 fine catches (one off his own bowling) and 2 wickets.

At 69-6 a quick finish looked possible with wickets for Whiley and the Hussain brothers Amir and Siraj (the former with a direct run out) . A ninth wickets stand of 49 however by father and son Steve and Sam Talbot meant for a spell an unlikely recovery was possible. Kalanovic returned to complete the 3rd win on the trot. The fight for 1st division survival continues.

K Booth

A full review of the Strayhorts dazzling Saturday night set will appear here shortly.

Over 100 people packed into LCC to watch the indi rock band put in a truimphant performance.

Mixing their own material with some classic covers, the four piece from Lightcliffe put in a dazzling display of music.

It was a night to remember at LCC.

Watch this space for more info from the night.

The annual summer LCC quiz night will take place a week on Saturday in the Pavilion (start approx 8pm).

Please ink the date - 21 August - in your diaries and make every effort to support this club event.

As well as the quiz, there will be a well stocked bar, pie and pea supper, and raffles with top prizes.

Everyone welcome, so please spread the word and see you a week on Saturday at the clubhouse!

For more information please contact Michael Brooke on 01422 207045.

It was a day for nostalgia at Wakefield Road.

Before the game, familiar names from yester year came together for a photo shoot. It was a gathering of the LCC ‘one thousand club’; joining Chris Taylor, the latest man to achieve the four figure feat, were Ron Jackson (the first man to ever hit one thousand runs in second team cricket) and Martin Radcliffe, who famously and wonderfully became the first amateur to achieve the feat in 1978. Taking the snaps was Bob Horne, himself a member of that team, and watching on with admiration were Bruce Deadman and Peter Westerby. A fine collection of former players. They had come to pay homage at the shrine of Taylor, and settled back with tea and scones to watch him compile another ton.

The Windhill skipper failed, however, to read the script. He won the toss. Lightcliffe were sent into the field. Cue rueful shakes of the head all round. Jocky Wilson admitted it could be a long afternoon ahead. The wicket looked like another Rod Heyhoe beauty. Yet, incredibly and in the blink of an eye it was all over. Swing and seam bowling of the highest calibre, backed up with catching to grace any game, broke the back of Windhill’s batting. Radcliffe watched on with admiration.

Evan Edwards, who later took to the Drums with the Strayhorts, was first to strike. Mark Horne yelled “mine” and despite a lurking David Knight managed to snare the tough chance. Cat Zaman soon got in on the act, bowling with a delightful rhythm, and Windhill were rocking.

But it was promising youngster Richard Tesseyman who was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets for just one run (and that was a leg bye). He was backed up by fine catching from Wilson, James Horne and a spectacular one handed grab from Taylor at point.

This was a clinical display from the home team. As the church clock struck ten to three the innings had ended. Half an hour later the game was over. Was this the quickest finish ever? It certainly had club historian Bob Horne delving into the record books.

Taylor managed to impress the former LCC greats with some neat leg side boundaries, while Josh Wheatley was all set for a ‘red inker’ until he heaved to mid on with just two to win. Wilson sealed things with a boundary, punching the air with delight, and bear hugging Taylor. This meant a lot to the skipper.

So, as players, supporters and umpires gathered in the tea room for an early tea they contemplated the promotion picture. "Three wins should be enough" suggested scorer Kev Booth as he tucked into his tuna salad. As things transpired results went LCC’s way. The rain washing out Bowling Old Lane and Hartshead Moor crashing to defeat at Spen.

Press comments were given this week by supporter Will Knight, father of David. Will said: "A very professional display from the team. Victories bring confidence and that is reflected in the batting, bowling and fielding. Everything went to hand and it was a joy to watch. I am looking forward to the Hartshead game and hopefully promotion can be sealed in time for the Lincolnshire tour. Well done to all involved!"

Dear all,

This Saturday sees the inaugural LCC Band Night featuring local rock/pop idols, The Strayhorts. The night is due to start at 8pm and a large crowd is anticipated. As ever it would be great to see as many people support this event with family and friends with all proceeds going to LCC.

The night will consist of:-

- Calderdale's hottest new band with teenage heart throbs Evan and Aidan Edwards
- BBQ (so save yourselves for a couple of the finest burgers)
- Bowls of Chilli (Served in the Club house)
- Beer, Cider and Wine with soft drinks for u18s
- A raffle to win 4 tickets to a Yorkshire CCC game worth £80
- Families welcome with music to suit all

The majority of organising has been sorted, however we are still looking for a couple of volunteers to help for an hour on the night. We still need a suitable barman and someone to help take money in the kitchen, along with people to help setup between 7pm and 7.15pm. If anybody can help could they drop me a quick email, thank you.

