Players’ meeting to be held

A meeting of players playing in the 3 senior teams will be held this coming Saturday (13 March) commencing at 6.30pm at the club.

The meeting will give the new cricket committee a chance to outline their plans for the forthcoming season and to discuss with all players their expectations and aims for 2010. Discussion will centre on practice nights, match days and the selection process and will also feature information about club kit.

Beers will be available during the meeting and the aim is to retire to the Sun Inn afterwards for further refreshment. The bottom gate will be open at the club to allow access to the car park.

All players playing senior cricket at the club (this includes juniors) are encouraged to attend and committee and other club members are welcome to join the meeting.

Important information from the junior section

Junior section co-ordinator Duncan Powe is getting things organised for the 2010 campaign.

He recently sent out a letter to junior section parents outlining arrangements for the new season.

Here is a copy of his letter detailing match fees, match managers and other important information.

Forms for membership, direct debit etc will be posted online this week to make it that much easier send back the relevant information.

More info in the week!

Dear parent

LIGHTCLIFFE CC – JUNIOR CRICKET IN 2010

The snow has melted so it must be time to plan for the new cricket season! We have an exciting season ahead with Junior teams at Under 17, U15, U13, U11 and U9 levels and the opportunity of senior cricket in one of our three senior teams for some of those from the older age groups. We will once again have the pleasure of playing on ‘officially’ the best pitches in the Bradford League as prepared by our award winning groundsman Rod Heyhoe and his team. We are delighted that this year we will also have the assistance of Chris Taylor (recently of Yorkshire and Derbyshire CCC) who has agreed to help with Junior development as part of his new role as LCC Director of Cricket Development.

Junior Managers for this year are:
Under 17 – Richard Edwards (07890 448532)
Under 15 – tbc (volunteers needed to work with Mark Wild)
Under 13 – Phil Dodd and Kevin Booth (07770 867162)
Under 11 – Gary Severn (07799 064736)
Under 9 - tbc (volunteers needed to work with Steve Hartley 07803 736959)

Indoor nets start at Hipperholme and Lightcliffe High School in the main Sports Hall this year on Monday 1st February and run for nine weeks through to Monday 29th March. Nets for U11 and U9 run from 6pm to 7pm and for U17, U15 and U13 from 8pm to 10pm.

This year the Junior Sub Committee has decided to try out a new method of collecting payments that we hope you will appreciate. Rather than fiddling with cash payments for indoor nets and match fees and paying with cheques for annual subscriptions we have decided to combine all payments into one payable on a monthly basis by Standing Order over the full year. Details of the payments are laid out on the attached form. The combined Membership Fee of £5 per month for U11 & U9 and £7 per month for U17, U15, U13 covers all Indoor Nets, Training Fees, Junior Match Fees, Annual Subscriptions and allows free admission to watch senior Bradford League Cricket (featuring Chris Taylor!). Discounts (£1/month for 2 children, £3 per month for 3 children) for more than one junior member in a family will apply.



The cost of running the club, from grounds maintenance to cricket equipment to insurance and League fees, is significant. As you will know we have also recently purchased the freehold of the ground itself and have repayments to make starting in 2010. To help meet some of these costs we would also like you to consider signing up for the Lightcliffe Cricket Club ‘Monthly Draw’, our own internal ‘lottery’. For an additional £5 per month you will be entered in the monthly draw of Club Members for which the first prize is currently £100 each month and second prize of £50. Dependent on uptake (to a maximum of 100 members) we will add further prizes and will guarantee that a minimum of 50% of proceeds is paid out in winnings with the profit going to club funds.

To get the season off to a flying start we have decided that ‘Signing On Night’ will be the first night of Indoor nets – Monday 1st February: 6pm to 7pm for U11 and U9 and from 8pm for U17, U15, U13. Please complete the attached Membership Form (one for each child) and Payment Form with standing order details (one per family) and bring these along on the night. Please note that our junior players are only covered by our insurance when they are paid up members of the club.

Outdoor training this year will once again be on Mondays for U15 & U13, Tuesdays (with Seniors) for U17 and Fridays for U11 & U9. Times and start dates will be confirmed at Indoor Nets.

This year we are looking to develop a Women’s/Girls’ team. All Mums and older girls interested should call Angela Monaghan on 01484 401286 for more information. No experience necessary!

I hope you will continue to support the Club and renew your membership and we look forward to welcoming you back for the new season.


Yours sincerely



Duncan Powe
Junior Committee Chairman

LCC Women's team holds first net session

LCC's reputation as a forward thinking inclusive club will be enhanced this year with the establishment of a women's team.

The first event will be a net session on Sat 20 March at Hipperholme and Lightcliffe High School. Anyone interested in representing the LCC women's team is welcome to come along.

The emphasis of the team this year will be on fun, enjoyment and the social side of cricket. There will be a few friendly games organised throughout 2010.

Former Yorkshire cricketer and LCC Director of Cricket Development Chris Taylor will be at the first session to provide some coaching.

For more details please contact Club Secretary Steve Hartley at steve.hartley@virgin

Successful quiz night raises hundreds for club coffers

Over 70 people packed into St Matthew’s Church Hall on Saturday evening for the annual winter quiz night.

The excellent turnout helped boost club coffers by a considerable amount. Many thanks to all those who attended and supported the club.

Congratulations to the winning team, which comprised Steve Hartley, Bruce Lunn, Kev Booth and Alice Hartley. They pipped two other brave teams on a tie breaker.

A delicious supper was served up by Linda Stead and Jennifer Edwards.

The well stocked bar was kept ticking over thanks to Jocky Wilson and Roger Stead.

A big thanks to everyone who helped organise the event.

The next club social is on Thursday 18 March, ‘An evening with Brian Close’.

Let's get quizzical

'How high is a badminton net?' and other important questions will be asked tomorrow night (27th February) as quizmaster Michael Brooke takes to the mic to host the ever popular LCC winter quiz.

Held in the spacious surroundings of St Matthew's Church Hall, the quiz will commence at 7.30pm when teams of 6 will compete for the coveted title of 'Lightcliffe's Brainiest' and a share in the spoils on offer.

As ever there will be a well stocked bar with the small entrance fee also covering a portion of pie and peas.

See you there!

20% discount announced on nets!

The club committee has announced a massive 20% discount on indoor nets following discussion at its recent meeting. Hearing views from players and members of the Cricket Committee it has been decided that the discount will be offered for all remaining sessions.

This means that the cost to attend the two hour sessions will be just £4 for senior players, making it tremendous value for money.

'Excellent attendance' has been the main reason cited for the reduction as nets continue to attract old, new and returning players. Under the watchful eye of Coach Chris Taylor, players are working hard and tweaking their techniques in preparation for an eagerly anticipated 2010 campaign.

Nets continue to run at Hipperholme & Lightcliffe High School on Monday nights from 8pm to 10pm for senior and junior players.

Club Tracksuit Tops Available to Order

Club tracksuit tops are now available to order for the coming season. These are overhead half zip tops in maroon and will have the club crest on the front and sponsor on the rear.

The club are ordering these from Rehmani Cricket Suppliers and they will cost £25 each. All junior sizes are available as well as adult sizes S, M, L & XL.

We will not be getting a stock of these items so anyone wishing to own a tracksuit top will need to place their order and pay for the jacket by 1st March.

Please let Jocky Wilson, Chris Taylor or James Horne know of your order alternatively you can email your order to lightcliffecricket@hotmail.co.uk. These three people will also be collecting money (cheques payable to Lightcliffe Cricket Club please).

Towell hangs out with leading BCL wicket takers

The top performing second team players over recent years have been released by the Bradford League.

And it is fantastic to see former Lightcliffe legend Dave Towell in the mix with nearly 500 career second team wickets. Current LCC player, the popular wicket keeper batsmen Rob Crookes, also features.

This is recognition for the quiet way Rob has gone about his business over the years, and underlines what a consistent performer he has been.

Rob said: "Yeah I'm surprised but pleased. To be honest I didn't think I had done that well over the years, but the statistics don't lie. It is an honour."

Full details are avilable on the JCT 600 Bradford League website.

LCC Women's team gets up and running

LCC member Angela Monaghan is setting up an LCC women's team for the 2010 season.

Angela is hoping to get things moving in the coming weeks and hopes there is enough interest to get one or two games over the summer.

She said: " If you know of any women/girls who might be interested in playing cricket then please ask them to get in touch with me. The focus in the first year is very much on enjoyment/social and no experience is necessary!"

The initial idea have is an inaugural match as a fundraiser and see what the interest levels are like.

So if you are interested, please get in touch with Angela.

Tickets selling fast to hear all about the life of Brian

Ticket sales for the eagerly anticipated 'evening with Brian Close' are going well.

On Thursday 18 March the former England, Yorkshire and Somerset great will talk about his remarkable cricket career.

Tickets are now on sale for £10 which includes a pie and pea supper. This is a 'must attend' event for all cricket lovers.

To buy tickets or for further information about the evening, please ring John Brooke on 01422 202930.

The Countdown begins!

The waiting will soon be over.

After months of newspaper talk, all round(er) Andy Pullan finally has his date with destiny in the Countdown studio.

On Tuesday 9 March he will make the pilgrimage over the Pennines to begin his quest to become the best wordsmith in the country.

Tickets for this must see event are available from ITV or by contacting Andy on his widely read Facebook page. It is not clear when the show will be broadcast, but we will keep you updated.

Two LCC members making the journey to the studios are Alex Stead and the ubiquitous Tom Powe.

Alex said: "It should be fantastic entertainment. I see Andy's strength in the letters game. I just hope his number is not up after one show."

Tom said: "How will he get on? That's a question millions are asking. It's all a bit of a conundrum at the moment.”

A successful and well attended AGM

About 30 club members packed into St Matthew's Church for the Annual General Meeting.

They heard end of year reports from Chairman John Brooke, Player-secretary Steve Hartley and Treasurer Dave Curran. Award winning groundsman Rod Heyhoe gave his account of the last year in a comprehensive report.

The treasurer's report showed a healthy balance despite increased expenditure in some areas.

All officials touched upon the acquisition of the ground as the highlight of the last 12 months.

On the pitch outgoing Cricket Chair JB Lunn articulated a successful season for the three senior teams.

It was the general mood of the meeting that the club was heading in the right direction. However, there was plenty of debate. Some probing, but constructive, questions, from the likes of LCC old boys Bruce Deadman and RM Horne, were asked from the floor.

All in all, it was a successful meeting and the year ahead promises much.

An excellent pie and pea supper was served up, with local socialite Paul Ramsden doing the cooking.

So, onwards to the quiz and Brian Close nights.

Have your say and tuck into pie and peas

LCC's agm is nearly upon us and players and members are being encouraged to attend.

There is a packed agenda. The club chairman, secretary and treasurer will all present their annual reports. A comprehensive review of the season, on and off the pitch, will take place.

Bevreges will be provided and afterwards a complimentary pie and pea supper will be served up.

The meeting begins at 7.30pm and will be at St Matthew's Church Community room.

Junior & Senior Indoor Nets - TONIGHT!

The first indoor net of the new season will take place this Monday at Hipperholme & Lightcliffe High School (behind the Sun Inn). Nets will be held for Under 11's between 6pm and 7pm, for Under 13's from 7pm to 8pm and for all other junior age groups, as well as seniors, between 8pm and 10pm.

All age groups will be supervised by the club's coaches, and with new senior coach Chris Taylor also casting his expert eye over players, the sessions should prove to be extremely worthwhile in developing the talent we have at the club.

The cost of attending nets will be £5 for adults and £3 for juniors, although the new standing order payment system for juniors will cover these indoor nets - details to be circulated to junior parents over the weekend.

New first XI captain Jocky Wilson is hoping for a good senior turn out the first of 10 sessions taking us through to April. In his call to players, Wilson said, "It would be good to see as many players as possible at the first session, which will set the tone for a the rest of pre-season and enable us to be as prepared as possible for the start of this year's campaign."

With a number of close season signings, competition for places in the three senior teams will be as strong as it has been for a number of years, making attendance at nets a priority for all involved.

Is Andy's number up as he eagerly awaits his red letter day

Former LCC spinner and big hitting batsmen Andy Pullan was widely expected to be in the Countdown studios in January to show off his letter skills to the nation.

However, the burly goalkeeper's letter inviting him to the stuidos seems to have gone awol.

This has left his band of loyal followers wondering if the dream will ever happen.

Watch this space for more info on Andy's chance to work things out with a pencil and paper.

Nets start next Monday

Don't forget winter nets begin at Hipperholme and Lightcliffe High School next Monday 8pm-10pm.

A good turnout is expected.

Junior teams cup opponents announced

Four of LCC's junior teams have found out their cup opponents for the 2010 season.

The U17's are at home to Cleckheaton on 24 May; the under 15's travel to Bradford and Bingley on 7 June; the under 13's are away to Spen Victoria on Monday 10 May; the under 11's will visit the winners of Bolton Villas or Farsley on Monday 14 June.

LCC snap up student web expert to take site to a new level

A final year degree student has contacted LCC to help improve its widely admired website.

As part of his studies, the student will be writing articles, improving content and developing new ideas like player profiles.

All players will be contacted in the coming weeks with a q & a to help provide more in depth info on LCC’s players.

The student got in touch with club historian Bob Horne to ask if he could help out in the coming weeks.

Bob said: "I think it will be of considerable benefit to the club. He will have the time, commitment and dedication to build up our content and improve the product.

More info on the student's work, as well as his name, in the coming days.

Not to be missed LCC fundraiser.

LCC players, officials and supporters get be eggheads on Sat Feb 27 when the annual LCC winter quiz night takes place.

A fiver provides quiz entry, pie and pea supper and a raffle ticket. An absoulte bargain.

As usual there will be a well stocked bar, amazing raffle prices and a fantastic atmosphere.

All welcome. Please spread the word and support this important LCC fundraiser.

For more information please e-mail Michael Brooke at michaeljbrooke@btinternet.com

'legend' Nicholls hits the back pages

Bradford League 'legend' Richard Nicholls dominates the sports pages in this week's Brighouse Echo.

The former LCC skipper confirmed his depature to North Yorkshire outfit Bardonoldswick.

Nicholls skippered the first team for the last three years and also played at the club in the mid 1990s. His sylish batting and seam bowling will be missed but excellent new signings have been made to fill the void.

The full interview can be read on the back page of the Echo; while stocks last.

Dozens turnout for another Headingley net session

They travelled from miles around.

Over 20 players packed into three nets at Headingley on Wednesday evening for a good two hour net session.

It was good to see such a good turnout on a cold January evening and the players who turned up were rewarded with a good session.

Thoughts are now turning to the first indoor practice at Hipperholme and Lightcliffe High School on Monday 1st February.

Another Headingley net session as pre-season training moves into top gear

There will be another pre season next session at Headingley next Wedneday for all LCC players.

Three nets have been booked from 7pm-8pm and all players are being urged to attend.

Details below:-

Venue - Headingley Indoor Centre
Date - Wednesday 20 January
Time - 7pm-8pm (can go over 20 minutes if necessary)
Cost - £2 per player.

This has been mailed round to all players but please pass on the message to anyone who might have missed it.

Pudsey pair in 20/20 dazzling double header at LCC

The stand out fixtures in LCC's second 20/20 campaign are the visit of the two Pudsey teams on the same day.

We will be hositng Pudsey St Lawrence and Pudsey Congs on 9 May in what promises to be a sizzling Sunday at Wakefield Road.

The double header will ensure a bumper gate at Wakefield Road and already has the LCC committee buzzing with excitement.

20/20 guru Paul Ramsden said: "These are provisional fixtures at the moment but we are hoping for confirmation from the Bradford League in a matter of days.

"I think we can be happy with the fixture list, with some attractive home games to boost the club coffers. Our treasurer Dave Curran had a broad smile on his face when I told him both Pudsey teams were in town on the same day. Now we just need the sun to shine. I hope to see hundreds pouring through the gates."

Provisional 20/20 fixtures:-

Sun 25th April - Spen Vic Away

Sun 9th May - Home double header PSL @ 1300; Congs @ 1600

Sun 6th June - Bankfoot Home

Sun 18th July - Farsley Away

Sun 25th July - Gomersal Away

Club AGM Wedneday 10 February

The club's AGM is rapidly approaching and is on Wednesday February 10 (not Wed 8 February as previously stated).

This year it will be on Wednesday 10 February at St Matthew's Church community room at 7.30pm.

The AGM provides an opportunity to look at the club's finances, review the last twelve months and look forward to the year ahead.

All members of the club are invited and encouraged to attend.

And, what's more delicious Pie and Peas are served after the meeting. For free!

As the snow hits the ground things fall into place at LCC

There is much to look forward to in 2010 at Wakefield Road. On and off the pitch, things are moving forward at pace.

The three senior teams have captains and vice captains in place; a new chair of cricket, James Horne, has been appointed; the 20/20 games have been moved to a more eye-catching Sunday slot, and there are a number of social events in the calender.

The widely reported arrival of 1st class cricketer Chris Taylor as player-director of cricket has given the club a further boost.

We have also secured the signing of a quality off spinner, along with proven batsmen Matt Taylor (brother of Chris), and promising Cleckheaton batsmen Reece Jowett. There is also the hope that Aussie Pro Simon Black will be jetting in for another campaign.

There have been few departures. Richard Nichols has moved to pastures new and Tahir Khan has returned to Bowling Old Lane. However, LCC old boys Richard Tesseyman and Javid Iqbal are returning to Wakefield Road.

Perhaps most importantly of all, our award winning groundsman Rod Heyhoe, supported by Robert Brooke and Paul Hayman, will be on board for another season preparing the best wickets in the Bradford League

On the social front there is a quiz night on Saturday 27 February and a race night on Sat 17 April (after the first day of the season).

The highlight of the spring social calender will be an 'evening with Brian Close' on Thursday 18 March. More on this event with the former England, Yorkshire and Somerset legend later in the week. It promises to be a fantastic evening. Tickets will be on sale shortly!

As ever the Lightcliffe Gala will be on the second Sunday in July.

Let's hope 2010 lives up to its promise at LCC.

Fantastic test match offer for LCC

The eagerly anticipated Pakistan v Australia test match series will be played in England this summer and LCC has received some price busting ticket offers for the Headingley clash.

Under 16-year-olds will be able to attend the big match for just £8 and one free adult ticket will be thrown in for every eight bought. An absolute bargain.

The official launch of this offer will be next Monday (11th January)

To book tickets or for more information please call the YCCC Ticket Office on 0871 971 1222 or complete the attached form and post to: YCCC Ticket Office, Headingley Carnegie Cricket Ground, St Michaels Lane , Leeds , LS6 3BU with payment.

This offer is subject to availability and seats will only be issued for the Family Stand.

Please purchase tickets before February 12th to ensure you don’t miss out.

Contact addresses and emails will be required for each booking so that further information packs including school competitions can be circulated.

LCC secretary Steve Hartley said: "This is a fantastic offer for LCC members. The Pakistan v Australia games always throw up some wonderful cricket, with some of the best players in the world competing against each other. To see them performing at the highest level at the home of Yorkshire Cricket is quite simply a not to be missed opportunity.

"I would urge LCC members to bite the hand off Yorkshire CC and snap up these tickets as soon as possible."

20/20 moves to summer sundays

We have some mouth watering 20/20 games to look forward to in 2010.

The cricket season may seem a long way of during the arctic blast, but it's only 13 weeks before the action gets underway.

And the 20/20 games will move from Tuesdays to the weekend this season to cater for practice nights.

We will be playing both Pudsey teams, Hanging Heaton, Gomersal, Farsley, Spen Victoria and Bankfoot once. The top three teams will qualify.

Full details of the fixture lists will released by the Bradford League shortly. More details can be read on the JCT600 Bradford League website.

Media coverage for LCC

There's some good newspaper coverage for LCC in this week's Brighouse Echo.

Copy the link below to read all about it.

http://www.brighouseecho.co.uk/sport/Lightcliffe39s-Horne-has-crucial-new.5948867.jp

Nets info

The countdown to the 2010 season is underway.

Winter nets for senior players begin on Monday 1st February at Hipperholme and Lightcliffe High School between 8pm-10pm.

There may be a couple more sessions at Headingley nets in January.

Watch this space for more details!

LCC at Christmas 2009

Please click on the photos section to see some excellent festive photos of LCC.

Thanks to club treasurer Dave Curran for taking the snowy shots, featuring his son Callum, along with a guest appearance from Shaun.

A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Season's greetings and best wishes for the New Year to all LCC players, officials, supporters and sponsors.

There is much to look forward to in 2010 at LCC, both on and off the pitch.

In the meantime, have a great festive period and look out for news on when the winter nets begin early in the New Year.

Enjoy.

Lightcliffe Signings First Class

The club has made one of its most impressive signings for many seasons in the form of first class cricketer Chris Taylor. Taylor, who is currently on Yorkshire’s books having re-signed for them for the 2008 season following a successful spell at Derbyshire, has joined us principally as a first team player but with a wider remit that will also see him coaching seniors and juniors.

The opening batsman has been signed from fellow JCT 600 Bradford League side Undercliffe and romped the Division 2 batting averages last season, scoring 840 runs in just 14 innings at an average of 76.

Taylor’s first class career has spanned nine seasons after making his Championship debut for Yorkshire in their title winning season of 2001. Prior to this he had represented England at U17 and U19 level having played for Yorkshire throughout the juniors. He has three first class centuries to his name and was the first player in Derbyshire’s history to score a century on one day and first class debut.

Taylor said he is ‘delighted‘ to be joining Lightcliffe. “The foundations are already in place for something special to happen in the near future,” he continued, “Lightcliffe CC has the best pitch in the Bradford League, a consistently successful junior section and most importantly a very close club spirit.”

New first team captain Jonathan Wilson is understandably pleased with one of his first signings since taking over the reigns in September. “This is not only a good signing for the first team it is great for the whole club,” said Wilson, “Chris will be helping me behind the scenes as well as providing coaching for senior players. He will also be providing coaching at junior level, helping the younger end to achieve their potential and bringing through a greater number of players with first team potential.”

Lightcliffe have also signed batsmen Rhys Jowett and Nick Ward as well as bowler Rick Tesseyman, who rejoins the club after a brief spell in the Halifax League with Southowram. It is also reported that progress is being made with one or two other quality signings which the club hopes to announce in early 2010.

The club is also busy seeking new sponsors for the 2010 campaign with club stalwart Roger Stead heading up an active sponsorship group. Various packages are available to any organisations or individuals interested, ranging from match ball to kit sponsorship. Interested parties should call Roger on 07790 009585.

It's Christmas. Time for an LCC gathering.

A few members have e-mailed in to ask about a LCC pre Christmas get-together.

And, in the spirit of yuletide happiness, there will indeed be some festive fun and frolics this Saturday evening (19 December) in LCC's local hostelry.

All LCC players, committee and friends are invited to the Sun Inn for some Christmas merriment from 7.30pm onwards.

The idea for this informal Christmas bash came from an LCC parent who wishes to remain anonymous (in case his wife finds out about his plan). A pint to the first person who guesses who it was. Answers on a beermat.

Please pop along to the Sun on Saturday for an hour or two and enjoy some Christmas cheer and catch up on the latest LCC news and gossip.

See you Saturday evening. It promises to be a different kind of Christmas night out.

Check out the fixtures

The complete fixtures for the forthcoming season are now out.

They can be viewed on the JCT 600 Bradford League website at:-

http://www.bradfordcricketleague.org/2010lightcliffefix.html

The opening day of the season sees the first facing Hanging Heaton at Wakefield Road. The seconds travel to Morley.

The third team fixtures will be out in the New Year.

WORLD EXCLUSIVE: First class cricketer signs for LCC

It's the news LCC fans have been waiting for.

We can exclusively reveal that the Yorkshire cricketer Chris Taylor will be playing his cricket at Wakefield Road next season.

Despite formal word of this sensational news, we can reveal that Taylor signed on the dotted line earlier this week and will take up the position of player-director of cricket.

The dramatic signing will help provide a springboard for a promotion push in the 2010 season.

More news on the stand out signing of the close season in the coming weeks.

Calling all Cricket enthusiasts…

Do you have any spare or unwanted cricket books or magazines? If so, the University of Huddersfield would like to hear from you!

It has just established the Yorkshire Cricket Collection - and is now on the lookout for paperbacks, hardbacks, pamphlets, brochures, videos, DVDs and other cricketing items.

"This is a new collection and we're keen to reflect the county's cricketing heritage," said University Archivist, Mrs Hilary Haigh. "The University is now an acknowledged centre for cricket research and we hope this collection will be a very useful asset for local cricket researchers."

Over the summer, Mrs Haigh oversaw the renovation and redevelopment of the University Archives and she is delighted about the cricket collection. "We are interested in books about cricket in Yorkshire and also further afield."

In recent years, the University of Huddersfield has become a focal-point for cricket research. The Calderdale and Kirklees Cricket Heritage Project was launched in 2004 and the first Cricket Research Centre in the UK opened earlier this year.

And there are now postgraduate students working on cricket and religion, cricket and regional identity and the social history of cricket in Ireland. Cricket researcher Dr Peter Davies said: "The establishment of the Yorkshire Cricket Collection is a significant development and will be a great boost to local cricket enthusiasts."

If you would like to donate something or you would like to know more about the work of the Cricket Research Centre, please contact Dr Peter Davies on p.j.davies@hud.ac.uk or 01484 472405

It's Keighley in the cup

LCC will face Keighley in the cup and shield after the draw at the Bradford Cricket League AGM last week.

The first team will make the trip to the rolling hills of Keighley, while the seconds have the home tie.

First team vice-skipper Mark Horne said: "It's a tough test as Keighley are always a hard team to beat on their own ground.

"However, we have a chance of going through and it would be nice to get a bit of a cup run going."

Second team skipper Gaz Stevens said: "I am fairly happy with the draw. Nice to get a home tie. Their seconds had a poor season last year, and will be re-grouping. I am hoping for a victory and aiming to go all the way to the final."

The full draw can be found on the JCT 600 Bradford League website.

Nets begin in earnest

All roads led to Headingley last Wednesday as LCC players new and old enjoyed a winter net session.

About a dozen players made the journey to Leeds to enjoy an hour's workout.

It was good to see new players amongst some familiar faces.

New skipper Jocky Wilson declared himself happy with the workout.

He said: "Yeah it was a good session. I was pleased to see so many players there, keen and raring to go. We will be starting the winter nets at the end of January so I am hoping for an equally good turnout."

Watch out for the dates of the winter nets in the next few weeks.

Must read report is published.

The annual JCT Bradford Cricket League report is now out.

It’s packed with information, statistics and scores from the 2009 season.

It’s a fantastic read and all LCC web readers are urged to give it a browse.

Lightcliffe teams and players get plenty of coverage in the repot.

Link below.

http://www.bradfordcricketleague.org/Admin_Docs/Annual_Report_2009.pdf

Umpires give Lightcliffe top marks

Our hard working ground team led by Rod Heyhoe have been awarded top marks by umpires for the 2009 season.

Lightcliffe came top of the tree for the quality of our pitches, surrounds and outfields.

This proves, yet again, what a fine ground team we have led my our mutpile award winner Rodney Heyhoe.

The people best placed to award these marks are the umpires and this reflects well on Rodney, Paul and Robert.

The trio have worked hard throughout the year to make the wickets and surrounds ideal to play cricket on.

Well done to Rodney and his team and we hope you are all on board for 2010 to continue the good work.

Three LCC players scoop awards at BCL dinner

The Bradford League cricket dinner saw three Lightcliffe players pick up awards for their performances in 2009.

Richard Nichols and Umar Salim won the highes opening partnership award for their 175 total again Great Horton.

Richard also won the highest individual award for his unbeaten 148 in the same game.

Michael Brooke won the second team, second division batting prize.

The dinner was a credit to the Bradford League. Well organised, with good speeches and a fantastic comedian to top the bill.

Well done to LCC award winners and to the Bradford League for succesfully organising the dinner.

Gary in seventh heaven after first step on coaching ladder

Former LCC fast bowler Gary Severn has spoken of his pride at been appointed the club's under 11s coach.

The 31 year old Pudsey paceman was sounded out for the job by player-secretary Steve Hartley.

And, after 24 hours of musing over the offer with his wife Rachel, an ectastic Gary accepted the position and told Steve it was a challenge he simply could not turn down.

The appointment has been greeted with delight by the club's committee. They see this as Gary's first step on the journey back to the club he served with much success in the 1990s.

Steve Hartley said: "We wanted the best man for the job and we got him. Gary has a fine cricketing brain and he will pass on his wealth of cricketing experience to the young players."

Gary said: "The phone call came out of the blue but I am honoured to have been offered the job and I am looking forward to it.

"Sure, it's a potentially daunting challenge but it's also an exciting one. I suppose home is where the heart is and I've always had a soft spot for LCC.

"There is still work to be done at PSL and I feel I owe Gotty and big Iain Priestley another season or two. Will I come back to LCC one day? I am ruling nothing out!"

Congratulations to Gary and we wish him and the under 11 team all the best for the 2010 campaign.

Pace ace returns after year on sidelines

Popular LCC pace ace Ramsey Al-Chabley has announced himself “raring to go” after a long term knee injury.

The Rastrick based seamer injured himself in the close season and was ruled out for seven months.

However, he was spotted walking freely through Halifax Town Centre the other day and vowed he was 100 percent fit for the 2010 campaign.

Ramsay said: “It’s been difficult not playing all season. On the plus side I did get to see a few more music festivals.

“I have tested my knee and the doctors have given me a clean bill of health. It’s been a difficult journey but hopefully the view from the top of the hill will have made it all worthwhile.

“The winter nets cannot come soon enough for me. Bring on 2010!”

Outgoing Cricket chair Bruce Lunn said: “This feels like a new signing. It will be great to have ‘rammer’ back in the camp and steaming down the Wakefield Road hill once again.”

Support your LCC family butcher

Third team star Brian Powe is underlying his all rounder skills by fast becoming one of the best butchers in West Yorkshire.

Brian's Denholmegate Road premises are alive with the smell of delicious burgers, sausages, ribs, growlers and steaks day in day out.

And the popular butcher is proving a real hit with the local community as people pack into the shop to sample the excellent produce.

Brian said: "I am enjoying the new challenge. I have been here about six months now and I have settled in well.

"The customers have been very supportive and already I have a loyal following. Long may it continue."

Last Saturday, LCC member Rosie Hides was spotted buying a few steaks and Sausages.

Rosie said: "It's such lovely food. I am here every weekend to buy Brian's burgers and a few things for a Sunday roast. As far as I am concerned, it's the only butcher's in town!"

So, forget the supermarket run. The place to be for your burgers and steaks in Denholmegate Road. Great food at a great price.

Support your family butcher.

Tom gets a taste of big time serving it up to Old Trafford stars

If Alex Ferguson didn't have enough on his plate after a woeful Anfield display, then along comes Tom Powe to give him a bit more food for thought.

The LCC all rounder has landed a top job, serving cusine to the Man Utd players and management on Old Trafford match days.

As University jobs go this is certainly impressive. Most students top up their drinking kitty be serving cheap pints in the student union bar.

However, pouring pints into plastic glasses or chopping mushrooms to put them on a cheap pizza was ruled out by the upwardly mobile Powe.