All that is left to say is good luck for all teams this weekend and please support this club function.

It's just rock n roll.

Regards,

CT

The votes are counted and the arrangements for the LCC end of season extravaganza are in place.

And, by overwhelming public demand, players, committee and club members will be heading north for a day out at Catterick races - the ‘Ascot of the North’.

The party will head up the A1(M) on September 18 and already places for the 25 seater coach are being snapped up. So please hurry if you want to get involved.

A full day’s schedule has been put in place by Gaz Stevens and deposits will be collected in the next couple of weeks.

Catterick Racecourse is a spectacular site, nestled in the North Yorkshire Hills with an atmosphere to match any sporting venue. Bars are easily accessible and the sweeping stands make for fine viewing of the course. A not to be missed day out.

Please contact Gaz on 079714 15553 for more information about the trip. The ‘all in’ cost, including entry to the races, breakfast bap, and return coach travel is an absolute bargain of £30.

The provisional itinerary is:-

10am Approx – Meet Sun Inn for breakfast

10.45am – Depart for the races

12.30pm – Arrive Catterick

2.10pm – First race

6pm – Depart Catterick

7pm – Random Pub stop off.

8.30pm(ish) – Arrive back Sun Inn

8.30pm onwards – A few more drinks.

Please note this trip is only open to LCC players, committee and members so don’t go inviting any randoms!

It was a weekend to remember for loyal clubman Kev Booth.

On Saturday afternoon he helped out the first team by offering to score for the afternoon. He had a ringside view as Chris Taylor compiled another century.

After seven hours of graft, and an aching right hand, he finally left LCC at around 8.15pm. A pint and a curry in the Sun Inn awaited him.

On his way out of the ground there was suddenly a huge bang. Disaster. As Kev leaped out of his car, there was a quick inspection by James Horne and Michael Brooke. They confirmed he had a flat tyre.

As the think tank decided what to do, Kev sensibly turned to Horne for some help and sent the other player on his way. After 20 minutes of jacking the new tyre was in place. Boothy went on his way cursing the pins and nails carelessly thrown away by passing ramblers. Now he knew how groundsman Rod Heyhoe felt.

Finally, he could relax. And, as talk in the Sun Inn turned to the Illingworth game, memories of his famous hundred four years ago came up in conversation. “Another ton tomorrow Boothy” mused one player, as another piece of Chicken Masala went down his neck.

And, as the third team were meeting at dusk the following day, Kev turned down the opportunity of a trip to the Travellers. Very sensible.

Sunday morning brought sunshine, and with new tyres in place nothing could deflate the left hander as he strode to the wicket for the 30 over game.

And soon the cries of “Boothy, Boothy” were echoing round the Illingworth amphitheatre as he moved effortlessly to 50. Soon it was 99. Could he do it? Yes! A trademark flick off the legs brought the pavilion to its feet, and Boothy held the bat aloft in joy. A hundred in runs. A moment in time. Tears and cheers. A defining moment in Kev’s career.

It had been quite a weekend for the trusted lefty.

When was the last time an LCC player scored two hundreds in a weekend, one written in the book, the other on the pitch?

No one deserved it more than Kev.

The cries of “Boothy, Boothy” were still ringing round the ground long after the players had departed.

An amazing 48 hours that will live long in the memory for the popular left hander.

Mjb

In a remarkable season at Wakefield Road, yet more records were broken on Saturday as Lightcliffe first team’s promotion push stayed on track.

The day had started with a shock announcement. Popular off spinner Umar Umar Salim was threatening to retire from cricket. Some hasty tea-time talks over another delicious LCC tea managed to keep Umar Umar in the fold for now. The newspapers will be watching this developing story with interest in the coming weeks.

Some second division opening bowlers are wishing Chris Taylor would retire. He once again dominated proceedings in front of a disappointing Wakefield Road crowd of about 60.

How dropped chances can change a game of cricket. With the Kev Booth operated scorebox on zero, Josh Wheatley gave a routine chance to square leg. The Morley fielder, flaying about in the wind like a beached octopus, had hands everywhere but unfortunately for the visitors neither of them was near the ball. The opening partners were up and running again.