He marched into Old Trafford in a dark red suit, complete with a reference from Chris Taylor in one hand and a couple of racing tips for Fergie in the other.

After an hour in the board room with the Glacers, swapping jokes with Micky Phelan in the corridor, and proving he could serve up a Beef Wellington to Wayne Rooney, he had the job.

Tom phoned up website hq with the news. "You wont believe where I've got a job", said an excited Powe. "Old Trafford. Serving food to top players and Fergie. Start this week, in the executive suite.

"I'll be mixing it with premier league players every other week. Might see if I can get us some sponsorship for next season. I've heard Gary Neville used to play a bit of cricket, so i'll have a word and invite him over to our winter nets."

Tom starts his new job this weekend in Man Utd's home game.

Club members pack into golf club for successful dinner

A successful season for LCC's teams was celebrated at the end of season dinner at Lightcliffe Golf Club.

A five course meal and a packed agenda of prize presentations, the fantasy league awards, alternative awards, stand up sit down bingo and speeches were enjoyed by nearly 100 people.

The Brighouse Echo's 'Big Voice' gave a comprehensive report of the dinner in Friday's edition and can be read by copying the link below into your browser.

http://www.brighouseecho.co.uk/sport/Chairman-confirms-desire-to-step.5758657.jp

Brooke storms to league batting prize

Second team opening batsman Michael Brooke has stormed to the league batting prize after his finest season since joining the club as a 10 year old in 1985.

Brooke scored 796 runs in just 12 innings, and, remaining not out in 7 of them, he returned a staggering average of 159.2, over 100 runs better than his nearest rival, the hard hitting Adam Brown of Spen Victoria.

Recording a top score of 123, Brooke's feats were one of the main reasons the second team clinched the league title.

"There have been good performances from the lads all season," said skipper Gareth Stevens, "But every time Brookey's name was on the team sheet I felt confident we could score more runs than the opposition. His form this season has been sublime and I am really happy that he has taken the batting prize."

Brooke was modest in his comments, "Things just came together for me." he said, "A major part of why I think I did so well is the enjoyment I was getting from playing. I've not got such pleasure from the game for a long, long time."

Brooke will collect his prize at the league dinner on Friday 6th November when first team openers Richard Nichols and Umar Salim will also collect the prize for the highest opening partnership of the season.

JMH

Rod gives autumn ground update

LCC head groundsman Rod Heyhoe knows that autumn is the most important time of the year for keeping the square in tip top shape.

So website readers might be interested in Rod's autumn update on progress on the ground.

Rod reports: "End of season renovation work on the square and practice area started in earnest on 12th September and is still ongoing.

"A big thanks to Paul and Robert for all their support and hard work and committment this year. They have helped us retain our top spot in the BCL PQS umpires marking of pitches.

"I would also like to thank the usual few who turned up to do some of the end of seaon tasks of getting in benches, sight screens and cover and net removals.

"I have noticed a detrimental thatch layer and high fibre content on the square. I hired in a Sisis 600 machine to do the job and it worked a treat!"

Rod added that it would be good if LCC players and members living in the area could visit the ground over the winter to keep an eye out for any problems, vandalism etc.

He also urged any volunteers to come forward to join the ground sub committee and share the workload.

Rod's end of season ground report presented at the latest LCC committee meeting was full and comprehensive.

New first team captain Jocky Wilson said: "The players really appreciate that without Rod and his team we would not top of the Bradford league ratings for the quality of the ground and wicket. A big thanks to Rod, Robert and Paul."

Jacko scoops league fielding award

Congratulations to former LCC player Peter Jackson who has won the JCT 600 Bradford League fielding award.

Pete was always an outstanding gully fielder in his LCC days and this is just reward for some gutsy fielding displays over the years.

Pete said: "I am delighted to be rubbing shoulders with some outstanding fielders who have won this highly coveted award over the years."

Countdown begins to Andy's tv apperance

Lightcliffe all round(er) Andy Pullan was on top of the world has he waved a bit of paper round Ladbrokes on Saturday dinner time.

No, it wasn't the winning slip from 12.20 at Lucksin Downs but confirmation that he had passed his Countdown trial.

Andy will be going for filming at the Manchester studios in the middle of January. The show was filmed in Leeds for many years before it was disgracefully moved over the pennines.

I am sure C4s ratings will go through the roof as news of Andy's moment in the tv sun gets around. Watch out for further annoucments!

LCC openers secure league top partnership award

Congratulations to Richard Nichols and Umar Umar Salim for scooping the John Heaton Memorial trophy for the highest opening partnership of the season.

The opening pair racked up 185 runs against Great Horton on a sun kissed day back in May to seal the award.

The gong will be presented at the JCT Bradford League dinner on Friday 6 November.

Umar said: "I am thrilled. This is a real honour. Nearly as good as getting a song written about you. I feel really proud."

The award has been awarded for about twenty years for the highest opening stand in division one or two. Lightcliffe old boy Alex Stead was part of the winning PSL duo last season.

Meanwhile, despite picking up at least one catch in every game bar one 2nd team skipper Gaz Stevens has missed out on the league fielding prize.

Gaz admitted he was "gutted" but vowed to step things up a gear to try and win it next season!

Andy works it out with a pen and paper

LCC's Andy Pullan has caused many a selection conundrum in recent years so it's very apt that he's set to star on popular Channel 4 gameshow Countdown.

The burly off spinner, who surpassed expectations by playing in one senior game this season, is heading to the studios this weekend.

Andy has spent the last few weeks honing his letter and number skills in preperation for his big day.

Andy said: "Sure it's a potentially daunting challenge. It's also an excting prospect and one I am warming to by the day.

"I don't know what to expect on the day. However, I have spent hours reading the Oxford English in recent weeks. I even take it to bed with me. Much to my girlfriend's annoyance!"

If you want to read all about Andy's build up to his big day you can follow his hourly, not to be missed, updates on his Facebook page.

Rod enjoys day out at Lords

LCC head groundsman and triple award winner Rod Heyhoe enjoyed a day out at Lords Cricket Ground recently to pick up his latest gong.

Rod headed to the home of cricket to collect the World Cricket Magazine Groundsman of the year award.

This was his third award in as many years and his just deserts for the work he does preparing the finest cricket wickets in Yorkshire.

Rod took Paul Hayman along with him to the famous ground and both enjoyed a great day out mixing with the great and good of the cricket world.

Rod said: "We enjoyed a fantastic meal, superb hospitality, and the awards ceremony. We also got to watch the village cricket final on the famous old ground.

"I was chuffed to bits to collect the award from Mike Gatting and was thrilled to have been honoured in this way."

Congratulations to Rod.

Lightcliffe return after Southowram sorjourn

Former Lightcliffe pace ace Richard 'Turbo' Tesseyman has exclusively revealed he is leaving Southowram and returning to Wakefield Road for the 2010 campaign.

The ginger seamer will be steaming down the hill once again after two years at the Halifax league outfit.

Richard gave Southowram good value for money, playing four games in the 2007 season and at least three this time around.

A delighted Richard said: "It's great to be back. Home is where the heart is. I am raring to go. Bring on 2010!"

Richard has a lot on his plate next year. A new arrival, wedding and now a new challenge on the cricket field.

Will an older turbo get out of 1st gear on his return to LCC? Time will tell.............

Golf day beckons

LCC's annual golf day is upon us once again.

This Friday over 20 players, committee members and asorted hangers on will hack their way round the fairways of Lightcliffe Golf Club.

Time is running out for any latecomers so please contact Paul Ramsden if you want to join in the fun.

Two rounds of golf, breakfast, lunch and evening meal; all for £35. It's just too good to be true.

Thirds avoid relegation as final report is penned by 'Boothy Boothy'

It was a dramatic end to the third team and the fantasy season. Well captured by the pen of Kevin Booth. Kev has entertained web readers throughout the season as the third team's on course correpondent.

Here's his final report of 2009.


3rds staying power just sufficient to generate ultimate Fantasy Climax.

Triangle 3rd XI 266-8 beat Lightcliffe 3rd XI 215-10 by 51 runs
13th Sunday 2009

Who says 3rd Team cricket can’t capture the imagination? None of the large contingent of LCC supporters who came to support the team, could say they weren’t supplied with thrills and spills, as the fate of not one but two club prizes were sealed by final ball drama.

Task One – for the 3rd XI to secure sufficient points to seal 1st Division survival.
Task Two – to resolve the outcome of the closest ever LCC Fantasy Cricket League season.

Triangle CC’s compact ground always has the ability to challenge those who think cricket can be predictable. Bowling first and with Triangle at 101-3 after 21 overs (and mid order batter Russell who hit 154 in the earlier abandoned game, in the pavilion), LCC spectators will have been reasonably comfortable sipping their mid afternoon tea. The later junior change bowlers however struggled.

Gradually Triangle ramped up the runs causing skipper Mark Whiley to work overtime shuffling the pack to try to stem the tide. Pressed into action David Knight the club’s most eco-friendly cricketer (always minimum energy expended for any activity) produced a wicket maiden in his 3rd over, only to be taken off. Replacing “Millhouse”, in returning for his second spell, James Godden went (unluckily) for 13 in his first over – and the critics were ready to pounce. His last four overs thence went for only 14 runs, and culminated in 2 wickets in the last over, (the teams 8th) from the innings’ final delivery. This produced a 4th bowling point; how crucial would this be? Readers, read on.

81 runs came off the final 10 overs and whilst the boundaries were short, at times it was clear that fielders were perhaps not as well located as they perhaps could have been. Were we up to the task?

Arrive at the ground a certain RM Horne; LCC Fantasy Cricket guru. Armed with his team sheet, a question – had Josh McLean taken a wicket? The score book originally said yes, and a smile appeared. But no! Fantasy Cricket’s most earnest critic (say that quickly) and scorer Jack Booth, was eating humble pie (and being docked part of his match fee) as it transpired the “W” in the scorebook was actually a Tom Denham run-out.

Crestfallen, Horne returned to his notes, now eagerly awaiting the arrival at the crease of opener Colin Saunders. With 24 runs on the board, the Buckinghamshire Bomber attempted to cut a delivery, which was not quite wide enough. First slip shut his eyes, the catch stuck. Saunders trudged off for 13. Further drama.

Believing he had only scored 3 boundaries Horne Snr revealed that the defunct batsmen, had left him one short of Aleem Ladak’s “Specialist Fielders”. In reality the Fantasy League was now tied; but critically Horne had one roll of the dice left (Ladaks’s team having no players in the game with a chance of further points), if the player scheduled to bat 11 could score single run !

Next in, Amir (‘It's Ammer Time') Yaqub. Now, this being his maiden 3rd team match the term “ringer” may have sprung to mind. All above board though and fully within the rules of the Halifax Sunday League. 15 overs (and 135 runs) later Amir holed out for 47. In this period the ball had spent plenty of time bobbing around in the River Ryburn, due equally to the pugilistic nature of our own “Millhouse”. Having already reached 50 before Yaqub’s demise, and in his final game as a junior cricketer, David went on to make a splendid second century for the 3rds, from 75 balls (104 including ten 6s and seven 4s). The return of opener Dean was his downfall, being bowled by the 2nd delivery faced.

Ollie Hemmingway struggled to find rhythm and on departing for only 16, Lightcliffe had moved from “box seat” (189-2) to “toilet seat” (still requiring 74 runs).
The season’s statistics suggested this would prove far from easy for the remaining 7 batters, despite the petite nature of the surroundings and only 4 an over required. Regretfully so it transpired. For the second week in a row, James Godden was out to an excellent catch. Mark Whiley batted stoically and patiently, but unfortunately got too much underneath a full toss.

9 wickets down and what seemed had seemed an unlikely scenario less than one hour previously had transpired. Josh Mclean arrived at the crease. With over 50 runs required, the team’s League fate now rested elsewhere. Bob Horne and the crowd dared not breathe. One run for Fantasy success. Josh took his guard, prepared for his first delivery and…. timber fell. Game over. Team “1952 Vincent Black Lightning” had spluttered and died - out of fuel straddling the finish line. For the first time ever, the LCC Fantasy League resulted in a tie.

We had staggered past 200 to give us maximum batting points, having lost 8 wickets for just 26 runs in the process. A nervous half hour elapsed as inconsistent messages arrived over the airways, to reveal that Illingworth in beating Norden, had failed to bowl the champions out.. James Godden’s wicket from the last ball of the first innings had ultimately proved decisive and Lightcliffe, by a single point, could again look forward to Sundays in the HCL First Division.


KDB

FCL Final Result Announced

See Fantasy XI now for the final table and FCL News. (I hope it lives up to the billing!).

Dramatic end to Fantasy Season

More news to follow in James Horne's final fantasy column.

Let's just say it was a scripwriters dream ending...............

Keep logging on for more news

Junior presentation this Saturday

Junior teams' organiser Richard Edward has been in touch with the following:-

Richard reports: "All Under 15s who played in the Halifax League on a Wednesday and in the Cup Final are invited to attend the presentation evening this Friday (18th) 7.30pm at the Brods. It lasts an hour and we shall be receiving our Cup and the Man of the Match trophy (Ben Grech). Please wear collar and tie if you are coming.

This Saturday (19th) at 3pm we are meeting at the club to tidy things up for the winter-everyone welcome and needed.
The end of season do then starts at 4pm (please note it is 4pm and not 5pm as orginally said on the website0.

Running order,

Food and refreshments
Under 11s
Under 13s
Under 15s
Under 17s
Closing remarks and thankyous

Further refreshment both in the club and at the Sun Inn to say farewell to Simon Black!

RE

Whose heart isn't beating?

As exciting climaxes go the conclusion of the LCC fantasy cricket era is right up there with some of sport's finest moments.

Tense sporting endings live long in the memory. People still talk of Liverpool v Arsenal in 1989, Trevino v Jacklin in 1972 or Colin Cowdrey holding out against the West Indies in 1962. This weekend's fantasy showdown in no different.

Going head to head at Halifax League ground Triangle are fantasy specialists Aleem Ladak and Bob Horne. It is a fitting farewell.

The two tacticians have exchanged blows and shadow boxed each other for the last five summers; they are the Kasparov and Fischer of the fantasy world. Constantly thinking of their opponents’ next move. "Put us on the selection committee" said Bob a couple of years ago. He was only half joking!

Aleem has been leading the field since mid summer's day. But as the shadows have lengthened on the summer, September has brought renewed hope to Horne.

As students of the Grand National will know, many a horse has been caught on the run in. The same is true in the world of LCC fantasy cricket. It's like Aintree, 1973. Aleem is Crisp running all over the place with the finishing line in sight. Horne is Red Rum. Tracking the leader a mile from home and gaining energy as the front runner tires.

The erudite Horne has the doctor in his sights. He dreams of final day glory. Both are tense. Neither would comment on their hopes and fears going into super Sunday.

In a twist of fate, one of cricket chair's Brucie Lunn's final acts will be to pick this weekend's third team. Bruce confirmed he is expecting nervous phone calls from coaches Horne and Ladak to get their key players selected.

I am sure everyone at LCC will agree that the fantasy league has been a triumph and brought many a talking point over the last five glorious years. From the Sun Inn to the selection committee LCC's fantasy league has entertained us all.

Teams names like the Duchess of Mixenden XI or the Gash Heads* still raise a smile. Every coach will be able to re-live moments of delight and despondency. Only four coaches have got their hands on that famous trophy. RM Horne, Aleem Ladak, Clare Fothergill and Rod Heyhoe have their place in history secured.

Yet this week marks the end. In four days it will all be over. It's been a pleasure.

A big thanks from everyone at LCC to James Horne for organising, inputting, and entertaining us each week with his words of wisdom, letters to the editor and much more.

Mjb.

*Or should that be Inappropiate team name submitted.

Bowlers share spoils to ease relegation fears

Lightcliffe 3rd XI 162-10 beat Norden 3rd XI 103-0 by 59 runs
6th Sunday 2009

Lightcliffe completed the double over champions-elect Norden and regained a little pride, lost in the heavy Cup Final defeat.
It was clear from the teams that Norden were fielding a weakened side. Choosing to bowl appeared wise however, as any ball short of a length took lumps out of a soft and most untypical Wakefield Road track. With only 26 from 9 overs, and David Knight choosing to leave bowling alone it was unclear what a good score might be.
Knight and Kev Booth put on 40 for the 1st wicket until the latter decided to get his bat caught in his pads thereby inadvertently “leaving” a straight one. David then relaxed to 40, before being well caught by bowler and captain Greenwood.
Champagne Comedy moment of the match arose soon afterwards with Colin Saunders and Ollie Hemingway at the crease. Ollie hit out to extra cover and called for a run. Colin, mindful of being run out by his partner last time out, set off like a rotund Gazelle with its backside on fire. Clearly phased, Ollie attempted to halt the run, but Colin was having non of it and increased his canter. Both players were 2 yards from the batter’s end when the ball arrived in the ‘keeper’s gloves – who promptly dropped it. Colin won the chase to safety, leaving “Big Oll” to scamper to the other end of for a run.
A mid innings wobble of 3 wickets for 3 runs left Cliffe at 93-5 and danger. This included a second marvellous catch for Greenwood to dismiss James Godden – remarkable considering the Norden captain suffers from only one good leg, but not surprising being a repeat of a catch in the previous encounter.
Mark Whiley (33) played a solid captain’s role in supporting Saunders (56) in a 50 partnership and allowing the team to post 162 – far from a secure total.

Early wickets were required and the Junior Pack obliged. Godden in his first and Evan Edwards (3rd and 4th). reduced the visitors to 23-3. Norden’s best batter Ingham, faced 3 deliveries from Godden – the first (short) went for 2; the next (of good line and length) for 6. It transpired that the in-swinging leg stump yorker was the one he couldn’t play.
Into the tail, the replacement bowlers turned the screw. Josh Mclean was miserly in a 6 over return of 10 runs and one wicket. This came from a catch at gully for Hemmingway. Rising like an under-inflated Zeppelin, Ollie claimed only his second victim of the season. “I suppose I could have walked across to it” the junior batting sensation commented as he extracted himself from a self-made bunker.
Speculation is rife that David Knight is considering a career with the Forestry Commision. “Millhouse” spent a considerable amount of time in the field, leaning manfully against a sapling on the bottom boundary, discussing his plans with a selection of female career advisors.

Whiley (with 2 wickets and a 10th catch of the season – OH please note) and a brace for Marcus Kelly, wrapped up a satisfying victory.

The final game of the season next week away against relegation partners Triangle will prove decisive, but at least Lightcliffe now have their destiny in their own hands.

KDB

Firsts end season on a high

Lightcliffe ended the JCT Bradford League Division 2 season on a high last weekend beating local rivals Hartshead Moor by 4 wickets at a blustery Highmoor Lane.

In a game played out in autumnal conditions it was Lightcliffe who started the brightest with Aussie Simon Black to the fore as he removed both Hartshead openers with just 6 on the board. There was brief respite for Hartshead as Jonathan Gould (18) and Graham Hilton (18) took them to 35 but an incisive spell from Umar Umar Salim (4 for 24) reduced the home side to 53 for 6.

However, an excellent knock by Matthew Evans boosted the Hartshead total as he played some excellent strokes on his way to an undefeated 47 to take his side to 136 all out. Black took the final two wickets to fall to rack up 50 wickets for the season, an excellent achievement in his first year in England.

Chasing more than they might have anticipated and on a slow wicket, Lightcliffe started well with Black and Richard Nichols taking the visitors to 21 in quick time. However, after the impressive Joel Pollard had removed Black, the introduction of the off spin of Craig Woodhead brought two further wickets to reduce Lightcliffe to 36 for 3 with a tricky run chase ahead of them.

But with the experienced Nichols and James Horne at the crease, the Wakefield Road side moved steadily towards their target, with both batsmen capitalising on anything wayward. The pair added a decisive 80 for the 4th wicket before Horne was removed for 40 by Danny Squire (2 for 18).

Despite losing Nichols a couple of overs later for a fine 52, Lightcliffe were never in trouble, Robert Crookes steering his side to victory with 10 not out.

Victory in this last game means that Lightcliffe finish seventh in the table while the Highmoor Lane outfit finish an excellent fifth. This represents an improvement for both sides over recent seasons and they will be looking to build on this as they move towards the 2010 season.

Seconds up as champions after final day drama

Lightcliffe Seconds were crowned champions of the JCT600 Bradford League Second Teams Division Two after a superb victory over Manningham Mills on an exhilarating final day of the season.

Starting the day in second place six points behind Bingley and one in front of third placed Spen Victoria the Wakefield Rd side were focussed on securing the maximum 20 points they needed for promotion. However, while they were securing a tremendous 96-run win over Manningham Mills, Bingley were losing to Gomersal by 37 runs and Spen Victoria were suffering a stunning one-wicket defeat against lowly Bankfoot. The results mean that Lightcliffe are the new champions with 318 points and that Bingley are promoted with them.

Things did not lot so promising at 12.30pm, the scheduled start time, with the opposition not having arrived and a steady drizzle apparently set in. However a quick turn round saw Michael Brooke and Steve Hartley opening the innings for Lightcliffe twenty minutes later, Brooke having won an important toss.

After an initial flurry of runs the pair settled into steady accumulation and laid the foundations for a big total with 100 partnership before Hartley was dismissed for 36 trying to accelerate the rate. David Knight and Dan Keighley struck a few good blows but it needed the muscular Rick Powe to really make an impression on the scoreboard.

Having been dropped second ball he laid into the Mills attack with some ferocious hitting and raced to a 34 ball 50. Brooke joined in the fun and hit four consecutive boundaries to register an accomplished century and complete a magnificent personal season of just under 800 runs. With maximum batting points attained Brooke declared an over early with the score on 254 for 3.

Lightcliffe took the field for the second half knowing that a win with eight Manningham wickets captured would secure first division cricket next year.

Cheered on by a good crowd including skipper Gareth Stevens returning from his round the world honeymoon that morning, Aleem Ladak gave the villagers a great start. Getting some vicious bounce he quickly claimed the first two wickets to good catches from Keighley and Powe and then removed the stubborn Jubbar with the score on 61.

Hassan Mahmood then decided that attack was the best form of defence and raced to 81 before Evan Edwards held on to an excellent steepling catch on the long on boundary off the returning James Godden. Godden picked up another to complete a great season for him that will see him figure well up the League averages but it was Ladak who came back to seal victory with a stunning hat-trick to decimate the opposition as they fell from 142 for 3 to 149 for 9. Dan Keighley collected the last two wickets and initiated the promotion celebrations.

The festivities stepped up a level with the news of Bingley’s defeat confirming the championship trophy was on its way to Wakefield Road. It duly arrived about an hour later, brought and presented by the League President, to create a perfect end to a great season.

Skipper Gareth Stevens was rightly proud of his team. “I’m absolutely over the moon. It's an emotional moment.” he said. “We have played great cricket all season winning 16 of our 22 games and this title is fully deserved. The lads have been a credit Lightcliffe CC and it has been an honour to lead them. We have a great mixture of youth and experience that will stand us in good stead for another assault on the first division title next season”.

Tense day ahead at Wakefield Road

Calculators and mobile phones will be working over time on Saturday as our second team chase promotion to the top flight.

We are six points behind Bradford and Bingley and one ahead of Spen Victoria as the teams vie for the championship and promotion.

We face Manningham Mills, Spen play next to bottom Bankfoot and Bingley are at home to Gomersal. It's all to play for.

It would be fantastic to see a big crowd at Wakefield Road to cheer on the lads to victory.

Player-Secretary Steve Hartley has seen it all in his career, and is looking forward to Saturday's big game.

He said: "We have to stay calm and focus on our game. If we win we should get promoted. It's going to be a day of twists and turns. I just hope we are celebrating promotion come 7pm Saturday evening."

The big game starts at 12.30pm at Wakefield Road.

Thanks to Rod and his team

It's the last week of senior cricket at Wakefield Road.

Once again, literally dozens of games have been played at LCC from under 11s to first team. The addition of 20/20 fixtures brought even more use to our square this summer.

So on behalf of everyone at the club, particularly the players, a big thanks to Rod and his team, Robert Brooke and Paul Hayman.

In a mixed season weather wise, not one senior game has been completely washed out to the weather. A tremendous credit to the ground team.

There are two more wickets to prepare for this weekend and then, as Rod regularly points out, the hard work begins again in the autumn.

Before that, Rod will be heading to Lord's to pick up his gong for his latest award from World Groundsman Magazine.

Thanks for all your work chaps!

Fabulous fifteens complete a tremendous cup treble

Lightcliffe’s indomitable Under 15 lions completed a third consecutive victory in the Collinson Cup Final at Copley CC on Bank Holiday Monday. Captain Marcus Kelly and Manager Dad Karl masterminded a brilliant performance with astute tactics and sensational fielding to defeat a well organised and determined Clayton team.

Keeping with the tradition of the previous two finals, Lightcliffe won the toss and elected to bat first. Openers Ben Grech and Evan Edwards (veteran of the two previous victories) batted patiently and put on 62 before Grech retired on 33 and Edwards was stumped for 26. Despite accurate bowling from Clayton, the middle order then made good contributions- Tom Denham (10), Marcus Kelly (10) Jack Sheldrake (12))- and a target of 99 was posted.

The strength of this Lightcliffe team has always lain in its bowling and fielding. However, during a practise game on Sunday every catch had gone down and Olly Roughton had hit an unlikely 7!!
There was no such charity in the final.

Ben Grech (4-0-13-1) took an early caught and bowled and after briefly threatening, Clayton capitulated during a devastating 5 over spell by Kris Sharples (3-0-3-3) and Marcus Kelly (2-0-2-2) aided by stunning catches from Joe Greenwood, James Lumb, Ali Butters, Tom Denham and Jack Sheldrake.
At 24-6 the cup was won, Clayton finishing on 68-8 after further fine catching by Kris Sharples and Evan Edwards off the bowling of Sam Gleeson and Olly Roughton.

Eight catches out of eight tells it’s own story and Ben Grech was rightly named Man of the Match.

The final was hosted by Copley CC who provided excellent facilities and hospitality as well as a visually stunning setting beneath the viaduct.

Don’t miss the Junior End of season Presentation Ceremony at 5pm on Saturday 19th September at the club for all Junior age ranges.
Hot food and liquid refreshments available!!!

Gosh, it's close!

FCL news now online.

1sts fall in face of 'Cliffe

LCC 1st XI 116 all out (47.1 overs); Undercliffe 1st XI 117-8 (40.1 overs)

Lightcliffe 1st XI were close to claiming their second big scalp in two weeks but fell narrowly short of beating league leaders Undercliffe at Wakefield Road last Saturday.

Put into bat on a wicket still suffering from the effects of the previous day’s rain, Lightcliffe made the worst possible start losing skipper Richard Nichols to the second ball of the game. Unfortunately for the Wakefield Road side this set the tone for the innings as Undercliffe took the ascendancy with wickets falling regularly.

At 44 for 5 Lightcliffe were in dire trouble but James Horne (42) and Mark Horne (11) steadied the ship to take the score to 77 before Knight (14) joined James Horne in putting on 31 for the seventh wicket. Things ended quickly after this with Lightcliffe being able to add just a further 10 runs for the last three wickets to set the visitors 117 for victory.

Undercliffe started positively in their response, capitalising on some wayward bowling. However, once Lightcliffe’s Aussie pace man Simon Black found his rhythm, the home side began to claw their way back into the tie as Black took 5 of the first six wickets to fall as Undercliffe slumped from 22 for 0 to 38 for 5, with danger man Chris Taylor back in the pavilion having chipped Black to Nichols at mid-off.

At this stage of the game Lightcliffe were in with a real chance of an upset, but the two partnerships that followed won the game for Undercliffe. First, Sam Brookes (38) and Richard Elphee (6) put on 21 for the sixth wicket and then Brookes and Andy Wilsdon (25) added 47 to take the visitors to within 11 of the target.

Two quick wickets caused a brief flurry of excitement amongst the home supporters, but a sweetly struck four from number 10 Eachus finished the job for Undercliffe who now look favourites for promotion.

This weekend sees the last round of games in the JCT 600 Bradford League Division 2 and Lightcliffe make the short trip to Hartshead Moor looking to avenge the home defeat of earlier in the season.

Rain dampens thirds hopes as relegation dogfight beckons

Blackley 3rd XI 231-7; Lightcliffe CC 3rd XI 64-0 Match abandoned -rain

For the second week in a row rain denied the 3rd team a chance to produce a win and banish lingering fears of relegation. Last week, bottom of the league Southowram were rescued from defeat; this time the match was more balanced at the close. As it is, with League Leaders Norden the visitors to Wakefield Road next week, a final match showdown at Triangle (the other team in the drop zone) looks increasingly likely.

Holidays and the Leeds Music Festival meant the Sunday side’s resources were spread thin being reduced to 10, including a 14 year old debutant.
Chris Gorringe did well to maintain reasonable accuracy on a greasy surface especially as it took until his third over to advise the captain he was bowling in white pumps (having forgotten his boots). The ball swung dramatically for Evan Edwards early on and the sole wicket resulting was rather a disappointment.
The rest of the innings was limited in things worthy of comment. Ollie Hemmingway covered a lot of ground in the field – principally due to numerous changes of fielding position in an attempt to stop his discussions with the boundary fan club or Phil Hamer, Blackley’s square leg umpire. (It later transpired big”Oll” had been on an intensive Fielding Workout with a certain M Brooke).

Bizarrely, later in the game the endlessly rambling Phil, attempted to christen Evan, “The Eagle”. We couldn’t decide whether the guy had bad hearing or just a bad memory.

The game did give an opportunity to introduce another 2 juniors (in Joe Greenwood and James Lumb) to Sunday team bowling.

In reply Kevin Booth and Evan Edwards were never troubled in easing to 64 without loss when a steady drizzle arrived to curtail proceedings.

KDB

It's a final day promotion shoot out after Gomersal defeat

Lightcliffe 2nd X1 v Gomersal 2nd X1, 29th August 2009

Lightcliffe Seconds suffered a setback in their press for promotion with a 60 run defeat at the hands of Gomersal in the JCT600 Bradford League Second Teams Division Two. However, the seven bonus points gained keeps them in second place trailing Bingley by 6 points and 1 ahead of Spen Victoria in third with just two teams to go up.

Choosing to insert the home side on a damp green track Lightcliffe’s decision looked good when Joe Duffy struck in each of his first two overs to leave Gomersal reeling on 9 for 2. However the next wicket was to fall on 139 after a mixture of some wayward bowling and strong aerial hitting. Having made the breakthrough the villagers reigned in the run rate with Dan Keighley bowling with guile and control to pick up 3 for 52. Mark Whiley and Michael Brooke also collected a scalp each as Gomersal set a target of 250 for 8 with Lightowler scoring 109.

Lightcliffe started well in reply, Steve Hartley and Brooke clocking up 50 in the first ten overs before Hartley fell leg before for 34. Brooke was next to go, bowled for 21 with the score on 79 and momentum started to falter when Keighley was caught for the same score. The middle order were unable to get away the accurate Rhodes who bowled 8 overs for just 2 runs and the match slipped away. Young tyros Joe Duffy (34 not out), Ollie Hemmingway (15) and Evan Edwards (20) batted maturely and with great style to take the final score to 190 for 9 and register 3 important batting points.

Stand in skipper Rick Powe remained undaunted. “I had a feeling it wasn’t going to be our day when I got a flat tyre on the way to the game” he said. “Our destiny is still in our own hands though and a maximum point win next week will see us go up.”

Regular captain Gareth Stevens returns for the crucial visit of Manningham Mills on Saturday for the final game of the season with victory needed for promotion.

All change

A couple of changes to Saturday's teams.

Click the teams section for more details.

It's another thrilling FCL update!!

Click on the usual links to get the latest table and this week's startling news....

Third team announced

All three senior teams have now been picked for the weekend's big games.

Please log on to the teams section for further information.

There's nothing there!

There is now!

Ah yes, so there is. Thank you. Not sure the Chairman will be happy about the Augustus Gloop reference though.

Rod shows he is a cut above the rest

Plenty of deserved media coverage for Rod Heyhoe in the last 24 hours.

The three times award winner has taken pride of place on the JCT 600 Bradford League Website as well as back page coverage on the back of the Brighouse Echo.

Cut and paste the links below into your browser to read the full coverage on the BCL website.

http://www.bradfordcricketleague.org/2009heyhoeaward.html

Quiz night hits the mark in packed pavilion

Dozens of eggheads crammed into the willow tea room on Saturday evening to enjoy an evening of quizzing and socialising.

Over £300 was raised for club coffers. A big thanks to the 55 people who attended to help support the club.

The excellent quiz was put together by Mark and Angela Whiley who teased out a range of interesting questions.

Also, many thanks to Tom Powe for efficiently running the (well stocked) bar, to Chairman John Brooke and Tracey Powe for serving up the food, and to Duncan Powe for buying the booze.

Over ten teams took part in the quiz, including Steve Hartley's relatives who had jetted in from the Big Apple to enjoy a week in Halifax.

The winning team was never really twitching and was led to a six point victory by P.D.K Knowles.

A good night was had by all.

Rod does it again and completes a hat trick of gongs.

Our very own Rod Heyhoe has got his third top award in as many years after scooping the national club groundsman of the year award.

This is a stunning success for Rod and is a deserved reward for the hours of dedication he puts in at Wakefield.

Below is a copy of the press release sent out by player-secretary Steve Hartley, who nominated Rod for the reward.

Congratulations to Rodney!

BRADFORD LEAGUE GROUNDSMAN WINS TOP NATIONAL AWARD

Long serving Rodney Heyhoe, groundsman with Bradford League side Lightcliffe Cricket Club has scooped the national Club Groundsman of the Year 2009 award from leading magazine Cricket World.

Facing stiff competition from all quarters of the UK, Heyhoe came out ahead of rivals from some of the country’s top cricket clubs.

Cricket World noted that Rodney’s energy and commitment to the development of his club and to groundmanship in the Yorkshire region were unparalleled: With Lightcliffe - twenty years on the Club Committee, 15 years as groundsman, 10 years as Club Secretary and 5 years as Junior Cricket Co-ordinator; with the Bradford League - 30 years on the Junior Executive and 17 years on the League’s main board with responsibility for all grounds issues; with the YCA/YCB - Chairman of the Groundsmen’s Association and on the Cricket Council for many years.

Lightcliffe CC Chairman John Brooke said, “Rodney’s life in cricket started 55 years ago when he came to Lightcliffe CC as an 8 year old. His contribution to our club, the Bradford League and to Yorkshire Cricket since then has been immense. Rodney’s time and expertise has been willingly given at all levels and to all-comers for no financial gain for well over thirty years. He is an inspiration and example to all.”

“Rod’s pitches are recognised as the best in the League by all who play on them. His groundsmanship knowledge is immense and happily shared with all who are looking for advice” said Club Secretary, Steve Hartley.

“I’m honoured to receive this award” said Rod Heyhoe himself. “I’m also pleased the award has come to the North of England where often we battle the elements to produce top pitches. My only aim is to produce great conditions for our senior cricketers and great surfaces to develop our many junior teams”.

Rodney’s prize is a trip to Lords to watch the nPower Village Cricket Championship final on 14 September. Here he will be presented with his award and be treated to lunch in the famous Lords Tavern.

SH

Magnificent James bowls over Bankfoot with stunning spell.

James Godden produced an inspirational performance to keep Lightcliffe Seconds challenging for the championship with a crushing 10 wicket victory over Bankfoot in the JCT600 Bradford League Second Teams Division Two. They stay in second place trailing Bingley by 9 points and 14 ahead of Spen Victoria in third with two teams to go up.

Bankfoot chose to bat on another superb looking Wakefield Road surface. They were immediately in trouble as 15 year old James Godden ripped through the upper order with a brilliant sustained burst of swing bowling. His first five overs produced six wickets for just one run with all six victims dismissed for 0, five being clean bowled. Fellow opener Evan Edwards chipped in with a wicket from the other end thanks to a dramatic one handed catch by brother Aidan from a steepler to leave the visitors on 23 for 7. A bit of spirited hitting from the lower order boosted the total until Steve Hartley picked up a leg before decision. Godden returned to blast out the last two to finish with the remarkable figures of 7.2 overs, 8 wickets for 8 runs (including a 6!) and leave Bankfoot on a paltry 78 all out.

After an excellent early tea courtesy of Beccy Baird and her team, Michael Brooke and Hartley started the Lightcliffe reply. They tucked in to the Bankfoot bowling with the same relish as they just demolished the homemade scones and cakes. Rarely in trouble the pair knocked off the required runs in just 17 overs with Brooke clocking up 41 and Hartley 35.

Skipper Rick Powe was delighted with the result. “I ask the boys to be ruthless but this surpassed even my expectations. James Godden’s bowling was unbelievable, probably the best spell I’ve ever seen. Two more wins will see us go back to the top division”.

Lightcliffe visit Gomersal on Saturday and will be seeking revenge for defeat earlier in the season.

Black sparkles on dark weekend for Australia

Aussie pace ace Simon Black delivered a severe blow to Bankfoot’s title ambitions as he inspired Lightcliffe 1st XI to victory against the league leaders. Black took a brilliant 6 for 46 as the Wakefield Road side dismissed their hosts for a meagre 117.

Black, in his first season in English cricket, took advantage of favourable bowling conditions to record his best figures for Lightcliffe and destroy the Bankfoot top order with a fine combination of swing and seam. He was backed up by some excellent wicket keeping from Mark Horne who snaffled 4 catches, as well as by Aleem Ladak who took 3 for 24.

Bankfoot must have wondered what was happening - in the previous encounter between the sides they had cruised to victory by 9 wickets – as they lost a wicket to the very first ball of the game and were reduced to 43 for 6 and then 70 for 9 before a late flurry by Nigel Hanson helped to add 47 for the final wicket.

Any thoughts that the total would prove beyond Lightcliffe were soon forgotten as openers Tahir Khan (39) and Black (20) made the most of some indifferent Bankfoot bowling taking the score to 41 before Black was dismissed by Hanson. Losing skipper Jocky Wilson for a duck was just a minor blip as Khan continued to dominate, supported by Umar Salim (13).

A flurry of wickets that saw Lightcliffe slip from 74 for 2 to 79 for 5 did briefly set the pulses racing but the experienced pair of Mark Horne (16no) and James Horne (19no) saw the visitors safely home to win by 5 wickets.

“It was one of those days when you just feel great,” said an ecstatic Black. “Everything was working, my run up and delivery were smooth, the ball was swinging and catches were being held. Victory for Australia in the Ashes tomorrow will be the icing on the cake - can't wait to goad my Pommie hosts.”

The defeat sees Bankfoot slip to 2nd in the table, overtaken by Undercliffe who visit Wakefield Road this weekend. Lightcliffe remain 7th but have extended their lead over 8th placed Spen Victoria to 27 points.

Fantasy League updated but no FCL News I'm afraid

Just have a look at the table, what a shake up! Those that have Nichols R as their August Double yer Points man have rocketed up the table to replace those that have not. And leaders Ladak Aleem's 'Specialist Fielders' have seen their seemingly unassailable 400 point lead cut to just 43 - brother Adil now lying in 2nd place, ready to pounce.

Highest climbers this week are Horne C's Beeswing who rise 10 places to 13th; Horne M's Eenie Meenie Minie Mo climb 8 to 17th and Hartley S's Yorkshire Puddings enter the top 10 for the first time this season. What excitement! What drama! A fitting finale to the final FCL.

Quiz night reminder!

Please make every effort to come along on Saturday evening and boost club coffers.

There will be a quiz night taking place in the pavilion starting at approx 8.15pm. Questions posed by popular seamer Mark Wiley.

As usual a hot supper will be served and there will be a well stocked bar.

All welcome to attend what promises to be an enjoyable evening!

First among equals

Lightcliffe under 15's have won the Bradford Junior League South Division.

They tied for first place on points with Woodlands but were declared Champions as a result of their superior run rate. Only two games were lost during the season, one of those being the first game of the season when only 9 players were available!

The full report and statistics will be available at the end of season junior presentation on Saturday 19th September but it is clear that this was a real squad victory with Under 13s, 14s and 15s all playing a key role.
Congratulations to everyone who played for the team on a Sunday morning.

Many thanks to all the parents who helped-you have been our twelfth man all year- and particularly to Karl Kelly and Sue and Al Godden for umpiring and scoring most games. Also thanks to the tea room team for the bacon sandwiches!

The Under 15 Halifax Junior League team who play on a Wednesday evening finished third in their league, winning 4 out of the 5 games played.
6 games were lost to rain.
The one game lost was to Booth but revenge was gained as we beat them to reach our third consecutive Collinson Cup Final at 10am on Bank Holiday Monday at Copley CC.
Again, congratulations to everyone who played on a Wednesday evening and good luck in the final.

Richard Edwards

Nichols' knock in vain as Hill tower over Cliffe

There was some disbelief in Lightcliffe 1st XI’s dressing room after defeat to Windhill last Saturday. Having scored 224 for 8 in a match reduced to 45 overs a side because of bad weather, Lightcliffe appeared powerless to stop the onslaught from the Windhill batsmen as they blasted their way past the home side’s total inside 37 overs for the loss of just 3 wickets.

Opener Neil Johnson was the main contributor for the visitors, scoring 74 but it was a violent 57 from Farakh Hussain that took the game from Lightcliffe. The left handed Hussain struck the ball powerfully as he raced to 50 in just 33 balls and secured a memorable victory to keep his side’s chances of promotion well and truly alive.

Not even an extra fielder in the form of a hedgehog scuttling across the outfield could help Lightcliffe. The 3.2 over dash for cover from the spiny mammal seemingly distracted only the fielding side as Windhill marched on.

Earlier in the day Lightcliffe captain, Richard Nichols had constructed a supreme 128 not out, his second century of the season, to put Lightcliffe in a commanding position at the tea break. Nichols’ chanceless innings showed the crowd just what a stylish and classy batsman he is as he stroked the ball around the ground. That the next top score in the Lightcliffe innings was the extras with 29, further underlines the quality of the innings.

However, Nichols’ efforts proved in vain as Windhill showed the winning ability that has made them such a surprise package this season and seen them secure third spot with an excellent chance of moving up a division next season.

Lightcliffe meanwhile remain in 7th and visit leaders Bankfoot this weekend in what will be a stern test, particularly as they will be without Nichols and opening bowler Adil Ladak.

Howzat for praise as LCC leads the way on umpires pitch reports

Congratulations to our hard working ground team led by Rod Heyhoe who have achieved fantastic marks from umpires and captains for the condition of our ground.

We came top of the tree for umpires marks about the pitch and are in the top five for the outfield assessments. A brilliant result.

We also achieved consistently good marks from captains for the condition of our pitch.

This confirms what everyone knows. That LCC is a wonderful ground to play cricket on and has a fantastic ground team who should be proud of these marks.

Congratulations to Rod, Robert Brooke and Paul Hayman for leading the way and keeping LCC's well earned reputation as the best place to play cricket at in the Bradford League. Keep up the good work guys!

The full report can be read on the JCT 600 Bradford League Website.

Nothing to beef about as Sun rises to the occasion

The Sun Inn shone brightly on LCC players and officials again at the weekend with another free carvery complete all the trimming served up.

This is the third week in a row the Sun has shown such humbling hospitality.

Again a big thanks from everyone at LCC for the kindness of our main sponsors.

Tom Powe said: "It was another great feed. I would urge everyone to come along to the Sun after the game to enjoy this feast of food. Expect this week that is when they should be at the quiz night. Thank you, Sun Inn."

3rds get the winning habit as Kelly Gang star

Illingworth 3rd XI 106-10 lost to Lightcliffe CC 3rd XI 111-2 by 8 wickets
16th August 2009

A second consecutive maximum 20 points, in the season’s second 30 over morning start, boosted the 3rds chances of avoiding the drop, with Illingworth’s batting collapsing in the face of irrepressible bowling from the Kelly Gang.

Generally, Lightcliffe bowled well, using the cloudy conditions. Evan Edwards was tight early on removing the opener. Further swing from David Knight and Chris Gorringe delivered 3 more wickets. The fielding was the clichéd curate egg - good in parts.
The good - demonstrated by Captain for the day Colin Saunders. Leaping like a Giant Ent felled by Orc Axes, Colin’s full-stretch right handed catch (his first this year), set the bar high. This was matched by Gorringe who succeed (where Colin had not), in leaving mother earth to hold a two handed catch.
The less good – opening bowler Tom Denham who failed to hold onto a regulation return catch off his own bowling. “I was just too early” said Tom later. When asked to clarify if he meant he had snatched at the chance, Tom responded – “No, I was too early – I’m normally asleep at 1030 in the morning”. Ah yes, – teenagers. (NB – this is a genuine quote folks, not the often libellous musings from the pen of M Brooke Esq.)

Roll up Kelly, to roll up Illingworth. Again encouraged to throw the ball in the air, the initial signs were not promising with Marcus going for 15 from his first 2 overs. Saunders kept faith with his young protégé - with success. 4 wickets in six deliveries resulted in a career best 5-18 at senior level, albeit against batting clearly incapable of coping with Marcus’ lack of pace.
A paternity suite looks a strong possibility. Eyebrows were raised when Mick Wood’s name appeared on the team sheet (with many believing Woody to be still nursing an injury). With shouts of “that’s my boy” and “well done, son” in response to Kelly’s wickets, spectators could have been fooled into believing it was father Carl donning whites (which would have been the first time in 2 decades). A typical Woodesque delivery, dismissing opener Cook for an excellent knock of 55, had precipitated the rout.

Illingworth’s collapse was profound: 90-3 to 106 all out in 4 overs. With 9 wickets in his last 3 games Kelly jnr has rocketed to 3rd in the wicket taking tables for the Sunday side.

The resulting total looked achievable and so it transpired. Knight again looked comfortable until being dismissed for 17. Saunders applied his usual tactic of waiting for his “shots” to arrive, in a pugilistic 41.
Chairman JM Brooke is hoping for fewer overs from junior opposition bowlers. A beefy pull by Saunders off U13 Smith, resulted in a one-bounce pavilion-aimed projectile.
The ball picked out 1st innings hero Kelly, who did what he normally does when the ball approaches in the field – he avoided it. Another cash-busting call to the LCC Glazier-in-Residence from JMB is now planned. This is the second broken pavilion window Master Kelly has been associated with this season. The committee meet tomorrow night to discuss an exclusion zone being put around the mop-haired 15 year old.
Ollie Hemmingway (47), mindful of his standings behind Saunders in the team’s batting averages, proceeded to run Colin out as he thumped his way to another red-inker and victory.



KDB

Grant disappear in game that never was.

The Under 11 season was due to end with an afternoon friendly match last Thursday 13th August against touring side Cambridge Granta CC. It was also intended as an opportunity for some LCC juniors with limited exposure to “open” cricket to have a taster of things to come next year.

The game had been planned in the close season, being the final fixture of a short Yorkshire Tour by the Cambridgeshire side. All appeared well on the Monday evening, when checking in with tour manager Ian Reid (to discuss catering arrangements).

On Thursday morning however, a distraught phone call from an upset and apologetic Grant U11 parent to Team Manager Kev Booth, revealed an acrimonious split had occurred within the touring Party with a number having departed south the previous day.

Undeterred, and with another perfect Heyhoe pitch to utilise, an impromptu 6 a side match amongst the ever keen LCC U11 team, was organised with 2 guest players – former HGS wicketkeeper Nigel Broadbent (father of team regulars Jake & Regan) and Gary Severn (who may be known to some of our club members!). (See photo)
A tight match ensued.

Gary was unable to remove son Tom (who was amusingly unimpressed with Dad’s track record, even refusing to have a guard). Upon later clean bowling 10 year old John Eliot, Gary was heard to whisper “another one for the averages”. Severn was however ill-advised to shuffle back and across, to be trapped lbw by LCC skipper for the day George Ayrton, resulting in a tied match, 85 apiece.

The club’s own sleuth John “Bloodhound” Brooke (who appeared during the game) has committed to leaving no stone unturned in pursuit of a fuller explanation the bizarre non-show of our opponents (whom we wish well).

KB

Heroic Hartley hammers hundreds before sensational Sam strikes

Lightcliffe 2nd X1 v Windhill 2nd X1, 15th August 2009

Lightcliffe Seconds kept up their promotion form with an emphatic 123 run victory over Windhill in the JCT600 Bradford League Second Teams Division Two. They now lie in second place trailing Bingley by 4 points and 6 ahead of Spen Victoria in third with two teams to go up.

Put into bat after rain had delayed the start and reduced the match to 45 overs per side, Lightcliffe lost Michael Brooke and Bruce Lunn early on. Brooke’s morning dash back from skipper Gaz Stevens’ wedding in Worcester proved in vain as he was ruled leg before for 2 to one that might just have clipped a second set. This gave him plenty of time in the pavilion to consider the long trip back to find his car keys and reclaim his vehicle! (mission accomplished thanks to former LCC pace ace Richard Tesseyman - ed) Steve Hartley and David Knight (10) consolidated with a fifty partnership before Rick Powe (45) joined the opener to take the game away from Windhill with some powerful strokeplay in a stand of 122. Hartley, riding his luck on occasions, went on to make a run a ball 115. Ollie Hemmingway and Joe Duffy combining well at the end to lift the total to 216 for 5.

Steady drizzle delayed the Windhill reply and reduced it to 35 overs. Sam Godden, playing his last game before a year in the United States, rattled the home side with clean bowling the top three with pacy deliveries to reduce them to 38 for 3. To their credit Windhill continued to play aggressively and look for the victory but Godden and evergreen Roger Stead proved too good. Godden picked up two more wickets, one down to a superb classical diving effort at point by Bruce Lunn, to give him 5 for 36 and Stead had three positive lbw shouts to collect 3 for 18. James Godden took the last wicket to dismiss Windhill for just 91 in under 20 overs and record a 19 point victory for the villagers.

Skipper Rick Powe was delighted with result and enthused. “This was an important victory” he said. “Batting with Harto was a real pleasure for me and the watching crowd. It was an education to see him rattle up another century. Three more wins should see us promoted back to the top division. We are taking one game at a time though and keeping our feet firmly on the ground.

Lightcliffe entertain Bankfoot on Saturday and will be looking for a victory to secure their top two position.

SH

Fantasy News Updated!

Latest version there for all to see by clicking on the link above!

LCC Social 22.8.09

There will be a bumper quiz in the LCC pavilion on Saturday 22 August.

It promises to be a fun packed evening, with hot supper and well stocked bar.

Everyone is welcome. Please spread the word and help raise as much money as possible for LCC coffers.

More details to follow.

The quiz starts at approx 8.15pm.

Early starts kick in this week

NOTE TO ALL PLAYERS.

This weekend's games start at 1pm and not 1.30pm as stated in our fixture card and the JCT Bradford League Website.

The Bradford League has sent a mail round to all clubs and will be updating their site.

So, leave the pubs half an hour earlier on Friday night as games start at 1pm not 1.30pm.

Thomo's raw pace and muscle's power set up seconds success

Lightcliffe 2nd XI kept up there title chasing bid, and a quick return to the top flight with an impressive victory of local neighbours Brighouse. Brighouse on a glorious day won the toss and chose to bat on a ‘road’ of a wicket. Credit must be given to Farsley cricket club for the preparation of the pitch as a result of the game being re-arranged to take place at Farsley due to the annual Brighouse hockey tournament.

It didn’t take long for the opening attack for Lightcliffe of Aleem Ladak and James Godden to remove 2 early Brighouse wickets leaving the home side in trouble at 17-2. However, after the 3rd Brighouse wicket fell skipper James Curtis came to the crease and put on a partnership with Marrawat Hussain of 80 runs. This was aided in some sense by the Lightcliffe’s aggressive field of 3 slips and 3 gullies in a search for wickets.

It was the raw pace of former Brighouse player Richard Thompson, who finished with 4 wickets for 53 runs, that eventually removed Curtis and Hussain. Following their departure Brighouse could only make it to 160 all out in 30 overs. There was also cheer in the dressing room for Lightcliffe’s Bruce Lunn who captured his first league wicket in 5 years. Done, of course, in a classical manner.

Lightcliffe’s response got off to a steady start with skipper Gareth Stevens and vice captain Rob Crookes picking off the any stray bowling from the Brighouse opening bowlers. The pair took the score to 44 before Crookes was adjudged out LBW for the 13th time this year, unlucky for some. Stevens continued to pick off the bad bowls at one end and was able assisted in the run chase by a quick fire 27 from teenage Joe Duffy.

Lightcliffe had a little wobble with the score on 127 losing 2 quick wickets, with both Oli Hemmingway (13) and Rick Powe (0) providing easy catching practice to the fielding side, and giving young spinner Danish Hussain 2 of his 3 wickets. Stevens steadied the ship to see Lightcliffe home to a six wicket victory finishing unbeaten on 73 to give Lightcliffe a 17 point win and taking them back into 2nd spot in the table and hot on the heels of top spot.

Richard Thompson said: “It was a real thrill to get four wickets against my old club. I’ve been itching to have the ball thrown to me all season and I was delighted to get a go. It was coming out nicely from ball one. Gutted I didn’t get a ‘five for’ but it was a great team effort and the promotion charge is on.”

Lightcliffe travel to Windhill next Saturday in search of a win to keep up their title bid.

It's a perfect "10" as 3rds gain maiden "20"

Lightcliffe CC 3rd xi 250-10 beat Booth CC 169-10 by 81 runs
9th August 2009

The first 10 wicket League haul for the Sunday side and a strong all-round performance, produced an overdue maximum 20 points, on the same ground where 3 weeks previous the team had so disappointed in the Cup Final.

Booth (the place and the player) looked beautiful in the August sunshine. Fate had initially intervened the previous evening. A chance encounter by Chairman of Selection Lunn with “gorgeous” Evan Edwards, during another excellent “team carvery” (thanks once again Sun Inn!), ensured the promising junior filled the 11th spot generated by the usual last minute text to Bruce’s hot-line. A man-of the match display resulted.

Skipper for the day Mark Whiley called correct and chose to bat with glee. Kevin Booth’s strategic use of thigh pad ensured that David Knight saw plenty of bowling in the first 10 overs and his 38-ball 50 included 9 boundaries. Unfortunately despite Kev’s mentoring (the next ball being the most important etc etc) “Millhouse” chose to try to put ball 39 onto Midgley Moor and was bowled middle stump. A rare Saunders failure, allowed Ollie Hemingway to buy some crease-time with a super 56.

Ollie’s dismissal mid innings prompted a home Umpire-induced wobble. Firstly Whiley was adjudged lbw sweeping, followed 2 balls later by the wooden-padded Brian Powe got what is currently know at test level as a “Bopara”.

A mixture of classical shots and reverse sweeps in Evan’s 42 including a productive partnership with Kristian Sharples (19) took the team over 200, but not to a total the senior players felt was easily defendable.
Arrive Messrs Denham and Kelly. The two Under 15’s put on an excellent 35 run 10th wicket partnership and a psychologically strong 250.
The were no fewer than 5 partnerships of over 30 – the first time this year that the side had shown depth in the batting department.

Edwards was absent from the post tea warm up. He was discovered gelling his hair by his junior colleagues despite protestations he was looking for sun cream. It certainly meant he cut a stylish figure going for 10 in his first over. We have subsequently had information through from girlfriend Jen, that Evan is Extra Firm (in the gel department).

Success was forthcoming though, with the dangerous Jamil (300 plus runs against us in the last 3 innings) caught by keeper Booth for only 17.
A 2nd wicket should have been forthcoming soon afterwards, as Edwards trapped opener Hammid on the crease. “Homer’s” rule book appeared to have changed however, declaring at the drinks interval it was going down leg. In another Dimension this may have been the case, but most LCC money was for middle & off. Edwards fumed away towards the boundary, ruining his half time coiffure in the process.

Hammid (75) then proceeded to be the main threat. Steady bowling though by Chris Gorringe, Tom Denham, Sharples and Marcus Kelly (whose slow bowling looked promising when occasionally trusting to flight) gradually chipped away at the home side to leave them needing 120 from 17 overs, but still with 5 wickets left

A shrewd decision by skipper Whiley to bring Edwards back early, proved the key move.
Still gorgeous but now growling, Evan cleaned up the opener with pace (Hammid kindly backing away towards square leg to avoid confusion as to the ball’s direction).
A further 3 wickets in 12 balls, stats of 5-35 and 2 catches meant the MOM was a formality.
Mark Whiley taking the 10th wicket was the perfect finish.

KDB

1sts drub Brighouse

It was Lightcliffe who claimed bragging rights in the derby game last weekend as they meted out a drubbing to local rivals Brighouse in the JCT 600 Bradford Cricket League Division 2.

On a glorious afternoon at Lightcliffe’s Wakefield Road ground it was the home side that took first use of another excellent pitch, amassing a huge 259 for 8. Captain Richard Nichols was the main contributor with a fluent 86, taking advantage of some, at times, indifferent Brighouse bowling. Nichols was backed up by his vice captain Jocky Wilson, with whom he put on 73 for the 2nd wicket, Wilson contributing 49.

James Horne and Umar Salim also batted well scoring 33 and 30 respectively and with Simon Black hitting a quickfire 24 at the end Lightcliffe were able to post a very challenging total.

For Brighouse Sagir Khan and Solly Hussain both claimed two wickets and skipper Paul Cummins bowled yet another economical spell of off spin, his 15 overs going for 46 runs.

In reply Brighouse got off to flying start, Cummins and fellow opener Chris Curtis taking advantage of some attacking fields. After Curtis fell, bowled by Black for 7, number 3 Charlie Holdsworth continued the attacking approach taking the score to 74 for 1 with Cummins.

However, once Holdsworth had holed out to Wilson off Salim, Brighouse lost all momentum as tight bowling and a steady fall of wickets turned the game heavily in Lightcliffe’s favour and it became a question of how many bonus points the respective sides could collect.

Brighouse eventually succumbed, being bowled out for 146 in the 48th over. Cummins was the mainstay of the batting contributing a polished 63, before being trapped LBW by a gleeful Danny Keighley, while Gary Sagar hung around to score 16. The Lightcliffe bowling attack shared the wickets, Adil Ladak taking 3 with 2 each for Black, Nichols and Keighley.

“This was a great team performance by the boys,” noted Lightcliffe’s Keighley, “Most of the batsmen contributed and all the bowlers took wickets - very satisfactory. It puts us in a good mood for the challenging weeks ahead.”

The result means Brighouse remain firmly rooted to the bottom of the table, while Lightcliffe have consolidated their position of 7th. Brighouse host Hartshead Moor this weekend with Lightcliffe facing high flying Windhill, the first of consecutive fixtures against the top three sides.

Entertainers entertain us in LCC FCL!!

Latest FCL news and tables have been entered.

Photo montage added

Many thanks to Duncan Powe for snapping over 150 photos in recent weeks.

A selection have now been added. Just arrow down the photos section.

They include 20/20 action, random shots of the ground, 1sts v Bowling Old Lane and Enjoy Cricket Week.

More to follow in the coming days!

Plenty of Yorkshire Life at LCC

An edited version of the fantastic Yorkshire Life article on LCC can be found in the link below.

To read the full piece we would urge you to rush out an buy a copy of Yorkshire Life from your local newsagent.

The article is a credit to Rebecca Baird and her hard working team.

http://www.yorkshirelife.co.uk/main-menu-food-and-drink-howzat-for-a-high-tea?--188498

Help Paul to keep it up!

Lightcliffe socialite and long serving player Paul Ramsden writes:-

'Two months ago I foolishly agreed, before the fixtures were released, to cycle to Huddersfield Town’s first away game of the new season to raise funds for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, which relies 100% on charitable donations to keep operating.

This could have resulted in a 15 mile ride to Leeds or a slightly more taxing 20 mile pedal to Oldham.

But cruelly, the football fixture computer chose Southend United as the first away game.

So, next Wednesday, 5th August, I embark upon a 220+ mile cycle to (sunny?) Sarfend on Sea on the Essex coast hoping to arrive before the 3pm kick off on Saturday 8th!!

The ride has been christened ‘Pedal for Pounds’ as part of the “Keep It Up” campaign - www.keepitup.org.uk

My training has been limited and has been a maximum of 40 miles in a day and this was a 20 mile ride to Ilkley with a 3 hour break for lunch at my brother in laws before the 20 mile ride home!

As I only own a £39 Tesco special mountain bike, I am indebted to friends Andy and Roger for the loan of their road bikes, although it is proving rather difficult to get used to the seats!!! I also am lucky that Tog 24 have a cycling range as part of their summer 2009 range.

The full itinerary is:

Weds 5th Aug - Huddersfield to Lincoln – 67 miles

Thursday 6th Aug - Lincoln to Peterborough – 56 miles

Friday 7th Aug - Peterborough to Chelmsford – 76 miles

Saturday 8th Aug - Chelmsford to Southend – 21 miles

The Yorkshire Air Ambulance is one of those services you hope never need but also expect to be available in the event an incident or accident occurs. It is an independent charity providing a life saving rapid response emergency service to 5 million people across England’s largest county Yorkshire and neighbouring counties. They fly 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, covering a vast landscape that not only includes major cities and motorways, but also rural and isolated locations. All the medical staff are seconded from the NHS.

To keep providing this life saving service the YAA charity needs to raise a staggering £7200 per day to keep both of Yorkshire's Air Ambulances maintained and in the air.

Unbelievably, this service receives no governmental support and relies 100% on charitable donations, so please dig deep and donate now at

www.justgiving.com/Paul-Ramsden

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

I hope to raise £1000 and thank you for any contributions towards this goal - if you know anybody else who might like to donate, please forward them this email.

Thank you for visiting my Just Giving page and helping me to “Keep it Up!!!'.

PR

In praise of the Sun Inn

The Sun Inn pub has been very hospitable to the cricket club this season with an excellent sponsorship package in place.

And the popular boozer/restaraunt excelled again on Saturday when called upon to feed hungry bellies.

With the normal garlic bread, wedgies and assorted cuisine not available the Sun stepped in to offer a free carvery, complete with all the trimmings, to the eight players still drinking. A commendable gesture. Many thanks to the Sun.

In fact, the food was nearly as good as the 'Ashes breakfasts' that are served up at one long serving LCC player's house on test match Sundays.

Leading wicket taker Aussie pro Simon Black said: "What a weekend for meals! A carvery on Saturday followed by a luxury breakfast with lashings of sausages, eggs and beans. I cannot thank the chefs enough.