Indeed, Wheatley looked set for a third half century of the campaign when he managed to pick out deep square leg when the spinner dragged it down. Jocky Wilson, who at 1.15pm had once again won a vital toss, came in with a steely look of intent. He mixed crisp strokeplay with decent defence, picking out the gaps in the field with economical ease. Along with Taylor, the scorebox advanced but perhaps not as quickly as some in the crowd were hoping for. Then suddenly, some drama.

On 97 Taylor eased a single to mid on. For a moment time stood still. Followed by uproar and a wall of noise. He’d done it! A thousand league runs, before the end of July. A gentle wave of the hand was modest Taylor’s reaction. No time for emotion. Not when there’s work to be done. Moments later his bat was up again, this time for another 100.

At about 3.30pm something amazing happened. James Horne got a bat! Despite not appearing in the middle for some time, Horne showed he had lost none of his touch with some dazzling cover drivers that had the misfortune to find boundary fielders. David Knight, deservedly recalled, has a key role to play in the coming weeks. He is no Kwik Fit fix and showed plenty of ability with some drilled shots to all corners. On a day when bowlers around the other grounds were kings, Lightcliffe’s 229 was above par.

It took blood, sweat and tears to remove Morley’s batsmen but Umar Umar showed he was in no mood for appeasement. He’d had a booster and he tore through their middle order with a classical display of off spin bowling. If this was to be the veteran’s last ever season, he was going out in style.

Along with solid bowling displays from Evan Edwards, Cat Zaman and Josh Wheatley, Morley’s brave reply fell just short of 200. A grey shroud, nestling on the Pennine Hills, had briefly threatened to wash the game out but sensible umpiring saw the game through to a conclusion.

That man Taylor couldn’t stay out of the game with four fine catches, but his fielding was overshadowed by a master class on the bottom boundary from Michael Brooke. He touched the ball at least four times, one of them a fantastic dive, and rightly did 'the double' and secured a club and league fielding point. Umpire Richard Jones said: "A finer fielding display you will not see this season."

After the game an emotional Umar Umar said: "It was another clinical display from us and kept the promotion bandwagon rolling. Retirement from cricket comes to us all, and at the age of 21 I feel I am approaching the veterans’ stage and becoming a bit burnt out. I just need to take stock, think about things and hopefully come back fitter and stronger. It would be great to be involved in a promotion winning team. I have mixed feelings at the moment, but I love Lightcliffe cricket club and want to stay involved." Those sentiments were echoed by players and spectators alike, as they merrily sang the night away to celebrate another win.

The Edwards brothers, Aidan and Evan will be donning their best rock garb this Saturday night as they lead their band, The Strayhorts, onto the LCC stage for a evening of the finest indie rock and roll.

The band, who are, presumably, named after a local park frequented by many Lightcliffe players past and present, will be performing a mixture of classic covers and their own compilations to what is predicted to be a full house at the club.

Lead singer Aidan, who has recently won a scholarship to a top music college, said he is very much looking forward to showing his friends at Lightcliffe what he can do off the field, "I hope we can raise the roof and some funds for the club at the same time," he said.

The evening commences at 8pm and barbecued food will be on offer as well as all the other usual refreshments. Entry is free to the event, so get there early to book your place in the front row!

Contact Chris Taylor on 07775 886621 or Jocky Wilson on 07766 774500 for more information.

Lightcliffe 3rdXI 210-5 beat Illingworth 3rd XI 123-9 by 77 runs
Sunday 1st August 2010

Top club pundit Michael Brooke called this one correct, whilst enjoying Saturday night culinary benevolence from club sponsors The Sun Inn. His pre-match assessment was that the Illingworth pitch would provide batting opportunities in this 30 over morning event. Not even Brooke’s money however, would have been punted on the game’s top scorer.

Pre match banter ordained that skipper for the day would be Buckinghamshire’s finest Colin Saunders, allowing opener Kevin Booth time to trawl the Tardis-like properties of club stalwart Marcus Kelly’s bag in search of footwear. A pair of size 11’s, which have graced the feet of a number of club worthies, were gratefully accepted. Marcus’ only stipulation being their return, prior to his arrival at the crease (his other pair being a pristine ankle-high pair for bowling). Neither player foresaw problems.