"There are five games to go in the season and my message is 'throw me the ball'. I'm hungry for more wickets and to help us end the season on a high."

Photos coming soon

Duncan Powe has kindly provided the website with dozens of new photos.

The Deputy Chairman has been waiting patiently for them to appear on the site.

Watch this space for the photos appearing this week.

They will be worth the wait!

What a wash out

There was little to cheer for cricket lovers on Saturday on a day more suited to November than high summer.

The first team lingered around until 4pm on Saturday but mid afternoon rain put an end to any hope of play.

Jocky Wilson said: "It was a bit depressing to be honest but no one can influence the weather. I'd had a dream that I would get a big score as well. Gutted, but we move on to Brighouse next week looking for a big win."

Over at LCC things were a bit brighter and the seconds started on time thanks, yet again, to Rod and his team.

Things went well for Rick Powe and his men. Spen limped to 117 for 7, until a downpour wiped play out for the day. However, our three bonus points could prove crucial in the end of season shake up. Aleem Ladak and Aidan Edwards were the pick of the bowlers with three wickets each.

Rick Powe said: "I would have fancied us to knock them off even if we'd had ten overs in which to do it.

"A good shift from our bowlers and we are looking for a maximum haul against Brighouse next week."

Tom revels in first team roll

LCC all rounder Tom Powe has added another string to his bow in recent weeks with some fine fielding displays.

Tom's close catching and diving stops in the 2nds have earned him a deserved promotion to the 1sts as we move into August(us).

And last week the committee's faith was justified as he fielded like a gazelle to save upteen boundaries and keep the Bowling Old Lane score below 250.

He rightly picked up a fielding point for his graft and keeps his place at the top table for the visit to Morley.

In previous seasons Tom would have re-fulled with crisps and cakes. Not any more. On Thursday night he was seen jogging round LCC and catching steeplers in a bid to earn another point on Saturday.

Grreat committment from TP and shows what can be achieved with a winter fitness drive.

Seconds lose out in the Park

With Gareth Stevens on his stage do in Chester (a good night out by all accounts) the ginger bull dog Richard Powe was given captaincy duties for the seconds.

After winning the toss at the picturesque Roberts Park ground, Richard had no hesitation in asking the home side to bat. With a few bowlers, missing it was time for a bit of ‘Amir time’ as Amir Yaqub took the new ball with James Godden.

All the bowlers stuck to their task well, but it was the Roger Stead who bowled like a nifty fox and got three inexpensive wickets. The team stuck to their task well in the field.

In reply, LCC never really got going. Batting talent David Knight once again impressed with a half century and there were useful contributions from others including the consistent Rob Crookes and Powe.

The seconds gained seven points which keeps them in the promotion hunt, but it knocks them down to second place in the table.

After the game vice captain Rob Crookes said: “Yeah it was disappointing, but that’s the way it goes sometimes. We missed Gareth in the field and one or two other players but we are still in the promotion hunt. We have six games to go. I think we need four victories. The run in starts here.”

Another successful and enjoyable 'enjoy cricket week'

Young cricketers from across the district poured into LCC last week for a week of 'enjoy cricket'.

The event has been running for a number of years now and continues to go from strength to strength.

The onus is on enjoying cricket, but there is also a serious side as the youngsters benefitted from some top level coaching throughout the week.

A number of LCC players and officials helped out on the pitch and in the tearoom, including LCC Pro Simon Black who took a rest from watching the Ashes slip through the Aussies fingers to attend.

The event would not have been such a success without this invaluable help. Once again the playing facilities were first class thanks to Rod, and his trusted right hand men messers Brooke and Haymen.

It was estimated that well over 100 young cricketers attended throughout the week.

Organiser Duncan Powe said: "It was once again a very well attended 'enjoy cricket week'. A big thanks to everyone who helped out and made the week such a success."

Latest Fantasy News Released

Click top right

1sts end losing streak!

The 1sts returned to winning ways last weekend when they beat visitors Bowling Old Lane in another close game at Wakefield Road.

Batting first, Old Lane got off to a brisk start thanks in the main to opener Ehsan Ghani who played attacking shots from the off. He took advantage of some sloppy Lightcliffe fielding which saw him dropped 3 times during his innings of 64, before he was superbly caught by Mark Horne.

At 111 for 1 with 20 overs remaining, the visitors were looking likely to post a challenging total but some tight bowling saw Lightcliffe claw their way back into the game. Skipper Richard Nichols led the way with a superbly economical spell, his first nine overs going for just 13 runs. Nichols was backed up by strike bowlers Adil Ladak (3 for 50) and Simon Black (2 for 61) who both bowled excellent spells towards the end of the innings.

A quickfire 29 from Amjad Khan, ably supported by an excellent 43 not out from Wajid Hussain, saw Old Lane post a competitive 215 for 5.

Lightcliffe started their reply strongly, with Michael Brooke striking the ball well on his way to an excellent half century – his eighth consecutive score of 50 or more. Simon Black helped Brooke put on 49 for the first wicket before being deceived by a slower ball from Kamran Siddique.

Despite Black’s dismissal, Lightcliffe continued to score quickly, reaching a healthy 84 for 1 at the halfway stage and then 111 for 3 with 17 overs left, Jocky Wilson (21) and Brooke both departing.

This brought Umar Salim and James Horne to the crease and they proceeded to construct a century partnership at more than a run a ball to take Lightcliffe to within a whisker of victory. However, with 1 run needed and 15 balls remaining Salim was dismissed for a match winning 52, leaving Horne (49 not out) and Nichols to finish the job.

This victory ends a run of seven straight defeats for the 1sts going back to the end of May and will come as a huge relief to the club. They travel to Morley at the weekend and will hope for more of the same to boost their league position as the season enters its final month.

Kev comes out of purdah and speaks of final heartache

Nine days on since the thirds disappointing final defeat, skipper Kev Booth has emerged from a darkened room and spoken of his "final heartache".

The thirds just didn't show up for the Booth showpiece and failed to post a defendable total of a green seamer.

The experienced Booth (the player, not the place) has seen it all in a career spanning four decades but he admitted to website HQ that this defeat was a "tough one to take".

Kev said: "We had beaten Norden the week before in the league and went into the game with high hopes. It just wasn't meant to be.

"The toss was important. The fact I flipped the coin with water coming over my boots made me think it would be a good one to win. We lost it unfortunately.

"Fair play they bowled well and our lads battled well. Credit to Will Gough and Josh McLean for their last wicket stand which at least gave us a fighting chance.

"It's taken a few days to take in the defeat, but we can look back on a great run and some fine cricket along the way. I was proud to lead the team into the final."

Yorkshire Life feature on LCC's tea room

One of the highlights of the season has been the wonderful teas, cakes, and hospitable service of hard working Rebecca Baird and her dedicated staff.

This month's Yorkshire Life and a fantastic feature on our tearoom with a wonderful write up and stunning photos.

This brilliant coverage is the least Rebecca and her staff deserve for their fine efforts this season.

Website HQ would urge everyone to rush to their local newsagents and snap up a copy of Yorkshire Life as the article is well worth a read.

Keep up the good work Rebecca!

Under 13s just miss out at Spen

In the penultimate game of the season the under 13’s played Spen Victoria for the fourth time this year. With four regular team members away on holiday and one of the leading bowlers injured it was time to call up three players from the under 12’s and Jack Booth, Jordan Pickles and Charlie Sutcliffe came into the side.

Lightcliffe batted first on a slow wicket, which proved difficult to score runs on, added to which Spen,s bowlers, for the most part were accurate and gave little away. Max Sheldrake and Harry Sutcliffe opened, Max being caught behind for 2 in the fifth over which brought Patrick Wild to the wicket. Harry was bowled for 4 in the seventh and Matthew Barnes joined Patrick. They both found scoring difficult and eventually Matthew was bowled for 4.

Ben Armitage batted for some time and helped Patrick, who was beginning to come to terms with the wicket but then Ben was out for 5. This brought Jordan Pickles to the wicket for his first innings at the under 13’s level. He settled in well and together with Patrick played an equal role in the best partnership of the night. When Patrick retired on 32 in the 18th over. Louis Barker joined Jordan and they remained unbeaten at the end of the 20th over. Jordan had scored an invaluable 21 not out and Louis 1 not out.
With 14 extras Lightcliffes total was 83 for 4 wickets.

Defending a small total is never easy but Spens batsmen were made to work for their runs. It took them 18 overs to reach their target against some of the most accurate bowling produced by Lightcliffe this season. Senior and Dowling opened and struggled against the bowling of Harry Sutcliffe and Patrick Wild. Harry bowled Dowling for 5 in the 3rd over.

Harry finished with 1 wkt for 15 runs in 3 overs. Then Patrick had Wells caught by Harry at mid on for 8 and Spen were 2 down. Patrick finished with 1 wkt for 9 runs in 3 overs. Louis Barker took over from Patrick and in his first over had Padgett caught by Patrick at backward square for 4. This brought Brooke to the wicket and together with Senior they took the score close to their target. Senior retired on 30 and Trueman joined Brooke and Spen still needed 20. Next to bowl was Jack Booth another our under 12’s. He bowl a miserly spell of 2 overs for 4 runs. Charlie Sutcliffe the third of our under 12’s took up the challenge and in his second over had Brooke caught by Patrick moving backwards, for 19. Charlies final figures were 1 wkt for 8 runs in 2 overs. Edmunds joined Trueman and they reached the required target. Both batsmen being 5 not out.
With only 9 extras Spens total was 85 for 4 wickets.

And then one day you find ten years have got behind you.

Is it really ten years since Mohammed Kaif's considerable talents were on display at LCC? The article below was in the Brighouse Echo last Friday. Great memories.

'IT is not every day that a Test cricketer telephones. But this was the case when Lightcliffe Cricket Club chairman John Brooke and former skippers Paul Ramsden and James Horne took a call.
Indian cricket star Mohammad Kaif was visiting Yorkshire for one night as he was guesting for the Lashings XI, the world's foremost charity cricket club, in Hull on Friday. And Kaif, who boasts 13 Test caps, with a top score of 148 not out against the West Indies, plus 125 one day international appearances for India, was keen to catch up with his former team mates and club chairman.

"I was amazed but delighted to hear Kaif's voice on the line," Ramsden told the Echo. Kaif played for Lightcliffe in the Bradford League ten years ago in 1999, before captaining India Under 19's to a World Cup win in 2000.

Since then he has reached the pinnacle of cricket achievement by becoming a regular in the Indian international set up.
Ramsden continued: "He remains a modest and unassuming chap considering, in a cricket mad country, he cannot do normal things such as going to the cinema without being mobbed. I think he is enjoying the anonymity much of Britain affords him."
Kaif's stardom has risen to the point where he commanded a signing-on fee of US $675,000 (£300,000 approx) for the Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League, plus lucrative match fees and has numerous sponsorship and endorsement deals on top of his substantial earnings from the Test and one day scene.
"We spent a couple of hours with him and shared a joke about how far he had gone, bearing in mind ten years ago he was working in a pizza and kebab takeaway in Batley, and was being paid £30 per match to play for Lightcliffe as six members gave £5 each to keep him above the poverty line!!
His season with us was his first time out of India but now he travels the globe but he remembered a night out at the Majestyk nightclub in Leeds, when his eyes nearly popped out of his head.
Kaif, who hails from the remote region of Utter Pradesh which is not renowned for its cricketers, is in the UK as he played a major role with 38 runs at Lords in the victory for Rajasthan Royals versus Middlesex in a play-off between the champions of the IPL and the champions of the UK domestic Twenty/20 competition.
His success at international level comes as no surprise to those at Lightcliffe who remember his many fine innings for the Wakefield Road club. Kaif comfortably won the batting averages for the Bradford League Second Division and his innings' included two scores of over 150 not out.

The Lightcliffe captain at the time, Andy Baxter, said: "Kaif was the best player he had ever played with or against."

"This was a big statement, as Andy had played for and against many top quality players in his cricket career," added Ramsden. The only surprise for Lightcliffe members is that Kaif made his name in the one day game rather than the Test Arena, where most felt he would prosper.

Kaif re-affirmed a promise made to Mr Lightcliffe, Rod Heyhoe, that he would return for another season when playing commitments allow. He signed off by inviting any of his former team mates to visit India, and suggested the time of the IPL tournament the best time to be there.'

Club gets national exposure

LCC gained national exposure at the weekend when a letter from club member Bob Horne was published in the Observer. Writing in response to an article earlier this month about Bradford, Bob wrote:

"Sarfraz Manzoor writes that Saltaire Circket Club "is unique (in Bradford) in encouraging racially mixed teams". But most cricket teams in the various Bradford leagues, including my own, are racially mixed, and have been for decades. While there are a few all-Asian teams near the city centre, in areas almost exclusively populated by Asian families, many of these are run by white Bradfordians who have been involved with the clubs all their lives. There is a Sunday league that has become all-Asian, but to suggest there is a white equivalent gives the false impression there is racism in Bradford local cricket.
Bob Horne
Lightcliffe Cricket Club, Bradford Cricket League, Halifax"

Not content with using his spare time to write letters to the press, Bob has also been penning articles for the cricket section of the Channel 5 web site. Co-ordinated by ex-Lightcliffe batsman, David Smith, the site also includes regular articles from Simon Hughes and Mark Nicholas.

Check out the latest here.

Fantasy News Online

This week's news and update to the LCC FCL table now available by clicking on the Fantasy XI link.

Brave 3rds miss out in Booth final

After a fine cup run the 3rds lost out to Norden in last Sunday's final.

A full report of the angony and anguish of the final hurdle fall soon.

Good team effort keeps 2nds on top of the pile

Lightcliffe 2nd X1 v Hartshead Moor 2nd X1, 18th July 2009

Lightcliffe Seconds made no mistake against neighbours Hartshead Moor with an emphatic 96 run victory to extend their lead to nine points at the top of the table in the JCT600 Bradford League Second Teams Division Two.

Lightcliffe chose to bat first on a remarkably dry pitch considering the Friday monsoon. All credit to Rod Heyhoe and assistants Robert Brooke and Paul Hayman for managing the new covers to perfection. Rob Crookes and Steve Hartley both went earlier to the swinging new ball but young star David Knight and run machine Michael Brooke, after some early caution, started to make batting look easy. Knight made an excellent 47 in a partnership of 73 and Brooke went on to register 71, his eighth successive League score of over 50. Gareth Stevens (29) and Rick Powe (23) supported Brooke well before a devastating display of hitting by Sam Godden (33 not out) and Roger Stead (20 not out) added 53 in the final five overs. The home side’s total of 267 for 8 in the 50 overs secured maximum bonus points and set a challenging target.

James Godden struck early in the visitor’s reply removing skipper Chris Mould for 4 bur Ward and Evans then combined well to add 103 for the 2nd wicket although the 30th over had been bowled before the 100 was registered. When James Godden returned to remove Evans and the wonderfully economical Roger Stead (2 for 38 in 15 overs) quickly picked up the next two the game had firmly swung the villager’s way. James’ older brother Sam Godden sealed it by removing the obdurate Ward for 69 and from then on, with the asking rate over ten per over, it was simply a case of how many wickets Lightcliffe could pick up for valuable bonus points. Tom Powe and Michael Brooke picked up a wicket a piece with another for Sam Godden and the visitors finished on 171 for 8 at 50 overs.

Skipper Gareth Stevens, who kept up his record of at least one catch in every game, said “this was an excellent victory and leaves us in good heart for the important game with Saltaire next week.” Stevens misses the next two weeks and will be hoping stand in captain Richard Powe can keep the recent run of victories going.

Tom Powe said: "A good day at the office. The slip corden need to sharpen up their act though."

Lightcliffe travel to Roberts Park on Saturday and will be looking to complete a double over the side currently in second place behind them.

SH

1sts go down at Spen

Lightcliffe 1st XI went down again last weekend, this time to Spen Victoria a side one place below them in the table. This stretches the losing streak to 7 matches and the side will be looking to turn things around this weekend when they host Bowling Old Lane.

Once again there was a tight finish last weekend, with Spen eventually prevailing in the 51st over of their innings having been gifted an extra 2 overs by the Wakefield Road side.

Batting first at Spen’s picturesque ground Lightcliffe posted a reasonable 190, thanks in large part to James Horne and Richard Thompson who scored 74 and 45 respectively. The pair came together with Lightcliffe in trouble on 72 for 5, grafting their way to a fine 109 run partnership against some tight Spen bowling, before Thompson became the fourth of Robert Warriner’s five victims.

With the score at this point 181 for 6 with 6 overs remaining, Lightcliffe looked in a good position to break the 200 mark and claim a fourth batting bonus point. However, they collapsed dramatically in the next four overs to set the home side a target of 191 and, crucially, giving them 52 overs in which to do this.

Spen started quickly in their reply, aided by some abject Lightcliffe bowling. Former Yorkshire player, Simon Kellet, breezed his way to 29 before being well caught at slip by Umar Salim off the bowling of Richard Nichols. Tosh Baker was next to go and again it was Nichols who took the wicket.

From hereon it was all Spen, ex-Lightcliffe man Peter Jackson being the pick of the batsmen, striking a fluent 62 to put his side in control of the game. Although the run rate crept up to 5 at one point, the hosts were always favourites to win the match, and a late flurry by Mohammed Maroof (39) put the game beyond doubt and left Lightcliffe to rue giving their opponents two extra overs.

Lightcliffe now sit 8th in the table and will be desperate to return to winning ways to turn their season around.

Under 13s robbed by the rain

Rain Stopped Play. U 13’S (16/07/09)

After playing themselves into what would have appeared to be an unbeatable position on Thursday last, the under 13 eleven were beaten by the rain. Playing at Wakefield Road against a Cleckheaton side, which this year is not very strong, Lightcliffe’s first four, Jasper Ayrton, Harry Sutcliffe, Patrick Wild and Max Sheldrake all retired after scoring 30. Matthew Barnes had scored 23, when, he was bowled, by the fourth ball, of the last over attempting the big hit. Brother Robert came to the wicket and hit a four and one off the last two, not out 5, leaving George Ayrton not out 15 at the other end. By the end of the 20th over the scoreboard showed 196 for 1 wicket. The Lightcliffe players who didn’t get the chance to bat in this run feast were Ben Armitage, Louis Barker, Hayden Lewis and Ben Stega-Jones.

Phil Dodd.

The rain had drizzled from about the eleventh over up to the close of the innings. As the players left the field the rain became heavier and in the next five to ten minutes turn into a downpour, making any chance of Cleckheaton batting impossible. The game was abandoned and we thank the Cleckheaton team for their sportsmanship through out the evening.

Under 15s reach 3rd successive Collinson Cup Final

In a closely fought encounter at Lightcliffe's Wakefield Road HQ, Lightcliffe Under 15s overcame a determined challenge from Booth Under 15s to reach their 3rd cup final in 3 years.
Booth batted first with great authority as both Helliwell and Wajid made accomplished 30s. Unfortunately, with Chris Greenwood being bowled by a wicked inswinging yorker from his namesake Joe Greenwood, Booth fell away from 75-1 to 82-7 with Evan Edwards taking 4 wickets in 7 balls.

In reply it was Edwards again, ( veteran of two previous finals), with a quickfire 33, who seized the initiative for Lightcliffe. The compact Tom Denham (21 not out) and Joe Greenwood (17) played with panache and Jack Sheldrake (11 not out) finished the game with some firm hitting.
Lightcliffe face Clayton in the final at Copley on Bank Holiday Monday.

Richard Edwards

Pre cup final media coverage for thirds

There was some excellent coverage on the third team in tonight's Courier (15 July).

Last week's victory over Norden made headline news in the sports section, with the Courier reporting of a welcome boost for the thirds as they gone into sunday's final at Booth in good heart.

LCC all-rounder Mick Wood will be especially pleased with the story as he seems to have lost a few years!

Copy the link below into your browser to read the full story:-

http://www.halifaxcourier.co.uk/local/Cricket-Lightcliffe39s-prefinal-boost.5459289.jp

Enjoy cricket week. Help needed!

The popular enjoy cricket week is only a matter of days away and help is needed to make the week a success.

We need volunteers to help out in the kitchen in the tea room throughout the week.

Even if it's an hour or so any help would be much appreciated. If you could bake a cake, bring a salad or do a pasta even better!

Please ring Duncan Powe on 01422 201699 if you can help out.

The event begins on Monday the 20st July and ends on Friday 24th July

Those invited to attend are children between the ages of 9 and 17, although the core of those attending is expected to be ages 15 and below. Enjoy Cricket Week is open to club members and non-members alike.

Each day begins at 10am and concludes at 3pm and daily attendance costs £2. Registration occurs once, on the first day attended.

An inspector calls as LCC set to be declared pitch perfect

We have been blessed with fantastic wickets again this season thanks to the hard work of Rod Heyhoe, ably assisted by Robert Brooke and Paul Hayman Maude.

These fine wickets don't happen by magic; Rod and his team put in hours of graft week in week out. Whether it's a first team or under 11 game the same preperation is done to make sure a good quality pitch is prepared.

So tonight (Tuesday 14 July) there will be a chance for Rod to see how good his tracks are when a Performance Quality Standard pitch inspection takes place.

This is not a bit of windown dressing. The JCT Bradford League has agreed these inspections with the English Cricket Board. They are paying £350 for our inspection fees.

The inspection will be carried out by YCB pitch inspector Kevin Byrne who will be at LCC at 5pm to cast his eyes on our playing surface.

Head Groundsman Rod Heyhoe said: "Anyone is welcome to come along and meet Kevin and see and hear at first hand from him as he does his tests etc. I think it will be really interesting.

"Kevin will do a full PQS check and test and then will write a full report on the state of our pitches and give recommendations for improving our playing surfaces."

So if you have a spare half an hour at 5pm, pop along to Wakefield Road and see the pitch inspection carried out.

1sts lose again!

Lightcliffe welcomed Idle to Wakefield Road on Saturday hoping to repeat their victory of earlier in the season against a side below them in Division 2 of the JCT 600 Bradford League

Having won the toss and electing to bat first Idle made a steady start moving to 42 without loss before Lightcliffe skipper Richard Nichols (4 for 31) struck, taking two wickets in three balls removing opener Tom Watson for 28 and Greg Pickles for a duck. This breathed some life into the home side and excellent tight bowling from Nichols and Umar, Umar Salim (2 for 34) kept the run rate down as Idle progressed to a shaky 124 for 7.

However, good late hitting from former Triangle man Kurtis Whippey (38) ably backed up by Shane Marshall (30) and aided by some indifferent Lightcliffe bowling, boosted the Idle total to what would prove to be a match winning 198.

Lightcliffe promoted all-rounders Danny Keighley and Simon Black to open the batting for them in the hope that their positivity would give the innings early impetus. This tactic was successful to a certain degree, with anything wayward from Marshall (0 for 25) being punished emphatically by Keighley. But the extra pace of Whippey (2 for 33) was proving altogether more difficult to despatch as he bowled a rapid opening spell that tested the skill and mettle of the opening pair.

With Keighley falling to first change bowler Sunil Matharu for 19, Black was joined by Jocky Wilson (49) with whom he took the score to 60 before falling to Whippey for 22. This brought Nichols (40) to the crease and he and Wilson produced what looked like a match winning stand of 71, taking the hosts to 131 with 14 overs remaining, before Nichols was bowled by Pickles.

Wickets then began to fall regularly; Wilson was next to go followed by James Horne (16) and Tahir Khan (7), run out after a mix up with Salim. Paul Ramsden (14no) produced some lusty blows to give Lightcliffe hope, and with 12 required from the last 12 balls it looked like they could take the game. However, an excellent penultimate over from Mahmood Rasool (2 for 49) yielded only two runs for the loss of Salim, meaning 10 was required off the last over. Despite the efforts of Ramsden and Mark Horne only four runs were possible meaning Lightcliffe had come up a fraction short of victory for the second time in three matches.

“I feel that if we had a bit of winning momentum and the confidence that this brings, we would have won both the recent close games,” reflected Nichols after the game. “The only consolation we can take is that it was another exciting game of cricket and we are continuing to be competitive.”

Lightcliffe will look forward to trying to get back to winning ways this weekend as they make the short trip to Spen Victoria, a team that has also found victory hard to come by in recent weeks.

Goz & Woody show upset form book.

Norden 213-9 lost to Lightcliffe CC 3rd xi 180-3 by 7 wickets (rain reduced)
12th July 2009

Lancashire weather and an unbroken 120 fourth wicket partnership, turned what had looked for long periods to be Norden victory into success for Lightcliffe, thereby adding intrigue to next week’s Cup Final between the 2 sides.

Pre-match preparations did not auger well for the Yorkshire side. The team started the first hour with 10 men awaiting Aidan Edwards’s arrival after his morning stint supplying weed (of the non hallucinogenic variety) to the patrons of Coley Nurseries. The presence of Bruce Lunn as stand-in umpire, meant that selection of a captain was merely a game of Eeny Meany Miny Mo. Mo (Jim Powe) won the toss, realised the Goat that was being used to cut the undulating Norden track was off sick and put Norden in to bat.

Jim was unfortunately still playing virtual party games 2 overs later. The normally watertight Powe hands at first slip, for once failed to complete a juggling act off a McLean-induced edge, allowing opener Fletcher to avoid a duck and eventually top score (68).

Lightcliffe then failed to make the most of the conditions and whilst bowling from Mick Wood and Josh McLean was steady, the occasional chances (some hard) that were created, were not accepted. That offered to Colin Saunders at backward point typified the case. Flat batted like a tracer bullet, Colin was caught checking the sponsor’s board on the Clubhouse wall with hands firmly placed on hips. The ball impacted just above the heart. Luckily Colin’s natural “body armour” prevented serious injury. “ I lost it in the flight” said the former Chalfont-St-Giles opener later, whilst nursing a bruised pectoral.

It took the slower pace of 3rd change bowler Tom Denham (who ended with 3-26) to finally extract an edge to keeper Kev Booth and break a 75 run opening stand.
Captain Jim then played mind games with the Norden no 3. Deliberately bowling slow leg side full tosses to the short boundary, he induced his opponent to break the wing mirror on his own car. The loss of a no claims bonus restricted the run flow temporarily (until the vehicle was removed) where after the run-fest recommenced.

Low bounce removed the more dangerous batters lbw; Wood and Mclean returned
with 2 wickets apiece, but a late Edwards 6 over spell failed to enthuse. A 200 plus total looked a challenge.

At 60-3 in reply, the challenge looked stiff. Showing admirable concentration Tom Gorringe and Wood applied themselves to the task of staying in and grinding out runs.
At 640pm and with a 50 run partnership in place, a heavy shower intervened and changed the game dynamics. A reduced target of 63 from 7 overs with 7 wickets in hand seemed to phase Norden, who went too much on the defensive. Grasping the initiative, Goz (86) and Woody (54) mixed easy singles with choice boundaries, to canter to a win with 2 overs.

Thirds gear up for cup final.

There will be a full preview later in the week of the 3rds cup final date with destiny.

The Sunday section cup final is at Booth this Sunday v Norden (2pm start).

Feast of midweek cricket continues

It's a crunch 20/20 game for LCC at East Bierley on Tuesday evening (14 July).

The start is at 6.15.

Pop along and cheer on the team!

Nothing idle about 2nds high tempo win

Lightcliffe 2nd X1 v Idle2nd X1, 11th July 2009

Lightcliffe Seconds consolidated their place at the top of the table with a clinical 10 wicket victory over Idle in the JCT600 Bradford League Second Teams Division Two.

Idle chose to bat first and Aleem Ladak and James Godden opened the attack with pace and accuracy but no luck. The first ten overs brought just ten runs but no wickets. It took Joe Duffy to break the deadlock with two wickets in his first over and at the 25 over half way mark the home side had made just 36 for 2. Roger Stead’s nagging accuracy then started to pay off as he picked up three wickets whilst conceding just 15 runs in his first 12 overs. Rightly restored to the first choice spinner birth Steve Hartley bold tidily and collected another victim at the other end. Openers Ladak (3 wickets) and Godden (one wicket) came back to polish off the tail and Idle subsided to 104 all out. Gareth Stevens pocketed three more catches to take his season’s total to a remarkable 21 including at least one in every game!

Michael Brooke and in form Rob Crookes started the Lightcliffe reply and, just 18 overs later, completed it as well. Brooke dealt with anything overpitched to complete and unbeaten 50 and Crookes, punishing anything short, was left on 39 as the villagers sailed past the Idle score to an early finish.

“I asked for real intensity today” said Stevens “and the lads responded. We need to carry this good form through the next few weeks”

The seconds are at home to Hartshead Moor next Saturday.

This week's Fantasy News now available

Read all about it by clicking the Fantasy XI link at the top right of this page.

This is a high

BREAKING NEWS.

Hon Treasurer Dave Curran confirms we are heading for a record breaking gala total!

Gala money still being counted

But it's looking like a record breaking amount.

Once again, thanks to everyone who helped out.

A full list of sponsors will be posted here shortly.

Under 15s hit mid season stride

After a tentative start the Under 15s are now playing some exceptional and at times heroic cricket.

A home league match against top of the table Spen Victoria on a fine Sunday morning produced a master class of running between the wickets in a 90 run partnership between Evan Edwards and James Godden (who were to complete their hundred partnership at PSL later the same day). The pair began a successful run chase of 132 ably supported by the imperious Marcus Kelly and Joe Greenwood that sent an over confident Spen team home empty handed and took Lightcliffe back into the title race.

A crushing victory at Blackley with fine performances all round saw the lads safely into the Collinson cup semi final-a home tie against Booth on Wednesday 15th July. Notably Ben Grech only ran 5 of his 33 runs whilst Tom Denham ran all but 8 of his 30. Well done to Olly Roughton for a PB of 11.

Sunday 28th June saw the juggernaut roll into Northowram where Marcus Kelly made light work of Fields 98 run target, cruising to his maiden half century in less than 13 overs. James Godden again chipped in with a handy 29.

Despite some stand out performances no one player can win a game and every run scored, catch held and shot saved by the team as a whole is what wins matches. The team spirit amongst the Under 15s is our secret weapon. So special mention goes to the lads who provide great fielding, batting & bowlng-James Lumb, Olly Roughton, Ali Butters, James Eastwood, Patrick Wild, Harry Sutcliffe, John Mount, Kris Sharples, Ben Grech, Sam Gleeson, Levi Mallin, Jack Sheldrake.

On Monday 29th June the Under 15s played Saltaire in the 3rd Round of the Bradford League Cup. Saltaire had 5 excellent bowlers who gave little in the way of easy runs. Frustrated, Lightcliffe’s batsmen produced some indisciplined shots. Marcus Kelly grafted for 15 invaluable runs and it was left to Man of the Match Tom Denham (17) and Ali Butters to smash rare boundaries and take the score to a measly 78 for 9.

Recent bowling performances did little to suggest that Lightcliffe could defend so small a total against a jubilant Saltaire outfit, but 5 bowling heroes and another 6 fielders performed a stunning rearguard action to demoralise the opposition. Opening with Marcus Kelly at his most terrifying, Saltaire surrendered 2 wickets to Harry Sutcliffe and Evan ‘Afridi’ Edwards who took a stunning catch over his head, running full tilt. Edwards’incessant urgings to his team kept the pressure up as, Joe Greenwood and Tom Denham produced their best spells of the season. It went down to the last over and the last ball. With 2 to win Saltaire managed only one and this titanic match was tied 78 each.

Everyone off to Saltaire to do it all again!
Amongst the crowd, those of a nervous disposition could hardly look and several non-believers were converted!

Under 13s back on track

Having played and lost to Northowram Fields at home last week (25/06/09) the under 13’s were away to them this (2/07/09) for the fourth meeting of the season. Leading with two wins to Northowrams one, the pressure was on to make it three to one.

Patrick Wild won the toss and Lightcliffe decided to bat. Jasper Ayrton and Max Sheldrake appeared to be under no pressure and had taken the score to 30 in the seventh over when, Max hit Firth high but not quite far enough, and was caught by Bowman in the deep, after scoring 16. Patrick joined Jasper and again they both scored freely taking the total to 101, when Patrick was unlucky to be given out L.B.W well down the wicket after compiling 27 runs. Next man in, Harry Sutcliffe started well but after they had added 6 to the total Jasper had to retire. He had scored 32. Next to go was Harry L.B.W for 9.

With only two overs to go Matthew Barnes was run out and George Ayrton was caught by Firth off Bowman after adding a couple. Oliver Firth and Robert Barnes saw off the remaining over adding three more to give a final score of 112 for 5 wickets this included 26 extras.

Rodgers and Hirst opened for Northowram facing the bowling of Sutcliffe and Jasper Ayrton and had scored 19 runs in the first four overs. A changed of bowling brought George Ayrton on from the road end and he had K.Rodgers L.B.W with his second ball. A second change brought Patrick on for the eighth over and he caught and bowled L.Hirst with his second ball and Northowram were 33 for 2. Griffiths and Firth added 20 until Robert Barnes bowled Griffiths for 12. Firth and Prentice added 44 and had taken the total to 96 for 3 when Ben Armitage came on to bowl at the road end. His first over changed the game, when with his first ball he clean bowled Firth for 25. Prentice attempted a run off his next ball and was run out for 25. Ben bowled new batsman Milner then three dot balls. His first over was a double wicket maiden and Northowram were 96 for 6. S.Burrell hit 8 off Max Sheldrakes last over.

Harry Sutcliffe returned to the attack and also bowled a double wicket maiden, bowling both Milthorpe and Halmshaw without scoring. Northowram were 106 for 8. With the last pair at the wicket, it fell to Hayden Lewis to bowl the last over. With his first ball he dismissed Burrell. Then bowled a “no ball” followed by a dot then a second “no ball”. Bowman played the next, called for a run, got in to a mix up with Barraclough who was run out. Northowram finished all out for 108 which included 29 extras.

Juniors lead way to final

Playing a Cup semi final on the same day as the Lightcliffe Gala at the Cricket Club stretched the 3rd XI resources. A side containing no fewer than 8 players aged between 15 and 17 beat Northowram Hedge Top, to reach the Rod Warhurst Trophy Final, thereby reaffirming the club’s long term strategy of developing young talent.

Bowling first, Yorkshire Academy prospect James Godden kept a tight line early on, returning later for a second spell to claim 3 wickets. He was supported by Josh McLean (2-25) who again demonstrated the consistency that has seen him become a 3rd XI regular in his first full season. Captain Mark Whiley claimed 3 wickets as Lightcliffe restricted Northowram to a reasonable 221 on Hedge Top’s compact field.
This total would have been far fewer had not Fearon (batting 6) hit 76, rescuing the home side from a shaky 107-5.

In reply, youth was again to the fore. David Knight (113) became the side’s third centurion this season. Supported by Ollie Hemingway (who finished unbeaten on 55) the 2 youngsters put on 142 for the 2nd wicket, as Cliffe cantered home with 14 overs to spare.

Lightcliffe are currently bottom of the Halifax Sunday League 1st Division. The final in a fortnight, is against table topping Norden CC, who they play in the League this coming Sunday. As underdogs, they will be hoping that their Cup form and a promising young squad are enough to produce success.

KB

Firsts not great at Horton

The first XI produced their worst performance of the season last Saturday to gift bottom placed Great Horton their first win of the campaign.

Batting first, Lightcliffe managed a paltry 112 all out against an attack that they had flayed to all parts of the ground only a month earlier. With only five players making double figures and a top score of 22, Lightcliffe did not give themselves a chance in a game they were strong favourites to win. Credit must go to the Great Horton bowlers though, who put the ball in the right areas on a pitch that was giving them ample assistance, Raheel Ahmed was the pick of these with a superb 4 for 9 from 10 overs.

In reply, Great Horton never looked in trouble, despite the efforts of Lightcliffe’s opening pair Simon Black and Adil Ladak who bowled unchanged save for a single over from Joe Duffy. Both took a brace of wickets, but on the small Great Horton pitch the home side scored quickly to secure the points inside 26 overs. Hans Rhandwa top scored for them with 36.

The firsts face Idle at Wakefield Road this Saturday in desperate need of a win having now lost their last 5 games. That they have managed to maintain their mid table position is only down to the poor form of those sides below them in the league table. “A win this weekend is paramount,” said skipper Richard Nichols, “We had a great start to the season, but our recent run has been dreadful. A win would get us back on track and give us a much needed confidence boost for the remainder of the season.”

2nds top of the pile after great victory over horton

Lightcliffe 2nd X1 v Great Horton 2nd X1, 4th July 2009

Lightcliffe Seconds went back to the top of the table with a crushing 123 run victory over Great Horton in the JCT600 Bradford League Second Teams Division Two.

Batting first on a good Wakefield Road track only slightly dampened by overnight rain Michael Brooke and Rob Crookes got Lightcliffe off to a terrific start. Playing with caution but punishing anything wayward the pair took the score to 99 in the 21st over before Crookes was run out for an accomplished 50. David Knight (25) and Steve Hartley (16) kept Brooke company as the score continued to build to 191 for 3. A couple of wickets then fell quickly but Gareth Stevens (25 not out) came together with Brooke to add 50 in the final seven overs before the opener was dismissed off the last below of the innings for a superb 123 characterised by smooth driving through the off and on sides and punctuated with two legside sixes. This took his seasonal total for the Seconds to over 500 for just 2 dismissals. The final score of 265 for 5 set a real challenge for the visitors.

Aleem Ladak and Sam Godden opened the attack with real pace and hostility for the Villagers. Picking up a wicket apiece they reduced Great Horton to 40 for 2 after 15 overs leaving them a mountain to climb. Tom Powe (1 for 42) and Roger Stead (2 for 26) (including the prize wicket of the 'cage fighter') both bowled tidily to continue to restrict the score but it was that man Brooke who finished things off with stunning burst of 4 for 33 to complete a match winning performance as the visitors subsided to 142 all out.

“We were back to our best with bat and ball today” said Stevens. “Brookey is in phenomenal form and I had a feeling it would be his day with the ball too.”

Lightcliffe visit Idle on Saturday and will be looking for a good result to stay top.

SH

Thirds in cup final!

Congratulations to the LCC thirds who are in the Sunday section cup final.

On Sunday they truimphed by seven wickets at Northowram to make it through to the showpiece game on 19 July.

Full details of the game will be posted shortly.

Jim Powe said he was "very happy" when he heard the news.

Big night of 20/20 cricket at LCC

LCC are for a bumper gate for tonight's crunch 20/20 game v Cleckheaton.

Both teams are locked in a battle for the 2nd place in the group and tonight's winners will have one foot in the quarters.

So, weather permitting, pop down to LCC to cheer on the lads and witness a feast of six hitting.

Jocky Wilson said: "This is a mouth watering encounter . I wont be able to concentrate on selling properties today. My mind will be very much on the game. Bring it on!"

The game starts at 6.15 and as usual there will be fantastic refreshments on sale from Rebecca Baird and her team.

Under 13s just miss out in close finish

In what is becoming to look like a complete reversal of their early season success, the under 13’s, lost again recently (25/06/09) to Northowram Fields at Wakefield Road.

Loosing the toss Lightcliffe were asked to field. Bowling the first over, Harry Sutcliffe went for 2. Jasper Ayrton managed to bowl three wides in his first over. Harry’s second was again tidy going for 1, Jasper bowled a fourth wide in his second over but made up for his lack of accuracy by bowling K.Rodger for 3 with the last. Northowram were 17 for 1. A change of bowling brought Robert Barnes and Patrick Wild on. Each bowled their full quota of three overs. Robert was the most successful and finished with figures of, 3 overs, 4 wickets for 15 runs. Patrick gave good support only conceding 14 runs in his spell. Thanks to them at the end of the tenth over Northowram were 49 for 5 wickets. Then Lightcliffe let them completely off the hook. A.

Firth went on to retire after scoring 30. D. Prentice scored 19 before being bowled by George Ayrton in a wicket maiden. S. Burrell made 13 being caught by Patrick off the bowling of Jasper who finished with 2 for 19. There was a smart piece of fielding and Oliver ran Milner out but last man J. Bowman had scored 10. Northowram had gone from 49 for 5 to 116 for 8 at the close. Lightcliffe’s contribution was 33 extras.

Lightcliffe’s opening pair of Jasper Ayrton and Max Sheldrake set about their task in their usual manner and scored quite freely. But it was to be night when the top order batsman all “got in” but failed to consolidate. In the fourth over Jasper was out for 11 playing forward he gave an easy catch back to bowler Prentice. 23 for 1. In the fifth over Max attempted to hit Rodger over mid off and was caught in the deep for 10. 28 for 2. Patrick Wild and Harry Sutcliffe were now at the wicket and they took the score to 61 by the tenth over, when Patrick, attempting a drive edged the ball up in the air and was caught by Burrell off the bowling of Milthorpe. 61 for 3.

Matthew Barnes took a single off the next ball leaving Harry facing, he played forward, misjudged the pace and was bowled by Milthorpe. He had scored 12. 62 for 4. George Ayrton joined Matthew and by the fourteenth they had added 8 to the total when Matthew gave an easy catch to Prentice and was out for 5. 70 for 5. Robert Barnes joined George at the wicket and with six overs left 47 runs were required for victory. Both batsman played with great determination taking runs as when they could and defending stoutly. George took the lead, Roberts support was excellent.

By the last two overs 24 runs were required. They took 8 off over 19. By the final ball of the last over they needed 2 runs to draw. George hit the ball hard and both he and Robert set off and ran. They made the first run, set off for the second but George was narrowly beaten by a good throw to the keeper. George had scored 26 and Robert 15 and shared a partnership of 45 runs. Sadly the result was another defeat for Lightcliffe but it was an excellent game of cricket. Lightcliffe final score 115 for 6 wickets which included 17 extras.

PD

Winning gala prize numbers!

Here is the complete list of LCC gala winning numbers.

Lightcliffe Gala 2009

Raffle Prize Winners

4618 TOG 24 PERFORMANCE CLOTHING (£200 gift vouchers)
4377 Sun Inn, Lightcliffe (£20 meal voucher)
1057 White Horse Inn, Hipperholme (2 course Sunday Lunch for 2)
3266 Mamma Napoli Ristorante, Hipperholme (Pizza/pasta + coffee for 2)
0162 Home Indian Takeaway, Hipperholme (Meal for 2 people)
4920 Waterhouse Photography, Hipperholme (portrait sitting, including framed photo)
2138 Rowlands Pharmacy, Hipperholme (makeup bag and wheat bag)
0560 The Carousel, Hipperholme (£20 gift voucher)
4775 Brassiere, Hipperholme (£10 gift voucher)
4622 The Nail Studio, Hipperholme (Manicure)
4405 The Veg Shack, Hipperholme (Parkin)
0746 Raistricks Newsagents, Hipperholme (Torch)
5628 Thornton and Wright Opticians, Hipperholme (Sunglasses)
2570 Fryer Tucks Fish and Chips, Hipperholme (Fish and Chips for 2)
0519 Charisma Hair Salon, Hipperholme (Cut and finish)
5627 Hipperholme Post Office (Monkey candles)
4415 Cordelia Jones, Hipperholme (Hair Products)
5571 Huddersfield Town Football Club (family ticket)
1342 Halifax Rugby League Football Club (Family ticket)
3477 Bottle of whisky
0212 Bottle of wine


To claim your prize please contact Paul Ramsden on 07767 252639

Thank you to all our sponsors for their most generous support.

Andy Murray loses

Good.

And great news for the gala.

It's 48 hours and counting........but no plant pot headbutting!

Preperations for the LCC gala are going well and the gala committee are confident of a record breaking day on Sunday.

Thanks to everyone who has donated a raffle prize, sponsored an event, baked a cake, sold a raffle ticket or done anything to contribute. Your help and support is appreciated.

There is still plenty of time to get involved! The phone number of Paul Ramsden, one of the organisers, is on the front page of the website. Drop him a line if you have a prize to donate, or would like to help out on the day. All help is much appreciated.

Fingers crossed for a balmy summer's day at LCC on Sunday. Gates open from approx 1.45 but could volunteers turn up from 10am onwards to help get things set up.

Thanks again.

The gala committee.

Special Gala Day (this Sunday) Souvenir Fantasy News

Latest LCC FCL table and news now available.

Don't forget the gala on Sunday! And here's a belated priestley shied q/f report

On a sun kissed longest day of the year and in a front of a packed house Lightcliffe seconds put up a resilient performance against Pudsey St Lawrence but failed to advance to the Semis.

The match, reduced to 45 overs because of a late finishing junior game, was an entertaining affair throughout.

PSL took first use of a wicket which looked like a road and it quickly became clear it was like batting on the M62. Therefore, the fine spells of bowling from Roger Stead and James Godden had much to commend. Both picked up two wickets. There were also wickets for Mark Whiley, Evan Edwards, and the turn, flight and bite of senior spinner Michael Brooke.

Lightcliffe stuck to their task well in the field with Gaz Stevens once again excelling. His catch on the long on boundary will live long in the memory. The watching Yorkshire Cricketer Chris Taylor said “probably the best catch I’ve ever seen.” And that from a man who has rubbed shoulders with some of the finest fielders in the land.

In reply, LCC quickly lost Brooke clipping a leg stump half volley to square leg. However, talented wicket keeper batsmen Rob Crookes and David Millhouse Knight put on 80 for the 2nd wicket. Millhouse was particularly strong on the off side and played some fine strokes. He was unluckily given out LBW after an elegant display of power play batting.

Crookes went on to get a neat 50 and Richard Powe chipped in with an attractive 35. However, Powe went quickly followed by Stead and Stevens. There was a bit of ‘amer time’ but Amir Yaqub fell to a catch in the deep and that was effectively that. As the shadows lengthend, Mark Whiley played some useful shots in a late innings 24.

As the Lightcliffe players reflected in the bar the consensus was the toss had been crucial. Rick Powe said: “Winning the toss is a 50/50 chance and we have now lost five in a row. That means we are due to win one pretty soon. It was certainly a day for batting and admiring the scenery. It just wasn’t to be but I wont be reflecting on this defeat for too long. I’ve got a holiday in Spain to look forward to.”

Bowl on the good times!

Under 17s truimph.

Lightcliffe 110-2 Woodlands 97-6

Wednesday evening offered Lightcliffe’s Under 17s the best evening of cricket they had had all season because for the first time all season they played on a pitch that was not only sun-kissed but dry! After Oliver Hemmingway had supposedly been given top secret team information from a ‘source’ at school on the Woodlands line-up, he assured his teammates that the opening bat and 1st team player Usman Salim and several other top Woodlands players would not be playing.
He was of course completely wrong.
A formidable Woodlands team emerged onto the field as Lightcliffe won the toss and chose to bat. A 50 on Sunday had clearly had no effect on how David Knight approached this junior game and he was removed quickly by Woodlands’ left-armed opener. However, returning all-rounder Joe Duffy making his first appearance for the U17s joined Joe Hammond in a 70 run partnership that, although stealth-like, put Lightcliffe back on top. Joe Hammond completed a timely 50 leaving the ‘Ton’(Hemmingway) to take his place. Duffy was then removed, clean bowled to be replaced by Sam Kalanovic. A couple of hefty blows in the last over from Hemmingway and Lightcliffe notched 110 for 2 in 20 overs.
However, the Lightcliffe boys knew their total would be well in reach of the Woodlands top order.
After 10 overs Woodlands were only 30 for 1 with miserly bowling from Aidan Edwards who kept his economy to 0.5 conceding only 2 runs in his aggressive 4 overs. He was backed up by an excellent lesson in line and length from Davd Knight and James Godden who with the help of Will Gough stumped the dangerous looking Adam Wood.

To increase the red in Oliver’s blushes the illusive Usman Salim completed a hard hitting 50 but left a big job on the hands of the new batmen who had to deal with the tight bowling of Joe Duffy and Josh Mclean who both picked up wickets.
There should also be a special mention for the fielding. A strong collective performance in the field notably Callum Curran, Joe Hammond and newcomer John Mount helped defend a total that was looking better and better by the ball.

With 4 overs left Woodlands needed 40 runs, Lightcliffe could not afford to be complacent. David Knight returned to take two more wickets to ease the pressure but an expensive over from Sam Kalanovic piled it back on again.
Feverish nailbiting could be heard from the Lightcliffe fans at 3rd man as Woodlands needed 18 off the last over. David ‘Donkey Kong’ Knight took responsibility and bowled his team to victory only conceding 4 runs and getting an LBW on the last ball to pour salt into Woodlands wound. An ecstatic Lightcliffe celebrated with good taste and sportsmanship and as the Woodlands boys were given a stern ticking off in the changing room, the lads from Wakefield Road could not hide their delight.

Coach Will Knight was so overcome with excitement he was unable to comment but we could paraphrase his shouts and screams as ‘I was really proud of the lads, everyone gave 100%’
Aidan Edwards also chirped in with ‘Crickets the winner!!!!’
Well said.

It's Gala Day at the Club this Sunday as Firsts lose out in thriller!

In a thrilling game at Keighley last weekend the firsts just lost out to their hosts by the slimmest margin of one wicket. Lightcliffe set Keighley 155 to win and when they had the home side at 93 for 7 it looked like victory was on the cards. However, the Keighley tail had other ideas contributing 72 runs between them to take the game away from Lightcliffe and with it the points.

Batting first Lightcliffe lost openers Richard Nichols and Umar Salim cheaply but Jocky Wilson and Simon Black put on a serene 72 to take the score to 78 before Black was bowled by Paul Qunilan for 39. James Horne was then foolishly run out by Wilson having faced just one ball to leave Lightcliffe on 78 for 4. Wilson continued to bat well for 48 and a useful 18 from youngster Oliver Hemmingway batting down the order helped the visitors post a below par 154.

At 68 for 2 in reply Keighley were looking good with Andrew Waggett and Quinlan looking set. But it was at this point that Adil Ladak produced a devastating few overs of pace bowling to leave the hosts reeling on 73 for 6. This brief period included the wicket of the prolific Richard Robinson for a duck and saw Lightcliffe gain the upper hand. The game continued to to and fro but good knocks from Simon Bailey (35) and Richard Wood (12) ultimately made the difference and with the Towler brothers, Ross and Alex, putting on 24 for the last wicket, it was not to be Lightcliffe’s day.

Despite the loss Lightcliffe can be proud of the part they played in an excellent contest. Ladak finished with a superb 5 for 29, Joe Duffy with 3 for 26, and wicket keeper Rob Crookes took 4 catches in the innings.

LCC GALA BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER!

LIGHTCLIFFE GALA at Lightcliffe Cricket Club – Sunday 5th July

Lightcliffe Cricket Club will again be the venue for this summer’s Lightcliffe gala on Sunday, 5th July. The gala has been a feature of summers in Lightcliffe for 20 years, and plans are well advanced to match or better last year’s efforts.

“We were overwhelmed by the number of people who attended last summers’ gala,” Cricket Club Chairman John Brooke told the Echo. As the former head at Lightcliffe C of E junior and infants’ school, Brooke is expertly placed to appreciate the value of the gala to the local community of Lightcliffe and surrounding villages. “The gala and family fun day is a traditional and old fashioned day out with entertainment to suit all ages and brings the whole community together for the afternoon” added Brooke.

With their new vehicular access to the Cricket Club via Till Carr Lane (opposite the Sun Inn) numerous attractions are planned such as pony and trap rides, a bouncy slide and castle, children’s races, tractor rides and bottle and toy tombolas. The Lightcliffe based and internationally renowned Dorothy Stevens Ballet School will again be performing as will the Lightcliffe C of E school choir. Jenny Kermode will again be performing with her band prior to the release of her first album, and there will be a first appearance from local band Freefall.

Tennis fans will also be able to watch the Wimbledon Men’s Final (Lightcliffe CC used to boast 2 lawn tennis courts) whilst sampling an ale or two from the beer tent, which will also be the focus for a tug of war event between teams representing local clubs and societies.
The award winning afternoon teas, to be featured in the August edition of Yorkshire Life, will be served in the pavilion and there will also be a barbecue and ice cream trailer. Donations of home made cakes or any unwanted new or second hand items such as books, CDs, DVDs, toys, bottles or anything which could be used as a prize will be warmly welcomed. These can be delivered to the Cricket Club at any time or alternatively, they will be collected by gala organiser Paul Ramsden who can be contacted on 07767 252639.

The gala will commence at 2pm, admission is free and visitors are requested to utilise the cricket club car park.

Batters paradise thwarts search for maximum

LCC 3rd xi 259-10 beat Blackley 208-8 by 51 runs.

The hard dry tracks of June make it an easy option when winning the toss, but a tough challenge to complete the job of bowling sides out. The Sunday side suffered this fate in attempting to move off bottom spot and jump above their opponents.

Lightcliffe’s regular opening duo reverted to type – Tom Gorringe (91) playing shots at every opportunity, Kev Booth (28) grinding the fielding side and spectators down by refusing to do the same. 120 runs for the first wicket was however a good start. David Knight lazily punched 46, supported by the returning Jim Powe (21). They delivered 60 for the 4th wicket and a comfortable position with 14 overs left. True to form this season however, a mini collapse ensued.
Knight and Powe holed out in successive balls, to be followed to the crease by Jim’s Uncle, Brian.
Wakefield Road had earlier been graced by the Powe-mobile, fresh with newly decorated “Quality Butcher” Livery. It was thus unfortunate that the sun’s positioning over the shiny sign coincided with Brian’s arrival at the wicket. Blinded by a dazzling ray of biblical proportions, the Butcher-of-Note staggered forwards, to be comfortably stumped first ball off a leg-side wide thereby providing a bemused bowler with an unforeseen Hat-Trick.

Further wickets ensued, mainly thanks to Blackley’s square leg umpire, whose knowledge of Quantum Physics clearly allowed him to identify space between back foot and turf over a further 3 successful stumping appeals. Some lower order thraping from Kris Sharples (30) and Aidan Edwards (who narrowly avoid a police car and a spell in custody with an exocet 6) completed a good innings albeit at 5pm.

Tea was a picture – literally. Yorkshire Life Magazine were present to photograph a floral tribute to cream teas. Images of sweaty 17 year olds getting stuck into Prawn Cocktail and Lucozade Sport appeared to be absent from the photographer’s portfolio.

Relieved to have avoided a night in the cells, Edwards pace and bounce was too much for the Blackley openers and 17-2 augured well. Andy Pullan’s (he’s back again! – ed) miserly line eked another 2 wickets. Chris Gorringe showed no little promise in getting batsmen to miss-time shots and Jim Powe got his old school teacher out (again). More bounce from a returning Edwards produced his 3rd and Cliffe’s 7th wicket with 13 overs to go.

Blackley’s umpire then intervened again. Discarding his theoretical principles, Aidan’s feet were deemed to be very much touching the ground and in the wrong place. Undaunted, a switch of ends ensued, but the moment had gone. A shake up of bowling, a reduction to 9 fielders (as 8pm approached and people set off for work) resulted in the game petering out.
The score (and the points awarded) flattered the opposition but set Lightcliffe up for next week’s Semi Final.

KB

Classical cricket as seconds swat the bees

Lightcliffe 2nd X1 v Bradford and Bingley 2nd X1, 27 June 2009

Lightcliffe Seconds got back in the winning trail with an impressive victory over leaders Bradford and Bingley in the JCT600 Bradford League Second Teams Division Two.

Bingley chose to take first knock on a track that promised to favour the batsmen but were soon in trouble as first Aleem Ladak and then James Godden made early inroads. Ladak, returning from injury, struck in the first and third overs assisted by catches from Steve Hartley at gully and Amir Yaqub ably standing in behind the stumps. Godden delivered in his first over with Gaz Stevens keeping up his catch a match record with one in the covers. Reeling at 6 for 3 the visitors hit further trouble when Godden trapped Peter Clarke leg before with the score on 27.

Bingley were undaunted however and some hard hitting from Michael Clarke and Adam Swallow took the score to 82 before Mark Whiley dismissed Clarke with his second ball. A rapid 80 partnership to follow put Lightcliffe on the back foot until James Godden came back to pick up the two key wickets. The away team then quickly subsided to 186 all out with Godden taking 5 for 45 and Ladak 4 for 18.

Hartley (11) and David Knight (12) went early in the Lightcliffe reply but, from 33 for 2, Bruce Lunn and skipper Stevens batted first cautiously and then with growing confidence and authority to add 116 for the third wicket. Stevens drove and cut well for a fluent 49 (including a seven!) whilst Lunn played with classical elegance all round the wicket for a match winning 83 hitting four sixes in the process. Sam Godden (18 not out) finished matters with some powerful blows

“We started well, held on to our chances and stuck to it when things started to slide away” said Stevens. “Bruce Lunn played superbly and was a pleasure to bat with. A really classical knock. It feels good to score a double over a useful Bingley side. ”

Lightcliffe welcome Great Horton to Wakefield Rd on Saturday and, lying second just two points behind new leaders Windhill, will be looking for a big points haul to take them back to the top of the table and put them in good heart for Gala Day at the Cricket Ground starting 2pm on the Sunday, 5th July.

Harvey's hitting in vain as firsts lose

The firsts had Hartshead on the ropes on Saturday but let them off the hook and went down to a 60 run defeat.

With the Highmoor Lane visitors on 50 for 5, it was just a case of 'keeping to the basics' for Richard Nichols' men.

However, some slack work in the field allowed them to escape and score a useful 200. A fine spell of pace bowling from Simon Black saw him rewarded with four wickets.

In reply only Nichols shone with the bat as we were all out for 140.

More news to follow when a report comes through from someone at the game........................

Junior subs

Junior teams' guru Richard Edwards has urged all junior players to pay their annual subs at the next game.

Please could all players and/or their parents ensure that payment is made.

Ricardo said: "It's now well into the junior season and it's only right that annual subs are paid. Players are playing on some of the best surfaces in Yorkshire, so a little bit in return is not too much to ask."

The annual fee is a steal at £30. All cheques payable to LCC.

Thanks.

Report on under 13s away v Spen Vic

Spen “Victorious” at 3rd Meeting with U 13’S.(18/06/09)

For their third of four meetings this season the U 13’s were away at Spen on Thursday evening (18/06/09). Winning the toss Lightcliffe decided to bat first and put up a lack lustre batting performance. By the end of the sixth over they were 47 for 3. Max Sheldrake (6), Jasper Ayrton (8) and Patrick Wild (13) all back in the pavilion. Harry Sutcliffe (28) played a solid innings at number four aided by, first Matthew Barnes (8) and later by George Ayrton (12). Wickets however fell at regular intervals going from 3 for 47 to 7 for 78. The last four batsmen adding 23 to the total in runs and extras, with the last pair of Cameron Williams and Ben Stega-Jones each scoring 1 to bring the total to 101 all out in 18 overs, which included 21 extras.

Spens opening pair had taken the score to 14 in the second over when Jasper Ayrton took two wickets in the third to have them 19 for 2. Patrick Wild bowled J. Santry for 7 and Spen were 38 for 3. R. Dowling was next in and he scored freely. With, first S. Trueman (9) and then L.Wells (25) they moved closer to the required total. Lightcliffes fielding was not up to par even though Dowling was run out on 25. Trueman was caught by Robert Barnes off Sheldrake. Wells was caught and bowled by Sutcliffe but the total had reached 94. Lightcliffes bowling had lacked penetration and with Brook and Padgett at the wicket taking 9 off the next over Spen in 17 overs had reached 103 for 7, with 14 extras.

PD

Under 13s knocked out of cup (16.6.09)

U 13’S KNOCKED OUT OFF CUP(16/06/09)

For their second round cup match the under 13’s were away to Pudsey St. Lawrence B and because their A team had also been draw at home for their cup game, which was played on the Monday evening, the game was played on the evening of Tuesday 16th June.

Pudsey won the toss and batted first. The opening pair of Scott and Cullingford’s progress was unremarkable and when Scott was brilliantly caught at mid-off for 12, by a juggling Jasper Ayrton, in the ninth over, the total was 39. This brought Gaunt to the wicket and he and Cullingford set about the bowling. Gaunt’s first four scoring shots netting 16 runs. Cullingford then retired on 31 and the next batsman Wakefield launched into the attack with four more fours.

Gaunt was next to retired on 31. The next wicket fell in the 18th over when Jasper Ayrton took his second catch but Pudsey had reached 122 for 2. Hollingsworth, the next batsman took 11 off the 19th over. Harry Sutcliffe bowled the last over, Wakefield chipped the ball up and Harry took a good catch. Wakefield scored 26. The batters had crossed and Hollingsworth played the second ball but was clean bowled by the third. He had scored 10. 138 for 4. Baldwin stopped the fourth ball, edged a single off the fifth and Gormly took 3 off the final ball of the innings. Pudsey had scored 141 for 4 wkts. The best Lightcliffe bowlers being Harry Sutcliffe’s 2 for 14 in 3 overs. Patrick Wild had 1 for 11 in 3 and Matthew Barnes 1 for 19 in 2.

Requiring a strike rate of just over 7 an over Lightcliffe’s opening pair of Max Sheldrake and Jasper Ayrton made a steady start, Max taking the lead. They had taken the score to 33 by the fifth over when Jasper played the ball straight back into the hands of bowler Cullingford. Caught and balled for 3. Max was joined by Patrick Wild and together they set about Pudsey’s bowling. Patrick’s first five scoring shots bringing 17. In the mean time Max reached 30 and retired.

The total after 9 overs 73. Next in Harry Sutcliffe continued the scoring rate and together he and Patrick took the total to 106 in the 13th over, when Patrick retired on 31. With the score on 111 for 2 Matthew Barnes called for a run that wasn’t there and was run out for 2. George Ayrton was beaten by the next ball from Hollingworth and Lightcliffe were 111 for 3. Ben Armitage and Harry had added 5 to the score when Harry was bowled by Pearce for 21. 116 for 4. The fifteenth over proved decisive when Wakefield took three wickets including 2 in 2. At the start of the seventeenth over with the last pair of Louis Barker and Hayden Lewis at the wicket the score was 122, Louis took a single off the third ball and Hayden defended the remainder. Louis hit a good four off the first ball of the eighteenth over then played two. He hit the fourth well but was caught out on the deep mid-off boundary. Lightcliffe score 127 for 8. The best of Pudsey’s bowlers being J.Wakefield with 3 for 11 in 3 overs.

PD

Twenty20 Fixtures online at last!

At long last the 20/20 fixtures have been added to website.

Fixtures this way>>>>>>

Ollie fine knock in vain as 2nds lose at Mills

Lightcliffe Seconds were on the end of some impressive hitting by Maningham Mills in the JCT600 Bradford League Second Teams Division Two and crashed to a heavy defeat, surrendering top slot in the process.