Asked to bat with dew still glistening, Booth and Ollie Hemmingway had to contend with some swing and a little movement, the latter paying the penalty for being stuck in the crease as the home side’s best bowler, Ali nipped one through the defences. With little more than 20 scored in the opening 9 overs a challenging total looked unlikely.
A change of gear was achieved however, albeit that the size of the ground dictated a large number of 3’s being run by “athletes” Saunders and Booth who held no aspirations (nor physique) to emulate those at the European Championships. A mid innings flurry of 51 in 4 overs migrated the moisture from pitch to brow, as the pair literally ran up a 107 partnership, the Saunders engine finally giving out on 44.

Mick Wood, currently the unluckiest player at the club followed last week’s innings-worth of “pad rash” with receipt of a second ball “peach” from the returning Ali, that pitched off stump and hit the top of the same. A quick cameo Twenty from Ian Towers and 61 for the 4th wicket raised the bar again.

With batting boots still adorning the wrong feet, Kelly struggled in his 2 ball stay. Kicking the first for a leg bye, his bulkier footwear found the wrong areas next ball, with Marcus contemplating some event on the far horizon.

With studs worn flat on the hired pair, Booth was grateful for another late cameo from James Godden who hit classically. This cannot be said for the left hander, who generated the most distasteful moment of the game.

Chairman John Brooke’s rare patronage, was tested immediately on arrival. Booth unleashed his new weapon, the reverse sweep. To complaints of groundsman and bowler and with the crowd wincing, a large divot resulted. Aghast, Brooke Snr. rushed to the pavilion in search of strong sweet tea to recover from the shock. To atone for his misdemeanour the opener was forced to adopt more conventional strokes on his way to an unpredicted 104no.

With a challenging total set Lightcliffe’s bowlers were giving licence to attack. Early success for Wood was tempered as both he and Sam Kalanovic struggled to deal with the control of swing, as 45 came in 7 overs. Kelly (now in the right boots) clung on to skier to halt the momentum.

The craft of captaincy was ably demonstrated by Saunders, who on 3 occasions moved fielders into areas, with catches resulting next ball. Hemmingway showed colleagues his reflexes and agility as he grabbed 3. Tidy spells from Amir Hussain and Tom Denham (2-19) tightened the Lightcliffe grip on the game. Godden’s clinical claim of 3 late order wickets left Illingworth playing for honour. Kelly’s boots strode in for the last two overs in a vain attempt to dislodge Home captain Smith who batted out for an unbeaten 34.

"I’d just like to like to acknowledge Marcus’ contribution today," commented Booth post match, "He put the club first. Without all that footwear, who knows what would have happened. It was like running on air out there, but I would suggest they need freshening up before the next game."

Pudsey Congs 2nd XI v Lightcliffe CC 2nd XI 31st July 2010

Lightcliffe’s 2nd string failed to capitalise on the top side losing as they suffered a shock 2nd defeat of the year to Pudsey Congs. Lightcliffe were asked to bat on what looked from the outset to be an interesting track. Opener Rhys Jowett (41) and Rob Crookes (13) battled hard to contend with the pace and bounce on a pitch that offered neither. It was difficult to score from bowling around ankle height and after 20 overs Lightcliffe were 50 for 0. However, after drinks at half way wickets started to fall on a regular basis from some lapse shots and some unforced errors. There were some small contributions from the middle order of 26 from Richard Thompson and 15 from skipper Gareth Stevens. But all batsmen struggled on a poor Bradford League deck. Lightcliffe only managed to get to 133 before being bowled out.

The total looked fairly competitive on such a wicket. However, when the ball was bowled full of length rather than half way down it proved easier to score on by the Pudsey batters. However, having reduced Pudsey to 56 for 4 Lightcliffe sensed another low scoring victory. The Pudsey batters dug in and with the pace and bounce improving they edged their way towards the modest total. A further wicket fell given all the Lightcliffe bowlers a wicket apiece, but in the end the hard efforts of Adil Ladak 1 for 22, James Godden 1 for 26, Roger Bingo Stead 1 for 28, Sir Raj Hussain 1 for 23 and Ian Towers 1 for 10 were not enough as Pudsey went passed the Lightcliffe total 5 wickets down.

After the game it turned out that the loss could prove even more pivotal as Lightcliffe closed the gap on top spot by 2 points even in defeat. Ever green Roger Stead said after the game “If we could have won today we would have a real chance of the title, as it happens we only now have an outside chance, 7/1 I’d say being a gambling man.”

Lightcliffe travel to Woodlands next week knowing only a victory will give them any chance of honours this year.