Batting first on a firm track with a fast outfield Mills soon got into their stride and it and had registered 93 before the first wicket fell to Steve Hartley’s off spin. Mark Duffy kept things relatively tight and picked up a well deserved wicket on the final ball of his 15 overs. Hartley captured one more thanks to a superb running catch from skipper Gareth Stevens in the deep and Tom Powe and James Godden took one each towards the end but an excellent unbeaten 113 from Ghalib carried the home side to an impressive 299 for 6 in their 50 over quota.

Lightcliffe replied in real 20/20 style and chalked up 70 in the first ten overs with Hartley (49) picking up 20 off the fourth over alone. Sadly though they lost four wickets in the process which gave them a mountain to climb. Colin Saunders batted well for 33 and put on 62 for the sixth wicket with young Ollie Hemmingway. Hemmingway then played with great composure to register an unbeaten 74, picking the right balls to hit and looking solid in defence while those at the other end perished. The Villagers were dismissed for 220 in the final over to pick up four batting points to add to their three with the ball.

“We were missing a few regulars today but stuck to the task fairly well” said skipper Stevens. “We’ll be need to be back on top of our game next week and I’m sure the lads will be up for it”.

Lightcliffe welcome new leaders Bradford and Bingley on Saturday and will be hoping to get back on the winning trail.

SH

LCC have the whip hand as Brighouse are thrashed

LCC's cantered to an easy win in their latest 20/20 game defeating Brighouse by seven wickets at Russell Way.

The home team were bowled out for a poor 43, with the guile of Tom Powe bringing him a three wicket haul.

LCC lost three wickets in reply, with an unbeaten 19 from James Horne seeing us to victory.

This fine victory saw us move up a place in our 20/20 group.

Rambo told to get on his bike!

Huddersfield Town match day announcer and MC Paul Ramsden is getting on his bike in August to help raise money for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Along with other Huddersfield Town directors, Paul has agreed to cycle to the Terriers' first game of the season. Tog 24 will be sponsoring the ride, which is part of the 'keep it up' campaign.

With northern clubs like Leeds, Oldham and Tranmere in Town's league it could have been a nice leisurely ride over the Pennines for Rambo and his colleagues.

However, the fixture computer had other ideas and picked out a trip to Southend!

Paul said: "It's going to take a few days but it should be a fun but challenging ride. We are all blokes around the same age and could do with shedding a pound or two in weight, while gaining a pound or two for such a good cause."

Cut and paste the link below into your browser to read the full story.

http://www.htafc.com/page/KeepItUpYAA/0,,10312~1691316,00.html

Help required for enjoy cricket week

The popular enjoy cricket week is fast approaching.

During the last week of July hundreds of junior players will enjoy a week of cricket with some top class coaching from some of Yorkshire's finest cricketers.

However, help is required to make the week run smoothly.

LCC would be very grateful for anyone who wants to help out, either through helping in the tea room or helping organise games and net sessions etc.

Please could anyone who can spare an hour or two during the last week of July contact LCC Deputy Chairman Duncan Powe on 01422 201699.

Duncan said: "We rely on the good will of volunteers to help make the week a success. The popularity of the enjoy cricket week increases by the year so any help would be appreciated."

Firsts fall at Undercliffe

Lightcliffe made the challenging trip to Undercliffe last weekend missing several first team regulars. The Wakefield Road side were without skipper Richard Nichols - who remains sidelined with an ankle injury – as well as Adil Ladak, Tahir Khan and the holidaying Dan Keighley, which meant a debut for talented youngster Evan Edwards.

Having won the toss Undercliffe batted first and posted a formidable 243 for 6 with excellent half centuries from ex-Brighouse skipper Mark Gilliver and Ben Heritage. But it was overseas star Nawaz Sardar who punished the Lightcliffe attack with a 47 ball 65 late in the game, he particularly enjoyed tucking into the 'off spin' of James Horne, smashing him for several sixes..

Earlier, Umar Salim had bowled tidily and Simon Black had a delivered a pacy opening spell without luck. Debutant Edwards and fellow youngster Joe Duffy also bowled well in their 5 over spells.

Lightcliffe needed something special in their reply but were unable to deliver this despite excellent knocks from Black (33), the hard hitting Rick Powe (37) and wicket keeper Mark Horne (22). Spinner Chris Greenwood was the pick of the Undercliffe attack with 5 for 15, Sardar supporting him well in picking up 2 for 20.

The firsts host local rivals Hartshead Moor this weekend in what should prove to be a hard fought encounter between two sides battling it out at the top of the division; stand in skipper Jocky Wilson is looking forward to the challenge.

“Both ourselves and Hartshead have been in the bottom half of the table in recent years but we’ve both strengthened in the close season,” said Wilson “They beat us in a 20/20 game earlier in the year so we’ll be looking for revenge.”

Get well soon James

It was good to hear that James Powe is out of hospital and recovering well after a minor operation over the weekend. I'm sure everyone at LCC wishes him a speedy recovery.

I'm sure Jim's spirits were lifted by news of the third team's cup quarter final win over King's Cross.

Hopefully he will be back at LCC soon to take his place in the cup semi and guide us to victory after we were cruelly robbed of a final spot two year's ago.

Anyone requiring further details should speak to Rick Powe.

Questions on hold as quiz night postponed

The eagerly anticipated LCC quiz night has been put on hold for a few weeks.

It will now take place sometime in July once the gala is out of the way. Keep logging into the website for the new date.

The news has come as a disappointment to many, especially Kev Booth who is still smarting from only finishing second at the winter quiz night. "Gives me a bit more time to study my atlas", reflected Kev, as he tucked into Rebecca Baird's Pasta during Sunday's tea interval.

Thanks to Mark Whiley and family for finalising the questions last weekend. They wont go to waste guys as we will find a new date for later in the season!

King's parents cross after thirds truimph

LCC 3rd xi 187-7 beat King Cross 3rdxi 86-10 by 101 runs.

On a day when fate intervened to create Wakefield Road history, some fine bowling and fielding from an invigorated Sunday set, was a perfect answer to their Halifax opponents, whose on-field running commentaries failed to be backed up by their exploits with the bat.

A bizarre biro injury, to umpire John Howarth would eventually lead to a maiden LBW decision from the white coated stalwart, but more of this later.

Runs should have been easy to come by on a hard track, but the first twenty overs saw Lightcliffe waiting for rare bad balls as King Cross bowled tight. Uttley’s miserly return of 10 runs off 7 overs (and the wicket of David Knight (14) with an in-swinging yorker) explained why only 60 runs come off 21 overs.

Patience was rewarded though for Kevin Booth (39) Colin Saunders (43) and Olly Hemmingway (39), who built a base for the lower order to utilise. A captain’s cameo from Mark Whiley (19 not out) eventually raised the bar to 187. .

All this after the game had been halted for 5 minutes whilst big John plastered the puncture wound created as his pocketed pen impaled itself in the index finger of his right hand, during some classical Howarth arm waving.

The consensus in the Pavilion at tea, felt the total would not be easily defended. These doubts proved unfounded.

A sublime slower ball and a shot straight out of the Hay baler’s Almanac saw James Godden remove both openers. Josh McLean again took the eye with a tight 5 overs, before the big moment arrived four balls into Whiley’s first over the injured finger started to ooze. A concerned John raised it to assess the problem, at the exact moment the delivery hammered into the batsmen’s rear pad; as usual Mark and the slip cordon had roared in hope more than expectation.
“Personally I thought it was missing leg stump” said JH nursing the bloody digit after the game. “Unfortunately such was the euphoria amongst the team, that I could not make myself heard and by this stage the batter was off the field”.

Buoyed by events, the team (with Sam Kalanovic a key example) made some fine stops and catches. Aidan Edwards’ generation of lift from a length was too good for a limited middle order, producing a 3-10 return. Kris Sharples’ career best 4-4 served to emphasise the unexpected ease with which the victory was achieved.

There was post match drama as two angry King Cross parents confronted the victorious LCC team as they left the pitch. Amazing what effect a bit of sunshine and too much beer can have on people.

Former skipper Jim Powe, on the road to recovery, said: "I am delighted to hear about the win. It would be great to get to the final after what happened a couple of years ago. Well done lads!"

KB

Tom's return to form and fox's five are highlights of seconds defeat (14.6.09)

Lightcliffe 2nd X1 v Gomersal 2nd X1, 13 June 2009

Lightcliffe Seconds slipped up at home to a useful Gomersal side in the JCT600 Bradford League Second Teams Division Two but still retain top spot.

Gomersal chase to bat on a typical firm and true Wakefield Rd surface and made good use of it in an opening stand of 98 before Tom Powe, back to form and bowling a good line and length, struck first. Another 47 were added before Roger Stead got into his stride and removed the first of another five victims to take him to 28 for the season. Lightcliffe pegged the visitors back well from this point holding on to some decent catches - Crookes behind the stumps, two for Hartley in the slips and Hemmingway and Yaqub in the outfield – to keep themselves in the game. James Godden returned to take two wickets and Mark Whiley one to bowl out Gomersal for 231 in the final over and claim the five bowling points.

Michael Brooke and Steve Hartley opened up and whilst never getting on top took the score comfortably to 33 before Hartley became the first of five lbw victims for 17. Tom Powe’s promotion to four paid off as he stroked a controlled 30 and put the Villagers on target at 107 for 2. An alarming slump followed however as the experienced slow left armer Chris Rhodes picked up six wickets to leave Lightcliffe reeling on 129 for 8. A couple of well struck boundaries from Godden and Whiley helped raise the 150 but both were dismissed soon after leaving Michael Brooke high and dry unbeaten on 73. This was Brooke’s fifth consecutive half century and he now has an impressive 380 runs for one dismissal in second team cricket.

“It was just a bad day at the office” reflected skipper for the day Rob Crookes as he relaxed with a lager in the Sun Inn. “We’ll take the positives and come bouncing back next week. I'm batting without pads next week though. Gutted.”

Lightcliffe visit Manningham Mills on Saturday in the League and Pudsey St Lawrence in the Priestley Shield quarter final on Sunday. With skipper Gareth Stevens back he and Bruce Lunn will be hoping for good availability to put out the strongest sides for a challenging weekend.

Fantasy League Updated (12 June)

The LCC FCL tabel has been updated and can be accessed through the Fantasy XI link at the top right of this page.

Gorringe Sunday best in vain as Booth beat 3rds

LCC 3rd XI 234-8 lost to Booth 3rd XI 236-2 by 8 wickets

A career best 129 by Tom Gorringe wasn't enough to stop the visitors knocking off the Lightcliffe total in a near repeat of the last time the sides met in 2007.

Winning the toss, captain for the day Kevin Booth had little hesitation in batting on a Robert Brooke "belter". Prior to the match Robert had been spotted by the opposition skipper rolling a pitch 10 yards away from the one the match was played on. It transpired the grass had been growing in the wrong direction. Concerned about the reaction this would generate from head groundsman Rod Heyhoe (fresh from his return from his 3 week cycling tour) Robert had decided to smooth things over...

Cliffe started well and clocked up 89 for the first wicket. Kev stunned the crowd and himself by outscoring "Goz", before edging an attempted back foot drive for 52.
The curse of "pad rash" then struck; 3 further wickets falling for only 1 run off the bat.
For the second week running though, Marcus Kelly chipped in with a dozen to support Gorringe as he got in the groove and cut loose. A choice selection of fours and sixes built up a good score which on most days would have been defendable.

A fine opening 6 over spell from Aidan Edwards with some pace and bounce, deserved better than a dropped slipped catch and a miserly 16 runs. That was the only chance given by the Booth opening batter would went on to score 108 not out. Tom Powe was consistent early on. Josh McLean's inswinging yorker produced a breakthrough, but was the sole success in the first half of the innings. Despite this, with 20 overs left Booth still needed 140 and victory for the home side seemed a reasonable prospect.
A steady spell of off-spin from Gorringe gradually became less effective however, and junior bowlers Callum Curran, Kris Sharples and debutant Tom Walker were guilty of nothing worse than bowling later on in the game at batters with their "eye in".

Brian Powe bucketed a Tom Powe loosener from the 1st ball of his return spell, to briefly disrupt the momentum, but it became clear that little was going to halt the visitors, who won with more than 2 overs to spare.

Reflecting on the game the team agreed that what was missing was the guile, finesse and laser guided flight of Website guru Michael Brooke. Best of luck to the next name to be ejected by "Guinevere" (Bruce Lunn's selection tombola) - next Sunday's 3rd's captain.

Kev Booth.

Midsummer social rapildy approaching

The next social event of the summer will be taking place a week on Saturday (20.6.09).

Mark Whiley and his wife will be hosting a quiz night in the Willow Team room.

There will be a well stocked bar and hot supper provided as part of the entrance fee.

Please spread the word and make every effort to attend. Without these fund raisers the club cannot function!

Start time is 8.30pm. Maximum of six in a team.

All welcome!

Welcome home Rod; thanks Rob and Paul. (6.6.09)

It's good to see head groundsman Rod Heyhoe back where he belongs at Wakefield Road after a relaxing two week holiday.

The prompt start on Saturday, after heavy overnight rain, was once again down to the hard work of Rod and his team.

And while Rod was away, the high standard of quality wickets and well trimmed outfield was maintained.

This was due to the hard work and committment of Robert Brooke and Paul Hayman. A fact recognised by many players.

They deserve huge credit and a great deal of thanks from everyone at LCC for keeping the show on the road while Rod topped up his tan.

Cheers guys!

He's back! (8.6.09)

After committing himself to a full season at Wakefield Road Andy Pullan has surpassed expectations by playing in one game so far.

Following a good perforamance at Hartshead Moor in May, Andy has not been seen since despite many calls and texts from Gaz Stevens.

Will he be back for a second game has been the question posed by players, spectators and committe men alike? Well, we can exclusively reveal that the answer is a reassuring Yes!

Andy's flighted off spin and hard hitting batting was seen at Illingworth yesterday.

Will his comeback trial continue with a third game in the coming weeks? Watch this space!

Under 15s finally hit their cup tie stride (June 09)

Tues/Wed 2nd 3rd June 09.

Lightcliffe Under 15s 140-5 beat Pudsey St Lawrence 139-4 Bradford League Cup

Lightcliffe Under 15s 141-3 beat Sowerby St Peters 76-7 Halifax League Cup

Unbeaten in the Under 15s Halifax Collinson Cup since 2006, Lightcliffe continued their winning ways with a solid performance away to Sowerby St Peters. Dominant batting by Marcus Kelly and Jack Sheldrake laid the foundation for a big score with in-form Tom Denham and Joe Greenwood supporting Sam Gleeson and Kris Sharples towards 141.
A fine all round bowling performance restricted Sowerby to 76 with Olly Roughton the pick of the bunch.

The night before, lucky fans witnessed one of the greatest cup ties seen at Wakefield Road.
The strongly supported Pudsey St Lawrence team arrived at the ground early and embarked on a rigorous training regime designed to impress the home team. Undeterred the Lightcliffe lads sat on the immaculate outfield to discuss tactics and focus on mental toughness.
Pudsey won the toss and batted, making light of Lightcliffe’s attempt to take the pace off the ball with the playful spin of Marcus Kelly and Joe Greenwood’s tempting seamers. Their openers Hanley and Hodgson amassed 92 runs between them and only the pace and guile of James Godden (4-1-19-0) and Evan Edwards (4-0-16-2) kept the score to a challenging 139.
By the time the manager had walked from the scorebox, passed the badly shaken home supporters, Captain Evan Edwards had already barked out the batting order and laid down the battle plan. He was to drop anchor and Marcus Kelly and the increasingly impressive Jack Sheldrake were to blaze away at the other end.
Seven an over was required and battle commenced.

Six shots and 19 violent runs later Kelly perished in the deep but the Pudsey lads knew they were in for a fight. Sheldrake (8) and Edwards (19) played with run a ball style until they were undone by fine bowling and fielding.
Tom Denham (6) made a brief but effective contribution but at the half way point it was 70-4, exactly half way there but only 6 wickets left.

In the middle now were James Godden-due a score to confirm his obvious batting potential- and the dependable, fast running Joe Greenwood. Joe began like a whirlwind hitting three 4s in his first 4 balls and James rarely missed a chance to take runs all around the ground and once into the cow field!
Together they relentlessly ground down the Pudsey bowlers who were powerless to stop the onslaught.

As the last 2 overs approached 13 runs were needed when Greenwood was bowled out for 28. The Pudsey team and their loyal and vocal supporters sensed an unlikely victory. The home supporters wished Ali Butters (5*) luck as he strode out. They need not have worried as he played his most assured innings to date, pushing the ball into the gaps and running like Usain Bolt between the stumps.

With 6 balls left Godden drove powerfully to mid off for his 36th run and the game was won. Led by James, this was Lightcliffe Under 15s finest hour, chasing down 139 with intelligence and maturity.
A stunning victory and a brilliant game played in the best spirit.

The next round is away to Bowling Old Lane on Monday 8th June 6.30pm.

Duncan, please can we have a new ball for the next game??

Thanks to Parents

Many thanks to all you parents who have stayed to help and support the team-we play better when you stay! Big thanks to Karl Kelly for umpiring and managing the Wednesday team and to Sue and Al Godden for scoring and umpiring. Special thanks to Paula Eastwood for scoring on Wednesdays,-we knew you could do it! Also thanks to the tea room personnel who did a roaring trade on Tuesday. Without your help we cannot play the game so please keep it up!

Ricardo Edwards.

Close thing in the gloom for under 13s (4.6.09)

CLOSE THING IN THE GLOOM FOR U 13’S (4/06/09)

Playing Spen Victoria at home for the second time in four weeks, the under 13’s had the closest of victories. Losing the toss and being put in to bat the opening pair of Jasper Ayrton and Harry Sutcliffe had reached 41 when Ayrton was run out for 12. Shortly after being joined at the wicket by Patrick Wild, Sutcliffe retired, after scoring 30. Matthew Barnes and Patrick took the score on to 83 when J. Santry beat Wild for pace and clean bowled him on 29.

Oliver Firth joined Matthew and together they took the score to 103, when after a miss-judged run Oliver was run out on 6. Robert Barnes joined his brother at the wicket and when the score had reached 114 Matthew was bowled by M. Padgett. He had scored 4. George Ayrton and Robert played out the remaining overs and both finished on 7 not out. The final total was 130 for 4 wkts. which included 35 extras.

As Spen went out to bat the sky darkened and conditions began to deteriorate. The opening pair of Senior and Murphy took up the challenge and had taken the score to 31 when Robert Barnes had Murphy L.B.W. Next to go was Senior caught by Robert off the bowling of P.Wild, he had scored 25 and the total was then 42. Patrick took 3 more wickets in his spell and finished with 4 for 15. Spen were 58 for 5. The sky by now had become even darker but the Spen pair of Forbes and Santry put on 16 before Lewis had Santry caught by Wild for 7.

This left Spen on 74 for 6. This brought L.Wells to the crease and he set about he bowling scoring 9 in his first three shots. Forbes was then run out after scoring 15. Spen’s total stood at 85 for 7. Next out bowled by M. Barnes, was S.Truman for 6 after he and Wells had taken the score to 107 for 8. The light was even more gloomy now. Three overs left and Spen needed 16 to win. Wells and Healey took the score to 122 by the end of the 18th. Harry Sutcliffe bowled a “maiden” in 19th. It was left to Jasper Ayrton to bowl the last over. Spen took 6 from the over. Wells finished with 32 retired and Healey 4 not out.
Final total 128 for 8 wkts. Which included 33 extras.

P Dodd.

Banfoot 'amered after silver fox's golden spell

Bankfoot 2nd X1 v Lightcliffe 2nd X1, 6 June 2009

Lightcliffe Seconds made it eight wins from nine with an emphatic victory by 85 runs over Bankfoot in the JCT600 Bradford League Second Teams Division Two.

Prospects of play looked slim after heavy overnight rain onto an uncovered pitch and the home side’s demeanour did not suggest an appetite for a prompt start. However, no further rain and a drying wind meant the game got away at 3pm with 35 overs per side scheduled.

Lightcliffe were put into bat and the wet conditions made it tricky early on. Despite some watchful play and a few enterprising shots the total was just 49 in the 15th over with the top three batsmen dismissed. David Knight, on his second team debut after transfer from the York League, then began to punish anything wayward and notched three sixes in a rapid 26 which started to turn the game. However when Knight and the pugnacious Rick Powe (16) were dismissed the Villagers were still in some difficulty on 80 for 5. Sensing this Gareth Stevens and Amir Yaqub played sensibly picking up 30 of the next ten overs before hammering 70 off the last seven. Yaqub smashed four sixes in in his 51 whilst Stevens placement and timing brought him an unbeaten 41 to leave the total on 181 for 6.

With the pitch still not easy for the batsmen Bankfoot were never seriously in the hunt. Young opening pair Evan Edwards and James Godden picked up a wicket apiece in their first spells but it was the ‘silver fox’ Roger Stead, celebrating backing the derby winner, who made best use of the conditions.

The fox also backed the winner of the Grand National a couple of months back leaving Tom Powe to muse in the Sun Inn "does he back every horse?" Roger bowling as ever with great control claimed six Bankfoot scalps for just 30 runs in 11 overs and was ably supported by Tom Powe from the other end. With Edwards coming back to collect two more and finish with 3 for 23 the home side succumbed for just 96 in the 34th over.

“We batted with real skill on a difficult surface” reflected vice captain Rob Crookes “and set a terrific target. Our bowlers finished the job well and we looked a good unit all round. Yeah, a pleasing win."

Lightcliffe remain 13 points clear at the head of the table approaching the half way stage and will be planning on consolidating this position at home to Gomersal on Saturday.

Fantasy League 2009 is up and running!

The latest table is accessible through the Fantasy XI link on the top bar. Click away and see how your team is doing!

First division scalp in 20/20 truimph

A combination of fine fielding, accurate bowling and brutal batting were the key to LCC's 20/20 win over top flight opposition.

On a sun kissed evening every LCC player wore the shirt with pride to record a famous win in front of a packed crowd, swelled by the added excitment of a Yorkshire Cup Bowls match taking place.

Cleckheaton were restricted to 154 all out thanks to fine seam and spin bowling, in particular from Tom Powe who made a welcome return to form with four fine overs.

The Lightcliffe reply got off to a flyer with Tahir Khan and Simon Black looking in good nick. Their opening partnership set the foundation for the innings.

With less than one a ball needed we were coasting. However, panic spread through the team with the winning post in sight.

Jocky Wilson (30), Khan (54), Black, Rick Powe and James Horne all fell looking to strike one on to the M62.

With seven needed from three overs it was left to the calm head of Mark Horne to guide us home and spark wild celebrations. The only downer on a night of glory was a worrying injury to in-form skipper Richard Nichols. He was today awaiting results on an x-ray to a leg injury.

After the game Jocky Wilson said: "Brilliant. Loved every minute. We made it hard work but we did what Crisp couldn't do in 1976 and got over the line.

"It was a good all round team display and we are now back in the mix in our group. It's a good feeling."

Enjoy a summer's evening of LCC 20/20 action

LCC have their second Dysons Insulation 20/20 game tomorrow evening (Tuesday) away at Cleckheaton (6.15pm start).

20/20 coach Paul Ramsden said the team was in good heart despite the opening game defeat to Hartshead Moor.

Paul said: "We learnt a lot from the first game and are raring to go tomorrow night.

"It should be an exciting evening of cricket against top flight opposition."

So if you fancy a couple of hours of six hitting after work pop along to Cleckheaton and cheer on the team!

Full details of the 20/20 tournament can be found on the JCT 600 Bradford League website.

Windhill are blown away then Undercliffe get bowled over (22.5.09)

Lightcliffe 2nd X1 v Windhill 2nd X1, 16 May 2009
Undercliffe 2nd X1 v Lightcliffe 2nd X1, 17 May 2009

Lightcliffe Seconds continued their unbeaten start in the JCT600 Bradford League Second Teams Division Two reeling off their fifth straight win with a hard fought victory over Windhill. They also followed up on the Sunday with a second round Sovereign Health Care Priestley Shield win in a ‘bowl out’ against first Division Undercliffe.

Windhill batted first on a damp Wakefield Rd surface well prepared by assistant groundsmen Robert Brooke and Paul Hayman. James Godden picked up an early wicket thanks to a well judged catch from Mark Whiley. Steve Hartley's flighted off spin had some success but suffered from the short boundary. Will Harto's off spin get another tweak at Spen on Saturday? Sadly Lightcliffe’s fielding went downhill after this and half a dozen very takeable chances went to ground. Whiley himself kept plugging away for 15 overs and finished with a creditable 4 for 62 as Windhill accumulated a challenging 200 for 9 declared after a rain break.

After a pleasing tea, the home side set off at a cracking pace with Steve Hartley putting together a run a ball 44 in a first wicket stand of 67 with Michael Brooke returning from injury. With the next four batsmen failing to register double figures the match was closely poised at 142 for 5. However Brooke’s experience and stylish strokeplay together with some hard hitting from Mick Wood (15) and Ollie Hemmingway (16no) saw Lightcliffe home by 4 wickets with four overs in hand. “This was a good battling victory after a loose day in the field” said skipper Gareth Stevens. “I’m delighted with our start to the season but there’s still a long way to go. Rome wasn't built in a day but we are heading in the right direction."

The Wakefield Rd side travelled to Undercliffe the following day for a second round cup tie. Under grey skies they were put in and progressed to 76 for 4 including a 20 ball 32 from Rick Powe before the threatened rain materialised and put an end to conventional proceedings. Under a new rule for 2009 a bowl out was needed to separate the sides. In a downpour and on an artificial wicket net Lightcliffe held their nerve to win 2 – 1 with great strikes from youngsters Josh McClean and Evan Edwards. The team will be hoping for a plum home tie against top flight opposition in the quarter final.

A bullish Rick Powe said: "I would like to praise the Bradford League for introducing the bowl out; it's a great innovation.

"It took us a few bowls to warm up but the key factor was that we got more strikes than them. We were delighted. Bring on the quarters!"

Away at second placed Spen Victoria and home to neighbours Brighouse over the Bank Holiday weekend the side will be looking to extend their ten point lead at the top of the table.

Ton up Hemingway and Wiley Whiley lead thirds to victory (11.5.09)

A fantastic hundred from Ollie Hemingway, a solid 90 from Colin Saunders and three wickets for Mark Whiley were the highlights of the thirds victory.

Taking first use of another belting Rod Heyhoe track, openers Saunders and Kev Booth looked at ease as they stroked the ball round the well cut outfield.

After Booth's departure for a solid 20, Ollie Hemingway came in and immediately put bat to ball.

He went on to score a magnificent hundred, putting on 150 for the second wicket with Saunders. It was his second century for the thirds and continued an excellent start to the season. Hemingway left the field to a standing ovation, including from his mum who had taken a deserved rest from preparing teas to watch her son complete his century.

Saunders nearly carried his bat put was unluckily given run out off the last ball of the innings for a fine 90. Brain Powe - brother of Duncan - stuck some useful blows late in the innings.

Northowram were never really in the hunt. Former player Martin Kirkbride survived a close LBW shout early on, but was gobbled up by Whiley caught and bowled. Other wicket takers included John McLean.

They closed their innings on 158, but there was just time for one of their players to complete a fine century in circumstances that would have been more at home in a Benny Hill sketch. More on that later!

A good all round display from the thirds. LCC 15 points Northowram 5.

WORLD EXCLUSIVE LCC all rounder in shock comeback! (21.1.09)

He may have had more comebacks than Sinatra but Andy Pullan is set for one more waltz after confirming he would be back at LCC for the new season.

Andy broke the news on his Facebook page yesterday evening and is already vowing to fight for a first team spot.

The news will be welcomed by Cricket Chair Bruce Lunn. Bruce said: "It feels like a new signing. I am delighted. His committment has always been 100%"

However, the high hopes for Andy's comeback were quickly dampened when he said he would not be able to make Monday training sessions.

Andy said: "I'm back and raring to go. I want to push for a first team berth. Why not I say."

The website did ask Andy if he would be interested in skippering the third team, but he ruled out that prospect.

"I missed my cricket last year. I want to get back into the swing of things and see how it goes," added an excited Pullan.

In a further sensational twist, the off spinner and pinch hitter has confirmed he will be available for the full season. Watch this space but for now welcome back Andy!

20/20 groups announced! (19.1.09)

LCC's group opposition in this summer's eagerley awaited 20/20 cup have been announced.

We will be lining up against near neighbours Hartshead Moor, Cleckheaton, East Bierley and Brighouse. The top two teams will go through to the knock out stages at Bradford and Bingley's Wagon Road Ground.

These local derbies ensures some mouth watering ties will be served up on sun kissed Tuesday evenings at Wakefield Road.

Full details of fixtures will follow.

Cricket Chair Bruce Lunn said: "It promises to be a feast of cricket served up on summer tuesdays. What a mouth watering prospect!"

Once again full details are on the JCT 600 Bradford Cricket League site.

BCL nine grand funding boost thanks to Rod (19.1.09)

LCC's very own Rod Heyhoe has helped secured the Bradford League a four figure funding boost.

Rod's hard graft has ensured the ECB has forked out £9000 to improve the standard of pitches and surrounds.

This follows on from LCC been top of the table for the standard of pitches in 2008.

The full story can be read on the JCT 600 Bradford Cricket League website.

A delighted Rod said: "It is fantastic to receive such a large sum of money from the ECB.

"This will help ensure the standard of pitches improves year on year and I was pleased to play my part."

Another Southowram sorjurn for former pace ace (14.1.09)

Former LCC pace ace Richard 'Turbo' Tesseyman has confirmed he will be spending another summer at Southowram.

However, he has not ruled out a return to LCC for the 2010 campaign.

Injury restricted the number of games the fiery opening bowler played last season. Therefore he will be spending 2009 with the Halifax League Club.

Richard exclusively contacted the website this morning to say he hadn't ruled out a return to Wakefield Road in the future.

He said: "I will be with Southowram for the forthcoming season. I feel I owe them another summer.

"It was a wrench to leave LCC, but one day I will return. In the meantime I will be giving everything to the cause at Southowram."

The Halifax League Club has ambitious plans for 2009 with a host of former Bradford League players on their books.

Committee urges non payers to cough up (13.1.09)

There are still a couple of players who have not payed their membership fees from last summer an appalled LCC committee heard last night.

With membership and match fees set to be restructured for the forthcoming season, non payments like this will not be tolerated.

Membership Secretary Robert Brooke said: "I couldn't believe it when I checked the books and saw that two players still hadn't payed.

"I will be sending them a reminder letter and hopefully that will jog their memory and spring them into action."

Chair of selectors Bruce Lunn said: "Any player who had not paid fees for 2008 is likely to find themselves on the sidelines in 2009. I am urging them to pay up asap."

The players have not yet been named and shamed, so please pay up before that happens!!

It's now 20 for 20/20 (13.1.09)

The JCT 600 Bradford League 20/20 revolution gathers pace by the week with 20 clubs now showing interest.

A sponsor has also been found for the eagerly anticipated tournament which will see teams pitted against each other on Tuesday nights throughout the summer.

Details of the format, fixtures and everything else will be released later this week on the JCT Bradford Cricket League Website.

The news of a sponsor was warmly welcomed by the LCC committee at last night's meeting.

League Rep Rod Heyhoe said: "Things are moving quickly with the 20/20 and we are delighted, as a league, to have secured a sponsor.

"All we need now is a scorer and someone to run the teamroom at LCC and we are ready to go!"

LCC AGM

The Cricket Club AGM will this year be taking place on Wednesday 11 February.

All Members will receive an agenda, minutes and resolutions in the post the week before.

The AGM will be at St Matthew's Church Hall. More details to follow.

All Members are urged to attend this important club meeting.

Winter nets details confirmed (12.1.09)

Details of LCC winter nets have now been confirmed.

Seniors and under 17s and under 15s will both net on MONDAY evenings starting in two weeks time from 8pm-10pm.

The nets will be at Hipperholme and Lightcliffe High School.

Thanks go to Bruce Lunn, Richard Edwards and Duncan Powe in securing the net sessions.

For more details, directions, question or queries please contact Bruce on 01422 202013 Duncan on 01422 201699 or Richard.

Pitch perfect! (12.1.09)

LCC has come top of the JCT 600 Bradford League pitch marking scheme for 2008.

The accolade is another string to the bow of hard working head groundsman Rod Heyhoe.

We averaged an impressive 4.26 out of five per game.

To put this in perspective, sixteen clubs finished below the average mark of 3.75 which is the recommended figure.

Next year, the marking system is to be backed up by funding from the ECB. That's how seriously the league is taken this issue.

So, well done Rod, well done LCC and let's build on this in 2009!

Rod said: "It's nice to be top of the pile. This is due recognition for us and I am pleased to have played my part."

Each year our ground gets better and better. Little wonder we are now holding representative games.

The full story can be read on the JCT 600 Bradford Cricket League site by clicking on the site link in our 'links' section.

Get your thinking caps on (12.1.09)

As LCC move into a more professional era, it's important that fund raising events are well attended and supported. The club relies on money raised off the pitch to try and secure success on it.

Therefore, it would be good to see as many as people as possible supporting the quiz night on Sat 28 February at St Matthew's Church Hall starting at 7.30pm. The bar will be open from 7pm!

As usual there will be a hot supper served, a well stocked bar throughout the evening and a raffle. All welcome.

For more information please contact Michael Brooke on 07976 155385.

Winter training arrangements for under 11s confirmed (12.1.09)

Under 11s coach Kev Booth has confirmed winter training arrangements for this age group.

Training will be begin on Monday 26 January at Hipperholme and Lightcliffe High School. The time will be from 6-7pm. These sessions will last for ten weeks.

The cost each week will be £2. Kev said: "I would like to thank Steve Hartley for his hard work in securing the booking. I would be grateful if parents could contact me to say their children will be attending, just so we can get an idea of demand."

You can mail Kev at kbooth@hspg.com

Watch this space for nets news (11.1.09)

The news on where winter nets will be taking place has still to be confirmed.

With various local sports halls fully booked, Bruce Lunn and Duncan Powe have been beavering away trying to secure a slot.

As yet, nothing is confirmed so players will have to wait a little longer before dusting down their whites and oiling their willows.

Keep logging on for news on when are where nets will be.

Bruce said: "It's a bit fluid at the moment. We have provisional bookings at Hipperholme Grammar and HLHS. However, nothing is confirmed. Tonight's committee meeting should clear some of the fog."

There, is however, news on net sessions for under 11s. Please see the post above for full details.

New Zealand trip for LCC all-rounder (8.1.09)

With England in the grip of a cold snap top LCC all rounder James Horne has had the right idea - he's jetted off to New Zealand for a month's holiday!

Along with girlfriend, Claire, James will be exploring every bit of this beautiful country. Both are keen walkers, runners and hikers and they will be regularly heading to the mountains during their four week break.

The month's holiday will be the perfect pre season sabbatical for James as he looks forward to the 2009 campaign, 20 years on from his first team debut way back in 1989.

James said: "It will be an action packed few weeks. We will be walking, hiking and cycling our way round this beautiful country.

"It will be a good test for my back to see how it is holding up for the forthcoming season!"

We wish the couple bon voyage.

George Bottomley memorial flag installed (7.1.09)

A memorial flag pole has now been installed at the club as a tribute to legendry former LCC Chairman and player George Bottomley.

The flag pole will be flown from the pole on match days and is a fitting tribute to such a dedicated servant of the club. George died last year at the age of 92.

Chairman John Brooke said: "George was a much revered figure at LCC and we wanted to do something to remember him. I think this is a fitting tribute for such a fine person and player."

Hunt for new third team captain continues (7.1.09)

The quest for a new third team skipper is continuing into the New Year after a couple of shortlisted candidates ruled themselves out.

The latest player to turn down the job was Tom Powe who is looking to concentrate on his second team cricket in 2009.

Tom said he thought long and hard about the offer but turned it down with regret. Tom said: "It was an honour to be asked but I didn't think it was right for me at this stage in my career."

Senior players Kev Booth, Mark Whiley and Jeremy Latham Sharp have also given negative answers to cricket chair Bruce Lunn.

Bruce said: "The search goes on. If anyone is interested from within the club they should drop me a line."

A Happy New Year from LCC

A Happy New Year to all LCC Website addicts.

And what a year it promises to be! There is a lot to be excited about both on and off the field during the next 12 months.

All three senior teams are expected to have strong, consistent line ups after a number of close season signings. Chair of Cricket Bruce Lunn is confident of strong league finishes from all three teams.

The club has also entered the new JCT Bradford League 20/20 tournament, which will see fun packed, six hitting cricket on summer Tuesday evenings at Wakefield Road.

Our strong junior section will once again be fielding teams from under 11 right through to under 17s. As ever, new and old players are welcome. Watch out for more details of the junior signing on night.

Away from the pitch, we will continue to have regular social events, including the annual Lightcliffe gala.

The first social event of the year is a quiz night on Saturday 28 February. This will be at 7.30pm at St Matthews Church Community Hall. More details to follow in the coming weeks. All welcome!

Rambo still taking the mike {10.12.08)

Regular website readers will remember the piece we ran in late August about Lightcliffe socialite Paul Ramsden.

At that time, 'Rambo' had been appointed caretaker tannoy announcer and match day MC at Huddersfield Town.

Such was the impression he made he was offered the job full time and has been revelling in the role ever since.

So, four months on how he is doing?

Paul will be mailing his thoughts {he rests his voice during the week} exclusively for the website in the next few days. Keep logging on!

Fixtures out! {10.12.08}

The JCT Bradford League fixtures for the 2009 campaign are out in the morning {Thurs 11 December).

For full details log on to the Bradford League website {please find the website in our links section}.

Both first and second teams start with fixtures against Idle, with the firsts away and the seconds at Wakefield Road.

Remember we have a bye in the cup!

Our website will be updated with the new fixtures shortly.

Third team captaincy up for grabs {10.12.08}

Jim Powe has formally handed in his notice to resign from the third time captaincy after three successful years at the helm.

James was formally thanked for his committment and sterling service during a recent committee meeting.

With a new captain yet to be appointed, bookmakers across the area are wondering who the new skipper will be?

The search from within the club goes on, with 'grey beards' Mark Whiley, Jeremy Latham-Sharp and Colin Saunders all rumoured to be in the frame. However, 'young turks' like Tom Powe, Rick Powe and Nick McQueen have not been discounted. A decision is eagerly awaited.

Cricket chair Bruce Lunn has, in a typically selfless gesture, offered to do the job himself if no candidate is found.

Watch this space for the news on a new skipper!

Bradford league sets out 20/20 vision (8.12.08)

LCC could be joining in the 20/20 revolution next year after the Bradford League set out plans for a summer league.

The plans are still being worked up but games would be Tuesday evening and on a regional basis.

Chair of Cricket Brucie Lunn is launching a vox pop to get the views of players and officials. The matter will be discussed at the next LCC Committee meeting.

If you any views on the idea please get in touch with Bruce.

Groundsman Rod Heyhoe said: "I think this could be a real money spinner for LCC. I am giving it the thumbs up."

Bruce said: "We are moving into possibly exciting times. Sure, it's a whole new challenge, potentially a daunting one, but we have to look at the opportunities this provides us as a club."

More news on the 20/20 vision will be posted when we receive it!

Autumn league dinners rundown! (8.12.08)

It's been a packed autumn of league dinners for LCC players, supporters and officials.

Over the last few weeks we have had our very successful club dinner and many club members also attended the JCT600 Bradford League Dinner and the Halifax League Dinner.

The club dinner was held at Lightcliffe Golf Course and was attended by over 80 people. Many thanks to LGC for putting on an excellent meal and hospitality.

A successful night included prize presentations, a 'lifetime achievement award' to Roger Stead and the George Bottomley Memorial award to Gareth Stevens

Prize winners on the night were:-

First team
Batting - Jonathan Wilson
Bowling - Richard Nichols
Fielding - Michael Brooke

Second team
Batting - Richard Powe
Bowling - Roger Stead
Fielding - Gareth Stevens

Third team
Batting - Colin Saunders
Bowling - James Godden
Fielding - James Powe.

At the Halifax League Dinner James Powe collected the third team second division championship trophy on behalf of his third team charges. James said: "It was a proud moment and a fitting end to by stint as skipper. I am leaving my successor with a solid foundation to build on."

At the JCT600 Bradford League Dinner, club offical and groundsman Rod Heyhoe watched on with pride as the 'lifetime achievement' award was handed on. Rod has enjoyed a fine 12 months after deservedly collecting the gong last year.

The club was well represnted at the dinner by past and present players and officials.

One alumni, Alex Stead, collected two awards after a useful season with PSL.

Get your thinking caps on for winter quiz night (8.12.08)

Once again LCC, by popular demand, will be holiding a winter quiz night.

Please try and support a night of quizzing, drinking and socialising at St Matthew's Church Hall, Wakefield Road, on Saturday 28 February.

Get this date in your diaries today!

More details will be posted in the New Year, but spread the word about this not to be missed event. All welcome!

LCC in top three fair play league! (8.12.08)

For the second year in succession LCC has finished in the top three of the 'fair play' league.

Points are handed out by umpires throughout the season for the way teams conduct themselves on the pitch.

At last week's Bradford League Dinner it was announced that once again we had finished third. Pudsey Congs scooped the prize.

Our top three finish shows that our on field conduct is respected throughout the league and, in particular, by the people's who opinion really matters - the umpires.

Club representative Rod Heyhoe said: "As a club we should be proud to be recognised as a club which consistently upholds the laws of the game.

"I hope next year we can go two better and win the award. I am confident that our players will continue to conduct themselves in a professional manner."

A belated report on the successful junior presentation night! (18.10.08)

It's been a successful season for our various junior teams and the players achievments were celebrated in late September in an enjoyable evening at the clubhouse.

Highlights from the 2008 campaign included the U15s winning the Collinson Cup (Halifax) and the Bradford League under 15 teams claiming the division one title. Well done to everyone who contrubuted to these successes!

The various team managers have worked hard all summer to get teams on the field, transport players to games, as well as organising coaching sessions - all for free and in their spare time.

So a big 'thank you' to the following managers:-

Kev Booth U11,
Phil Dodd U 12,
Mark Wild U13,
Mark Duffy U15 (Bfd)
Richard Edwards U15 (Halifax)
Will Knight U17

The following players were all prize winners and collected their 'gongs' at the presentation night.

U 17
Batsman David Knight
Bowler Aiden Edwards
Fielder Callum Curran

U 15 (Bradford)
Batsman Will Gough
Bowler Oliver Hemmingway
Fielder joe Greenwood

U15 (Halifax)
Batsman Sam Kalanovic
Bowler Kris Sharples
Fielder Ali Butters

U13
Batsman Jack Sheldrake
Bowler James Lumb
All Rounder Patrick Wild

U12
Player of the year Jasper Ayrton

U 11
Player of the year Jack Booth

Junior Cricket Chair Duncan Powe said: "It was a really good evening. The Junior presentation went very well with Aiden Edwards' band and Buzz box performing after the formalities

"The BBQ went really well and was 'manned' by parents I would like to thank the Edwards family for their massive contribution by the Edwards family to get the place ready. Many thanks to everyone else who helped."

Only one raffle prize claimed. The following remain unclaimed:-

319 Cricket Bat signed by Geoff Boycott
323 LCC tracksuit jacket
314 Bottle of wine

Contact Duncan Powe if you think you are one of the lucky winners!

Steady away as alex clubs his way to victory! (7.10.10)

The annual cricket club golf day went with a swing as dozens of LCC players hacked their way round the Lightcliffe Links last Friday.

Over 30 players enjoyed three rounds of golf, a hearty three course meal, and plenty of booze and banter.

The golf on show ranged from the brilliant to the rubbish as players of all abilities took to the fairways.

There were no hole in ones, but plenty of great golf from the likes of 'Stormin' Norman, Alex Stead, Andrew Pullan, Steve Hartley, Gaz Stevens and some classic swings from Brucie Lunn.

Organiser Paul Ramsden, who strolled in for an afternoon 18 holes, said he was delighted with how the day went.

Paul said: "It was a good turnout and the sun shone. I would like to thank everyone who turned up to help make the day a success.

"I would particularly like to thank Lightcliffe Golf Club for allowing us to play on their course. Also, a special thanks to Sally Kieghley who served up some tremondous fayre, as she always does."

The winner of the Frank Eggleton Memorial Shield was Alex Stead, closely followed by Gaz Stevens. Alex also bagged the longest drive with Andy Pullan claiming 'nearest the pin'.

Alex said: "I am chuffed and honoured to have my name on the shield. It was a gruelling afternoon's golf but I did it. I feel on top of the world."

The golf day will be returning to LGC next year. Watch this space...........

Rod scoops another award! (14.9.08)

It's been a fantastic 12 months for our very own Rod Heyhoe after he scooped another coverted award last week at a top Yorkshire cricket cermony.

Rodney won the Yorkshire Cricket Board 'lifetime achievement award' for his services to cricket in the county. It follows on from the Bradford league lifetime achievement he won last November.

It is nothing less than our hard working groundsman, committee man and league official deserves. Finally his efforts are being recognised and rewarded.

Rodney said: "I was chuffed to bits to win the award. It was a great night for the Bradford League with four of us collecting gongs.

"It was a fantastic evening and I am really pleased to have been recognised in this way."

You can read the full story on the JCT Bradford League website. Either click on the link below or go to the league website which you can find in the 'links' section of our website.

Well done Rodders!

http://www.bradfordcricketleague.org/2008oscas.html

Seconds show some bull dog spirit in last day win (14.9.08)

Lightcliffe 2nd X1 v Keighley 2nd X1, 13 September 2008

Lightcliffe Seconds ended the season on a high note in the JCT600 Bradford League Second Teams Division One with a victory over Keighley but it was not enough to lift them off bottom place and relegation to the second tier.

Keighley batted first and made an enterprising start against the unorthodox opening attack of Ollie Hemingway and Javed Iqbal. After Hemingway had picked up a handy caught and bowled in the first over runs flowed freely until Richard Thompson captured his first wicket of the season with the score on 87. Gareth Stevens then took the first of three wickets he was to claim when Hemingway secured his catch hat-trick holding on to a skier at mid on. Wickets now started to fall at regular intervals as Tom Powe and Roger Stead bowled with guile and accuracy supported by some good catching. Steve Hartley chipped in with a return catch of his steady offspin and Keighley finally succumbed for 180 in the 46th over.

Uncle and nephew pairing of Stead and Hemmingway started the Lightcliffe reply with some bold strokeplay. Despite the forty year age gap there was little to choose between them in spriteliness between the wickets as they added 62 in good time. They fell in quick succession to be closely followed by Tom Powe, Sam Godden and Jimmy Shaw all ambitiously trying to clear the infield. Richard Thompson and Rick Powe then came together to put on 93 with Powe smashing a destructive 72 in just 49 balls to bring victory to within sight. It just needed Hartley to crash a trademark cover drive to the boundary to finish the game and the season with a satisfying win.

Despite the disappointment of relegation Lightcliffe have played some good cricket on many occasions. Being on the wrong end of several close finishes, especially against relegation rivals, proved to be their undoing but, admirably skippered by Gareth Stevens, the side were always competitive and will be a force to be reckoned with in the lower division.

See pictures link for a few match day photos.

Halifax Junior League Presentation Night

The Halifax Junior League Presentation evening is being held at the Old Brods rugby club on Friday 19th September at 7.30pm. It would be great if as many of the Collinson Cup winning Under 15 Halifax squad could attend to formally receive the trophy. It is a free event and parents are very welcome. The evening will be concluded by 9.15pm and those attending should wear collar and tie.

We definitely need Sam Kalanovic, Olly Holden and Joe Duffy to be there but it would be excellent to get the whole squad together to once again celebrate a successful season.
Richard Edwards

Annual club dinner/dance only weeks away!

The club's popular annual dinner, dance and awards ceremony is moving to a new venue this year after four years at the Old Brods.

This year the dinner will be on Friday 10 October at Lightcliffe Golf Club, starting at 7.30pm. The £25 ticket includes a five course meal, free entry to the raffle, the chance to win £50 on 'stand up sit down' bingo, and the opportunity to wine and dine with club members and friends.

All Members should have invites landing on their doormats in the next few days. Please fill the forms in and return early to avoid disappointment. Only the first 90 replies will be guranteed entry!

The dinner is always an enjoyable evening. Despite recent rumours to the contrary, the alternative awards ceremony will be returning to celebrate its 10th anniversary.

Club player secretary Steve Hartley said: "It will be good to see regulars, as well as new people at the dinner. It is one of the club's main events of the year. It would be fantastic to see some new faces coming along and enjoying the evening.

"We have moved to a new venue, with a new menu and new surrounds. It is a new dawn for the dinner and it would be wonderful to see a good turnout of players, committee, members and friends of the club."

Please make a note of the event in your diaries and see you on 10 October!

Junior season set to end on a high note (11.9.08)

The willow tea room will be rocking on the 20 September as local indi pop band Buzzbox perform in the pavillion as part of the junior presentation evening.

It will conclude an action packed afternoon and evening, including each junior teams's award ceremonies, a well stocked bar, superb supper and two fantastic bands mixing rock classics with tearful ballads.

All club members and friends are invited along, particularly for the evening part of the event when the bands are performing.

Organiser Richard Edwards said: "The pavillion is an ideal venue for this social event and presentation. It promises to be a fantastic evening, with two top bands performing some classic songs to get people on their feet and rockin' the night away."

Full details of the event are below:-

Lightcliffe CC Junior Presentation and end of season celebration
Saturday 20th September 2008

4pm – 6pm
Junior presentations
Under 9’s Kevin Booth/Steve Hartley
Under 11’s Kevin Booth/Steve Hartley
Under 12’s Phil Dodd
Under 13’s Mark Wild
Under 15’s Bradford Mark Duffy
Under 15’s Halifax Richard Edwards
Under 17’s Will Knight
Parents- we will need your help on the day to help with catering/setting up-please let your manager know if you can help.

6.30pm
The Strayhorts

8pm
Buzzbox

Free entry
Barge & Barrel ales,
Burgers & Hot Dogs

Everybody welcome-families, friends, senior players and club members.
Come along & end the season in style!

Golf day date (11.9.08)

An eagle eyed former Lightcliffe pace ace (clue he's now enjoying a Southowram sojurn) has contacted Website HQ to query the date of the golf day.

For the record, it's Friday 3 October and not Friday 4 October as stated in the orginal post.

All other details are correct!

Under 15’s retain the Collinson Cup (08.09.08)

Lightcliffe’s talented Under 15 squad retained the Collinson Cup that they won in 2007 demonstrating their skills in every aspect of the game. Captain Sam Kalanovic led from the front, batting positively, marshalling his bowlers expertly and winning the tactical battle against SBCI. That he did this whilst ably upholding the spirit of cricket was both brilliant and rewarding for all who were present.

Three members of the squad who were unavailable for the final, (Captain Oliver Holden, Jack Walsh and Oliver Roughton) were replaced by James Godden, Oliver Hemingway and Joe Duffy who had all played in previous rounds.

Despite conditions being overcast, Lightcliffe elected to bat first as they had done in all previous rounds. Edwards and Godden got the innings off to a positive start but wickets fell steadily, despite the shot of the match by Marcus Kelly, unluckily caught brilliantly on the boundary, until Joe Duffy and Joe Greenwood came together with the score on 48 for 6. Duffy proceeded to play with great authority in his most important innings of the season and Greenwood batted skilfully to accompany him as they took the score to 82. Duffy retired on 30 and was warmly applauded from the field.

Aware that they had not made the score that they were capable of, Lightcliffe bowlers practiced hard during the interval and applied pressure from the very first over - a tactical move that saw off spinner Ben Grech open the bowling. Firth, SBCI’s star batsman was tempted to sweep Grech’s 4th ball, missed and was bowled. In the 4th over Godden drew a drive from Gunningham that was pouched effortlessly at mid on by Joe Greenwood and the advantage lay decisively with Lightcliffe.

Excellent support bowling by Evan Edwards, Kristian Sharples and Oliver Hemingway saw wickets fall steadily. Sharp fielding by the swift-footed Ali Butters and catches taken expertly by Tom Denham, Kalanovic, Edwards and Hemingway meant SBCI fell 26 runs short and Lightcliffe lifted the trophy for the second year running. Joe Duffy, whose innings was the difference between the two teams, deservedly won Man of the Match.

The team were magnificently supported- as they have been all season- by parents and friends as well club members and special thanks are due to the talented James Lumb for coming along as 12th man, to Carl Kelly and Graham Holden for all their umpiring and scoring this season and to the many folk who have administered catering, first aid, team photographs and good humour in this wettest of summers.

Richard Edwards

Swing into action and sign up for annual club golf day!

The LCC golf day is one of the highlights of the social calender when members of the club take to the fairways and show off their golfing abilities.

This year's event is on Friday 4 October at Lightcliffe Golf Club from 9am until late. The day comprises a hearty breakfast of bacon butties and tea, a lunch of soup and sarnies, a wonderful three course dinner, two rounds of golf (morning practice round and afternoon championship for the Frank Eggleton Memorial Shield), as well as plenty of drinking and banter. All for a bargain £35.

It's always a popular and well attended day. So don't worry if your standard is more Shibden Park than St Andrews, come along and join in the fun! Everyone is welcome.

For more information contact organiser Paul Ramsden on 07767252639.

Weather ruins powe's promotion parade (7.9.08)

Third team skipper Jim Powe was left lamenting the weather after a waterlogged pitch at Wakefield Road prevented his third team sealing promotion.

Powe, who this week announced his intention to stand down as captain, was hoping to bow out in style by sealing promition against Queensbury.

However, victory in the last game against Elland next week will see the thirds back in the top flight for the 2009 campaign.

Powe's resignation is expected to be accepted by the committee at tomorrow night's meeting. Jim has been a safe pair of hands for three seasons following the more rock n roll approach of former captain Paul Keighley.

Jim said: "I have enjoyed my time as captain. It's been a rollercoaster of a ride. Two promotions, a relegation, a cup final appearance curelly denied. The highs have outweighed the lows. But now the end is near and I'd like to think I did it my way."

A big thanks to Jim for all his hard work as third team skipper.

Rod's sterling work (5.9.08)

As another season draws to a close, it's a time for reflection on just how many games have taken place at Wakefield Road this year.

Over the course of five long months, there have been countless games at LCC These have included the three senior teams, a number of junior sides, school games, tour matches, friendlies and many more. Is there another cricket square in the North that has as much use.

Quite simply, none of these games could have happened without Groundsman Rod Heyhoe's sterling work. He has rolled, mowed, prepared and grafted for hour after hour this season. All for the benefit of others.

On behalf of everyone at the club, the Website editioral team would like to say a big thanks to Rod and say how much his work is appreciated by the players, coaches and the committee.

We just hope that Rod's talk of taking more of a back seat next season does not happen. The ground and wickets would not be the same without him at the helm!

Rain Fails to Dampen Tour Spirits

Early last Sunday morning a party of tourists met in the Sun Inn car park on their way to the annual LCC Lincs Tour. The rain had abated, the sun shone and the wind was set fair for the journey south.

Five miles on the M62 and a text was received to say the only tour match had been cancelled due to water getting under the covers. A quick detour to Ferrybridge Services and a meeting of the full tour party was opened to discuss the motion ‘Let’s Go Anyway’. This was quickly passed and two hours later the tourists were pulling into the farm of our host and Seas End Hall manager/skipper/selection committee, Will Wright.

The promise of a bowling machine, bar billiards, booze and a barbie had enticed the tourists into continuing the journey and the mere mention of table tennis had got some individuals frothing at the mouth. The bowling machine was quickly tried and enjoyed, bar billiards was too alien to be grasped, which left table tennis (and the booze and Barbie, but that goes without saying).

Before a ping had been ponged the war of words had started. Aussie Sean Robinson was immediately laying down the gauntlet with his claim to be a former ‘ranked player in Victoria’. This was swiftly countered with Michael Brooke’s brag that 17 years ago he was the ‘Woolacombe Bay Hotel U15’s champion’. The irony of this retort seemed lost on our overseas guest (perhaps he thinks the Woolacombe Bay Hotel houses the UK table tennis academy?) who thrust out his chest and declared a decider as the first game of what would be an epic session of table tennis.

That Robinson lost this first match to the attritional Brooke (‘Like watching Kallis bat’ was one observer’s summing up of his style of play) proved to be of no consequence, for he eventually took the ascendancy against all comers, beating Brooke in a return match some 24 hours later. Between these two games the likes of Stead, Tesseyman, Wilson, Orr, Horne and Tom Powe (or Augustus Gloop as he was to become known) graced the table in a mixture of doubles and singles that ruined the lawn and caused profuse sweating in the youngest member of the tour party. Great fun.

The next day, after some luxurious camping on inflatable mattresses (for the new Mrs Stead, and the future Mrs Tesseyman and Mrs Wilson) as well as barbie number 3, the tourists made the short trip to the Seas End Hall ground for the host team’s fixture against Sheffield University Staff CC. Brooke, Horne and Gloop were due to turn out for Seas End Hall.

It cannot be stressed too much what a wonderful ground this is and it was a great shame that the game had been called off the previous day. It is large and flat with an excellent pitch and the games are always played in a spirit of competitive fun. Those who have not been on this annual trip are missing out – make the effort, it will be worthwhile!

The LCC contingent helped Seas End to a good victory in the game. Having slipped to 9 for 3 chasing 180 to win, Brooke helped the side to rebuild with a fluent 41, but was dismissed caught at orthodox mid-on having really got hold of one. Horne also contributed with 39. Earlier Gloop had bowled some controlled in-swing into a very stiff wind, being unlucky not to get reward for his efforts. Horne had also bowled late on, his filthy off-spin helping to boost the score and bowl the visitors out.

And so to the journey home. It was a weary but happy bunch of tourists that pulled into Lightcliffe later that night with talk of next year already in the air. An excellent couple of days and a huge thank you to our hosts Will and Lou who didn’t need to turn over their house to 11 drunken northerners, but it is to their eternal credit that they did; it made our weekend.

(For tour photos go to the photos link above).

Strong Team Announced for Lincolnshire Date

A strong LCC touring team has been announced for Sunday's game against Seas End Hall CC at Moulton Seas End near Spalding. The side, which includes first team skipper Richard Nichols, will be hoping for good weather as they make the trip south for this annual fixture.

A number of guest will also be making appearances for the touring side. Richard 'Turbo' Tessseyman, a former fans favourite at Wakefield Road, will be donning the claret and gold once again, as will former LCC U12's opening bat Barney Horne, now a resident of Norfolk. Horne will bring with him opening bowler Chris Bielby.

Seas End Hall is a wonderfully picturesque and well maintained ground set in the grounds of the local manor house. As well as playing cricket, the tourists will also be camping in a nearby paddock with a number of the team scheduled to play for the hosts the following day in their game against Sheffield University Staff.

The touring team is:
James Horne
Michael Brooke
Richard Nichols
Jocky Wilson
Sean Robinson
Tom Powe
Richard Tesseyman
Barney Horne
Chris Bielby

The eagle eyed amongst you will no doubt have spotted there are only 9 names above. If there is anyone else out there that would like to join us, please give James Horne a call or see him at the club tomorrow - everyone welcome!

McQueen back in the first team as teams are finally announced {15.08.08}

After a 72 hour selection meeting the teams have finally been released.

Nick McQueen returns to the first team fold after impressing in the seconds and thirds this season.

The three Powe brothers will be turning out at Cleckheaton.

The weather forecast is cloudy and dry to start with. Rain will arrive later.

See the teams section for more news.

Enjoy cricket week photos {15.8.08}

The recent enjoy cricket week at the club was a real success.

A belated big thanks to the coaches who helped out, including Arnie Sidebottom, Rob Crookes and former Lightcliffe batsmen Gregory Finn.

A number of photos from the week are now in the photos section of the website.

Also, thanks to everyone at the club who helped organise such a successful week. It also happened to be the sunniest week of the summer!

No selection fun for Lunn {14.8.08}

The teams for this weekend's games are still being finalised. Watch this space for further news from Bruce Lunn's hard working selection panel.

Rambo passes the tannoy test (14.8.08)

Lightcliffe socialite Paul Ramsden was relaxing today after a daunting week fronting the public address system at Huddersfield Town.

The common view from fans was that Rambo had 'passed the test' and some were even calling for him to take the tannoy full time!

Paul took to the mike for Town's home league game with Stockport and this week's Carling Cup derby game against Bradford.

James Horne and Membership Secretary Robert Brooke were both at the games and posted have posted their thoughts from the ground.

Robert said: "His performance was very good and I enjoyed it. It was certainly better than town's performance!"

James said: "It was a challenge that he rose to. It was quite funny to see the Stockport fans giving him some well meant banter."

Bankfoot opening batter Simon Curry, who follows Bradford City, said: "I couldn't beleive it when I heard his voice crackling through the tannoy. I've heard enough of his comments from 1st slip over the years without having to put up with it at football matches as well!"

Paul's thoughts on his microphone moment will be posted shortly.

Godden and Oakland bowl thirds to victory (16.8.08)

Fantastic spells of bowling from James Godden and Ben Oakland, backed up by the wily Mark Whiley, sealed a truimphant day for Jim Powe's third team.

Cheered on by a healthy Sunday crowd Powe had no hesitation in taking first use of the wicket after winning the toss. His batsmen rewarded the skipper's faith.

Veteran Kev Booth was fluent and floorless in a composed 58. The rest of team chipped in around the left hander to give us a useful total of circa 190.

Victory was sealed pretty quickly after tea. The three seamers found movement and bounce to rip through the Rastrick batting. Godden bagged five wickets, Oakland four and Whiley one. At least one person in the fantasy league has all three of them in their line up.

There was also time for some of Jim Powe's hand grenades but the skipper was wicketless. The thirds promotion charge is back on.

Jim said: "It was a good all round display, with some big performances right through the team. I am hopeful of guiding us to promotion. We still have five games to go and it will go to the wire. We are taking it one game at a time. I can't wait for Sunday's game."

Thirds win again

Jim Powe's thirds won again on Sunday. Jim will be filing his report tomorrow!

Seconds beat the rain but not Woodlands

More news on the seconds agonising defeat later...........

Crooko vows to make quick comeback {4.8.08}

Rob Crookes fingers have caused him a bit of frustration this season and the popular wicket keeper batsmen admitted he was "gutted" to miss last week's crunch game with East Bierley.

The former Hartshead Moor stopper has been plying his trade behind the stumps for over 20 years and admits time is catching up with his hands.

Rob said: "This could be last season with the gloves on. I can concentrate on my batting then for a few seasons. My hands are like sand paper.

"It would be a fitting way to end my stumping days by helping the twos to stay in the top flight."

Enjoy cricket week photos will be on this week! {3.8.08}

The 'enjoy cricket' week recently held at LCC was a roaring success with youngsters coming from Lightcliffe and beyond.

Over 100 youngsters packed into the club to enjoy coaching from the likes of former England Ace Arnie Sidebottom.

Organiser Duncan Powe said the week had been enjoyed by everyone who had attended.

Duncan said: "I would like to thank everyone who attended, the parents who helped out and the coaches who put in hours to help the children improve their cricket skills.

"The emphasis, as the title suggests, is on enjoyment. The sun shone and the week can only be described as a complete success."

Watch out for more from the week and photos in the 'photos section' of the website shortly!

Now Rambo really is taking the mike (3.08.08)

Over the years we have all sorts of excuses for unavailability, but we might have one this week which will take some beating.

Former 1st XI skipper Paul Ramsden has declared himself unavailable for selection as he takes up the role of Matchday Announcer at the Galpharm Stadium for the first match of Huddersfield Town ’s centenary season versus Stockport County .

We at the cricket club presume that Huddersfield Town officials have been spying on Paul at the Lightcliffe Gala held annually at the cricket club at which Paul acts as compere.

So instead of wielding willow in front of 20 or so die-hards at Bankfoot, Rambo will be attempting to whip the expected 20,000 crowd into a frenzy prior to kick off!!

How will he fare? Will this almost recluse clam up on the big stage?

Log on next week as Robert Brooke, LCC membership secretary and Town season ticket holder, will be reporting back exclusively to lightcliffecricketclub.co.uk on how Paul performs. Robert said: "I'm going to giving marks out of ten in various areas. It will certainly liven things up if the football is rubbish!"

Paul said: "It's an honour to be taking the mike at such a famous football club. I've gone from been thrown out at Headingley to getting a top job at Huddersfield town. Life really is a rollercoaster."

Lightcliffe first team skipper Richard Nichols said: "I wish him well in his new venture. It will make my job that bit easier on Saturday!"

http://www.htafc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10312~1358223,00.html

p.s. this is not a spoof.

Firsts not great at horton {3.8.08}

It was another bad day at the office for the firsts who reached a new low in season of lows.

A scoreboard of 29-0 transformed into 75 all out as a lively pitch and good seam and spin bowling ripped through the batting.

Only skipper Richard Nichols {18} really contributed, as the summer slump continued. It made for grim viewing for our loyal travelling army.

The firsts managed to get a couple of Horton players out but were well beaten by eight wickets.

Assistant captain Jocky Wilson said: "That wasn't great but we got the worst of the wicket. I can't quite put my finger on what is going wrong. We are not getting enough runs or taking enough wickets."

Sunday morning misery for thirds despite Hemmingway Heroics {3.8.08}

The early morning start did not suit Jim Powe's pups as the third team crashed by 20 runs against nasty Norland.

A 38 over game saw the visitors hit 152, with wickets shared around including two for Ben Oakland and Tom Powe.

Our reply stumbled in the late morning gloom, and despite another 50 from Ollie Hemmingway and a 17 from Tom Powe, the rest of the batting failed to perform. Skipper Powe was "gutted" to pick out extra cover after a shot which by his own admission should have gone for four.

The defeat leaves the thirds promotion hopes hanging in the balance.

Jim Powe said: "It was disappointing defeat but our style suits an afternoon start. It gives some of my lads longer to sober up as well. We'll roll with a punch and come back fighting. I'm not thinking of doing a Michael Vaughan and quitting."

Powe bullish in defeat after ramsay shines {3.8.08}

Richard Powe matured as a person and a cricketer on Saturday as he took the captaincy for our brave defeat against unbeaten Bierley.

In the absence of Gaz Stevens and Rob Crookes, Powe was handed a 10p coin at 1.15pm and immediately grew in stature.

A superb bowling performance by Ramsey Al-Chalaby put us in sight of a famous victory, as the Bierley late order was ripped apart. The popular paceman ended with six deserved wickets. The other seamers all performed well, Sam Godden got two scalps and Tom Powe particulary unlucky not to pick up a scalp or two. The target of 164 was getable and captain Powe rallied his troops in the willow tea room.

In reply, we stumbled a bit, with the returning McQueen, pinch hitter Jim Powe and Yagub back in the hut. A determined 17 from Jimmy Shaw kept us in the hunt with big guns Rick Powe, Ollie Hemmingway and Paul Ramsden to come.

Unfortunately, Rambo fell to a stunning gully catch and despite some fine cricket shots from the acting skipper, Powe {36 Not out} ran out of partners and we ended on 99 all out.

After the game, Powe said he had enjoyed the captaincy experience.

Powe said: "That was a thrilling afternoon. I loved every minute. I just wish I had been a winning captain. However, our greatest truimphs are not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. We will rise again."

LCC (Very) Mini Tour to Lincs

It's that time of year again, the club's (Very) Mini Tour to Lincs is less than a month away and the tour committee is on the look out for cricketers to play in this friendly fixture at the wonderful setting of Seas End Hall CC.

Marvel at not having to walk up a hill to the pavilion; relax with a beer at the tea interval; stare in disbelief at the innovatively constructed sight screen; don't go on a night out in Spalding; camp overnight; and enjoy the cricket without the pressure of a league fiuxture!

The itinerary is as follows:

Sunday 24th August

• 8am leave Lightcliffe in convoy
  
• 10am arrive at Seas End Hall CC
  
• 12pm commence game (It will be declaration cricket playing 20 overs from 5pm)
  
• 6.30pm finish game, shower and enjoy the post match craic in the Seas End Hall pavilion.
  
• Some time after 6.30pm retire to your tent, or if you're Rod, your van, in the paddock between the cricket ground and the manor house. Alternatively drive home, it's only two hours.
  

• Wake up
  
• For a few players there is the chance of another game.
  
• For the others you can head home (that is unless your lift is playing cricket!)
  

That's not all folks {28.7.08}

It's been a quiet few days on the web but six reports on various teams fortunes have now been added.

There is more to come in the next two days. Watch our for:-

Firsts falter as Victoria are Victorious
Did eight Lightcliffe Members really get thrown out of Headingley?
Full round up and photos from enjoy cricket week!
Many more team reports.
Plenty other photos to be added!

Keep logging on!

Saunders sizzles in summer sun {28.7.08}

Jim Powe was purring with pride after his third team charges continued their promotion charge yesterday.

A proud Powe said it was the "ultimate team display" after his side demolished Bradshaw at Wakefield Road.

After winning the toss, powe sat back and watched Colin Saunders hit the ball to all parts of Wakefield Road. It's been a golden summer for the portly Saunders, and his 82 was the rock on which the thirds' innings was built.

Skipper Powe also chipped in with runs along with other players {more details to follow}.

In reply the wickets were shared amongst the wily Mark Wiley {two wickets}, Ben Oakland {two wickets}, Jake Kalanovic {one wicket}. However, it was Powe himself who took the bowling honours with four wickets from his flighted off and leg spin, mixed with quicker balls and the odd googly.

Well done James and the third team!

Is it time for Towell after seconds lose twice? {28.7.08}

Lightcliffe 2nd X1 v Yeadon 2nd X1 26 July 2008

Gaz Stevens held our seconds together all weekend but it was in vain as lost twice. Gaz's commitment cannot be fauled but with 40 players used by the seconds this season, it is little wonder we are facing the drop.

An inexperienced Lightcliffe Seconds went down tamely away to a strong Yeadon side on Saturday in the JCT600 Bradford League Second Teams Division One.

Choosing to bat on a hot day Lightcliffe soon discovered how difficult it was to score runs on a slow and low Yeadon wicket. Only skipper Gareth Stevens made it to double figures with a resilient 33 lasting more than 40 overs. With five of the side selected from the table topping under 15s the team did not lack for youthful enthusiasm but, despite battling for nearly 48 overs, were eventually were bowled out for 93.

Sam Godden picked up an early wicket with a useful yorker and the Lightcliffe bowlers generally kept it fairly tight. However, the ball never quite went to hand and Yeadon eased to the target with just one wicket down.

Lightcliffe 2nd X1 v Keighley 2nd X1 27 July 2008.

Although a few more senior players were available for the Sunday, Lightcliffe faired little better away at Keighley.

Batting first Gareth Stevens once again top scored with a carefully compiled unbeaten 36. Good support came from the returning Nick McQueen, becoming the 40th player to line up for the Seconds this season, who made a stylish 26. "It was radical to be back", said Nick. Lightcliffe were eventually dismissed in the final over for 147.

Despite a good effort from the Ladak brothers, the reliable Tom Powe was the only successful bowler in the Keighley innings taking both wickets to fall for just 17 runs. Keighley eventually ran out winners in the 41st over leaving Lightcliffe adrift at the bottom of the table and desperate for a turn of fortune.

Is it time for Towell after seconds lose twice? {28.7.08}

Lightcliffe 2nd X1 v Yeadon 2nd X1 26 July 2008

Gaz Stevens held our seconds together all weekend but it was in vain as lost twice. Gaz's commitment cannot be fauled but with 40 players used by the seconds this season, it is little wonder we are facing the drop.

An inexperienced Lightcliffe Seconds went down tamely away to a strong Yeadon side on Saturday in the JCT600 Bradford League Second Teams Division One.

Choosing to bat on a hot day Lightcliffe soon discovered how difficult it was to score runs on a slow and low Yeadon wicket. Only skipper Gareth Stevens made it to double figures with a resilient 33 lasting more than 40 overs. With five of the side selected from the table topping under 15s the team did not lack for youthful enthusiasm but, despite battling for nearly 48 overs, were eventually were bowled out for 93.

Sam Godden picked up an early wicket with a useful yorker and the Lightcliffe bowlers generally kept it fairly tight. However, the ball never quite went to hand and Yeadon eased to the target with just one wicket down.

Lightcliffe 2nd X1 v Keighley 2nd X1 27 July 2008.

Although a few more senior players were available for the Sunday, Lightcliffe faired little better away at Keighley.

Batting first Gareth Stevens once again top scored with a carefully compiled unbeaten 36. Good support came from the returning Nick McQueen, becoming the 40th player to line up for the Seconds this season, who made a stylish 26. "It was radical to be back", said Nick. Lightcliffe were eventually dismissed in the final over for 147.

Despite a good effort from the Ladak brothers, the reliable Tom Powe was the only successful bowler in the Keighley innings taking both wickets to fall for just 17 runs. Keighley eventually ran out winners in the 41st over leaving Lightcliffe adrift at the bottom of the table and desperate for a turn of fortune.

More under 13s latest {28.7.08}

Lightcliffe U13s v Northowram Fields U13s 24-7-08

Lightcliffe U13s last away match of the season with teams who had got to know each other quite well during ‘Enjoy Cricket Week’.

Lightcliffe batted first making sure and steady progress with openers Patrick Lathom-Sharp and Jack Sheldrake betting well on a lifeless track. Lathom-Sharp eventually went for 10 and Sheldrake retired on 30.
Lightcliffe kept the scoreboard ticking over with 10 each from Harry Sutcliffe and Max Sheldrake, but wickets also fell regularly. At the end of the 20 overs Lightcliffe had reached a total 100-7

Northowram came into bat, but despite Lightcliffe’s wayward early bowling, they never really got going and with 12 being their highest score, the total was never really threatened. As the sky darkened the game drew to a close with Northowram still 28 short of the target. Wickets were shared amongst several bowlers with one apiece.


Lightcliffe 100-7 Northowram Fields 72-4

More under 12s news........this time it's the July games! {28.7.08}

Under 12’s Make it Two out of Three

The under 12’s played their last three games in the Gordon Bowers League 3rd,14th and 18th July and won two out of the three.
Playing away to Buttershaw St.Pauls on the 3rd, the home side elected to bat first and were held to a score of 49 for 3 but Lightcliffe bowlers racked up 19 extras. However there was one piece of notable bowling by Jasper Ayrton who finished with 2 wickets for 5 runs in his 3 overs. Buttershaws final score 244 for 3
When Lightcliffe batted the opening pair of Jasper Ayrton (13) and Robert Barnes (8) scored 21 without loss. The next 2 pairs added 24 but lost 2 wickets and the last pair scored 8 but again lost 1 wicket making the total 59 for 3, Buttershaw bowlers also gave 19 extras. Lightcliffes final score 254 for 3.

On the 14th July Lightcliffe entertained East Bierley in their last home game. Winning the toss East Bierley batted first and a combination of steady bowling and good fielding by Lightcliffe kept their score to 47 for 4, 17 of these scored by S.Pickersgill. The extras were 14. East Bierleys final score 229 for 4.
Lightcliffe batters got of to poor start losing a wicket on the third delivery of the first over. They recovered to score 16 runs in 4 overs but not before losing a second wicket to an unnecessary run out. Two more wickets were lost as the second pair added 13. The third pair of Max Sheldrake (18) and Oliver Firth (7) added 25 but once again they had a mix up causing a run out. Nine runs were scored by the final pair who also lost a wicket to a run out. East Bierley bowling was tight conceding only 6 extras.
Lightcliffes final score 221 for 6.

The final game was played at Copley on the 18th July. Lightcliffe batted first and scored 64 for 5, three players reaching double figures, Max Sheldrake 17, Patrick Wild 15 and Harry Sutcliffe 11. Copleys bowling was a little untidy and they contributed 21 extras. Lightcliffes final score 245 for 5
Copley batters found it difficult going and managed 34 runs for the loss of 3 wickets, 14 of these being scored by Oliver Thorpe. Lightcliffes bowling and fielding was not quite up to its best and they conceded 19 extras. Copleys final score 229 for 3.

Kev booth's Under 11s round up........reports from four games! {28.7.08}

Lightcliffe Under 11s vs Cleckheaton. Sun 20th July

Lay-off proves beneficial.
Cleckheaton 233-5 lost to LCC 244-2 by 11 runs

No game for a month (or even the chance to practice in the intervening period) meant the Under 11’s warm up involved a lesson in bat and ball identification. With success!
Cleckheaton won the toss and surprisingly batted on a slow wicket, which Lightcliffe used well with steady bowling all round. The Broadbent twins Regan and Jake chipped in with early wickets. James Hodkinson followed up a run out with a wicket and finally George Ayrton made it 5, to leave the Juniors with a reachable total to aim for.

Ayrton then produced his season best score (an unbeaten 14 including defensive shots off the back foot, along with the more familiar boundaries). Indeed the batting performed so solidly, that the final batting pair were in unfamiliar territory on arrival at the crease - the innings being wicket-less and the total ahead of the opposition’s.
The fall of 2 wickets however, meant that the game went to the last ball, safely put away by Hodkinson, to produce the Under 11’s second win of the season.


Lightcliffe Under 11s vs Buttershaw St Pauls. Sun 22nd June

Improvement in the field. Batting fragile again.
Buttershaw 253-4 beat LCC 152-9 lost 101 runs

The return leg from the previous week always promised to be an uphill task.
This was not evident from the young Lightcliffe team, who produced their best performance to date in the field. There was some excellent ground fielding, especially from Regan Broadbent, whilst Jordan Pickles, Charlie Sutcliffe and James Hodkinson all chipped in with wickets, to restrict their strong opponents score to 27 runs less than the previous week’s.

Batting remains the challenge for the team. 5 maidens in the first 8 overs and 9 wickets lost, reinforced the skills in need of development.


Lightcliffe Under 11s vs Buttershaw St Pauls. Sun 15th June

Large total too much to chase.
Buttershaw 281-3 beat LCC 222-3 by 87 runs

Halfway through the innings at 214-2 Lightcliffe were in the frame. Charlie Sutcliffe’s tight bowling (only 1 run from 2 overs), plus 2-10 from the improving James Hodkinson, standing out. Two older Buttershaw players changed what looked like a reasonable bowling performance into an unbeatable score, as 75 runs came off the last 8 overs.
In extreme contrast, only 4 runs were scored in the first 8 overs for Lightcliffe. Steady knocks from Jack Booth (9) and James Hodkinson (12) thus proved fruitless.


Lightcliffe Under 11s vs Spen Victoria. Sun 8th June

Outplayed
Spen Victoria 264-3 beat LCC 177-9 by 87 runs

The Under 11’s were outplayed by a stronger side.
Batting first Spen never looked troubled, with only Jordan Pickles (1-5) making an impact with the ball.
Some poor running and loose shots meant the game was beyond Lightcliffe long before the end.

U13s beat Liversedge {28.7.08}

Lightcliffe U13s v Liversedge U13s 17-7-08

For the second week running the sky was dark, the drizzle was threatening and another rained off match looked a possibility. However things improved enough to start, with Lightcliffe seeking revenge after a defeat earlier in the season.

Liversedge batted first and made steady progress reaching 51-1 from the first 10 overs. Wickets then began to fall with Scott Johnston taking 3 for 5 in a lively 3 over spell helped by catches from Jack Sheldrake and Patrick Wild. Loose bowling though gave away 34 extras and Liversedge finished on 117-5 from their 20 overs.

As Lightcliffe started their innings the skies darkened but they settled in despite the gloom. The first wicket fell in the third over with the total on 9. Jack Sheldrake and Jasper Ayrton then put on a good display of sensible batting, attacking the loose ball but defending the straight ones. Both went on to retire on 32 and 33 respectively. Patrick Wild scored 13 before skying a full toss to a grateful fielder and James Lumb hit a quick 18no taking Lightcliffe past the target with 2 overs to spare.

A fine game despite the conditions and with both teams playing some good cricket, it meant that the result hung in the balance right until the end.


Cleckheaton 117-5 Lightcliffe 118-2

U13s beat Liversedge {28.7.08}

Lightcliffe U13s v Liversedge U13s 17-7-08

For the second week running the sky was dark, the drizzle was threatening and another rained off match looked a possibility. However things improved enough to start, with Lightcliffe seeking revenge after a defeat earlier in the season.

Liversedge batted first and made steady progress reaching 51-1 from the first 10 overs. Wickets then began to fall with Scott Johnston taking 3 for 5 in a lively 3 over spell helped by catches from Jack Sheldrake and Patrick Wild. Loose bowling though gave away 34 extras and Liversedge finished on 117-5 from their 20 overs.

As Lightcliffe started their innings the skies darkened but they settled in despite the gloom. The first wicket fell in the third over with the total on 9. Jack Sheldrake and Jasper Ayrton then put on a good display of sensible batting, attacking the loose ball but defending the straight ones. Both went on to retire on 32 and 33 respectively. Patrick Wild scored 13 before skying a full toss to a grateful fielder and James Lumb hit a quick 18no taking Lightcliffe past the target with 2 overs to spare.

A fine game despite the conditions and with both teams playing some good cricket, it meant that the result hung in the balance right until the end.


Cleckheaton 117-5 Lightcliffe 118-2

UNDER 12’S DISAPPOINTING JUNE. AS BAD AS THE WEATHER

The under 12’s second game of the season in the Gordon Bowers competition was played at home against Copley on 6th June. Batting first Lightcliffe scored 39 in the first 8 overs, which included a knock of 26 by Patrick Wild, without loss of wickets. In the second 8 scoring was restricted to 16 runs, making the total 55 but 4 wickets were lost. Copley conceded 17 extras taking the score after adding 200 to 272. But when the 4 wicket penalty (32) had been deducted Lightcliffes final score was 240. for 4.
Copleys opening pair scored 9 without loss and Lightcliffe bowlers only conceded 3 extras, however their second pair compiled 25 without loss and when the 3rd pair did not score at all and lost a wicket hopes began to rise. Copley’s final pair scored 17 runs but lost 1 wicket, this brought their runs to 51 for the loss of 2 wickets but Lightcliffe conceded 12 extras. Adding the 200 gave Copley a total of 263. But after the 2 wicket penalty (16) Copleys final score showed 247 for 2.

On the 11th June the team travelled to Low Moor for the third game of the season. And after a delayed start whilst the home side search for equipment, Low Moor won the toss and elected to bat. They scored 37 for the loss of 3 wickets in their allotted overs, but Lightcliffe gave away 24 extras. But one notable piece of bowling was Jasper Ayrtons 2 wickets for 5 runs in his first over, finishing with 2 for 9 in his 3 overs. Max Sheldrake injured his neck stumping and had to leave the field, and took no further part in the game. Low Moors final total 261 minus 24 (3x8) gave then 237 for 3.
Batting in the gathering gloom Lightcliffe knocked up 46 runs for the loss of 5 wickets, one feature of this being Tom Lathom-Sharps’ selection by the opposing side to bat twice in place of the injured Max Sheldrake. Tom batted doggedly did not loose his wicket and scored 4 runs. Low Moor conceded 14 extras giving Lightcliffe a total of 260 but taking away the 5 wicket penalty (40) the final score was 220 for 5.

Playing Low Moor again at home on the 23rd June, Lightcliffe batted first. They scored 64 for 4. The second pair of Patrick Wild (20) and Max Sheldrake (13) added 33 in their 4 overs but lost 1 wicket. Harry Sutcliffe opened scoring 12 and Matthew Barnes also scored 12 when the last pair added 15 but lost 1 wicket. There were 11 extras giving a total of 275 but once again deducting the 4 wicket penalty (32) the final score was 243 for 4.
When Low Moor batted Lightcliffes’ bowling in the opening period was wayward and 42 runs were scored off the bat with 5 byes and no wickets. In the second half of the innings bowling improved but only 1 wicket was taken and 12 more extras were added giving Low Moor a total of 277, minus 1 wicket (8) making there final score 269 for 1.

Friday 27th June was a wet and miserable day when the Under 12’s played away at East Bierley. Batting first on an all weather pitch wickets tumbled regularly and at the end of their allotted 16 overs they had managed only 37 for the loss of 7 wickets. East Bierley bowlers weighed in with 25 extras but that only left them chasing 206 for victory, as Lightcliffes final calculated score was 206 for 7.
To their credit Lightcliffe bowlers took up the challenge and in the first 8 overs took 3 wickets restricting Bierley to 25 runs with 9 extras. But then the rain showers began and holding the ball became difficult. The last 6 overs were played in steady rain and the batsman took full advantage of the situation, scoring 33 off the last 3 and loosing only 1 more wicket making their run total 70. Lightcliffe conceded 35 extras in taking 4 wickets. East Bierleys’ final score 273 for 4.

In praise of our ground {17.7.08}

The praise has flooded in to LCC this week after our successful hosting of the White Rose game last Sunday.

Huddersfield league officials were so impressed with the ground, surrounds and hospitaility, they mailed secretary and second team all rounder Steve Hartley to pass on their thoughts.

Bradford League President Keith Moss has even suggested we enter a competition for the best kept cricket grounds in England! Praise indeed.

These compliments are a credit to everyone involved with hosting last Sunday's game, especially Rod who put in hours of work making sure everything was spot on for the game.

Our reputation is certainly growing throughout the Bradford league and beyond.

Teams posted

See if you have made the final cut for the weekend's big games by clicking on teams.

"Beaten by one man" lambasts a peeved Powe

Despite another 50 for Ollie Hemmingway, who is brightening up this damp summer with some blistering stroke play, the thirds lost out at Queensbury on Sunday.

However, it was an extraordinary day of cricket leaving skipper Jim Powe bemused and Halifax club officials dashing for the record books.

A fired up Powe rang Website HQ on Sunday evening and was unable to comprehend how ten oppostion players, chasing Lightcliffe's 206, could be out for single figures yet still overall our total.

Powe takes up the story. "We batted first and did reasonably well. Kev Booth got us off to a solid start, before Ollie smacked the ball to all parts of the ground for a fine 72. I chipped in with 28 and we enjoyed our tea thinking we had enough.

"Their batting was poor and seamsters Mark Whiley, Ben Oakland and others were soon amongst the wickets. Yet, from nowhere, one of their chaps started hitting six after six. Before you knew it had 156 not out and they had won by a wicket!

"We were the better team and were beaten by one man. It was a good knock from the fella but hard for us to take when extras were second top score with 10."

The thirds remain second in the league and still in with a good chance of promotion.

The sun shone, the BBQ sizzled, the ground looked picture perfect {13.7.08}

LCC successfully held the White Rose representative game earlier today between the Bradford and Huddersfield Central Leagues.

The ground was a credit to Rod Heyhoe, as spectators, league officals and LCC players poured through the gate. Let's hope it's the first of many big games the club holds in the years to come.

A big thanks to everyone who helped organise the day, and to Paul Ramsden for putting on the popular BBQ.

Bradford League Officials were said to be impressed by the club's organisation of the big game!

Next stop, a Preistley Shield or Cup final?............

Deano dazzles as moor are mauled {13.7.08}

Dean Heyhoe's flight and guile helped bowl the first team to a comprehensive eight wicket victory on Saturday.

In a sublime 11 over spell, in which only four of his balls went for runs, Deano tied the batsmen in knots with his control and accuracy. It was a perfect display of finger spinning on a drying wicket.

Skipper Richard Nichols was once again in fine form with the ball, ripping out the heart of the Moor batting with four cheap wickets. Adil Ladak also came out with credit and deserved his one wicket.

The target of 58 never looked in doubt and despite the loss of Michael Brooke (14) and 'classical cricketer' Bruce Lunn (9), Jocky Wilson and Nichols saw the firsts home for a 5pm victory and an early start at the Sun Inn.

The welcome win sees the first rise at least two places in the table. See the JCT Site for the latest league tables.

Wood and Harto shine in damp defeat {13.7.08}

Mick Wood's bowling heroics and all rounder Steve Hartley's hard hitting batting were not enough to prevent the seconds sliding to defeat at Esholt.

The toss was always going to be crucial. Gaz Stevens face said it all when the pound coin, unusually, came down tails side up after calling heads.

In-form Rob Crookes had a poor day at the office by his standards, "unlucky" to be given LBW was the general view from the dressing room. Wickets kept tumbling and once Hartley had gone for 43 and Richard Thompson for 15, the innings subsided to 103 all out. "It's thirty below par" mused one Esholt regular as the players tucked into the second best teas on the circuit.

The bowling attack came out firing on all cylinders. Ramsey Al-Chalaby, fresh after a weekend 'relaxing' at Glastonbury, steamed in from the caravan end and picked up an early scalp.

Despite getting plenty of turn and bite off spinner Steve Hartley failed to pick up a wicket. However, a fired up Mick Wood turned the game on its head with four wickets to raise hopes of a famous win. However, dropped chances proved costly as Esholt edged home by five wickets.

Rick Powe said: "We battled to the end but the toss was crucial. I'm gutted."

Under 15s in cup final after glorious victory! {13.7.08}

On yet another gloomy night with storm clouds gathering at the heavily wooded YMCA ground, Augustinians Under 15s put up an heroic fight to push Lightcliffe Under 15s all the way in the Collinson Cup semi final.

Batting first, Lightcliffe, urged on by a full compliment of blanketed and shivering supporters, took a while to get used to the heavy conditions and slow outfield. Grech and Kalanovic kept the momentum at 5 runs an over and took advantage of some loose bowling, but in trying to increase the pressure too many wickets were lost hitting across the line and in the end Lightcliffe only managed 114 off their 20 overs.

Augustinians, displaying their local knowledge of the wicket, hit powerfully to the shorter boundaries and were quickly well above the asking rate. Lightcliffe’s nerves were jangling and tempers fraying, but Holden managed his bowlers masterfully bringing himself and Grech on to slow the over rate and using Edwards to capture key wickets and shift the pressure back to Augustinians. Fumbled fielding and spilled chances meant that Augustinians needed 14 off the last 2 overs but Sharples and Edwards kept it tight and a relieved Lightcliffe were into the final on Bank Holiday Monday!

Richard Edwards said: "It was a tense action packed game and everyone was overcome with emotion when victory was sealed."

Latest news from U13s campaign {13.7.08}

Lightcliffe U13s v Cleckheaton U13s 10-7-08

The recent poor weather had put this fixture in doubt and the surrounding dark clouds did not look good. However, the wicket was fine and the outfield dry, so the game commenced.

Lightcliffe decided to field first, but some loose bowling at the start allowed Cleckheaton to reach 47 before the first two wickets fell in the 6th over. The first, a Max Sheldrake/Harry Sutcliffe run out was quickly followed by a great catch by U11 player George Ayrton to dismiss Cleckheaton’s big hitting opener. From then on the wickets started to come regularly with James Lumb taking 3-11 and Patrick Wild 2-2 including another catch by Ayrton and one from Robert Barnes.

As the 16th over started, the threatened rain finally came. After a lengthy downpour it was decided that despite potentially clearing skies the game could not continue due to the state of the wicket and the match was abandoned.

Cleckheaton 90-7 Lightcliffe - Match abandoned

Call for help with covering up wickets {10.7.08}

With rain again in the air, hard working LCC Groundsman Rod Heyhoe has today asked for assistance in putting the covers on and off over the next 72 hours.

Please see Rod's message below. Rod put in a lot of hours each week so if anyone could spare a few minutes to help him out it would be much appreciated.

Rod said: "Can anyone assist in putting the covers on tonight after the Under 13 game and tomorrow night after the under 12 game please.

Also assistance tomorrow morning and saturday about 10am would be most welcome to get them off if it is not raining.

We have five games of cricket between now, Thursday pm, and Sunday evening."

Thanks in advance from Rod if anyone can lend a hand.

Alan hits the jackpot! {10.7.08}

Long serving LCC Club Member Alan Sutcliffe was celebrating today after winning a cool £200 in the popular all weather lottery.

The good news call came through to lottery organiser Rod Heyhoe at 3pm today and he was straight on the blower to Alan to tell him the good news. "I was blow away with excitment, which was quite ironic bearing in mind it is the all weather lottery."

There are about 30 Members in the all weather lottery, but we are missing out on hundreds of pounds by the slow take up rate. Come on Members get involved!

Rod launched a new appeal today to get people signing up with the chance to win life changing sums of money.

Rod said: "There is a new lottery coming on stream with a £100,000 daily prize and the club get 60% of all monies as against 35% at present. I have asked her for details which will be forthcoming shortly.

"The disappointing thing is that we have NOT sold to one new member this season and lost two. Only 29 numbers sold each week. How many players have we registered? How many Juniors and members have we got? Why are they not in the draw every day?."

Rod added: "I give Treasurer David Curran a cheque each month for about £50. That is nearly two pounds a month for each player. You can easily work out that this could easily be £500 a month for doing nothing other than sending a return to Calderdale each month. So Please can some one sell a ticket, get some new players before we lose all the juniors and their parents for another winter. Entry forms are in the tea room and changing room.

"Again I say that the Lightcliffe Lottery is the easiest way to make money for the club. A no Brainer. And every player has a chance of winning £10,000 a day."

So dig deep everyone and support the club............

Teams announced!

This week's teams have now been posted on the site

Arnie Sidebottom at Enjoy Cricket Week 2008!

The Club will again be running Enjoy Cricket Week, the Yorkshire County Cricket Club and ECB supported venture. This year the Club is pleased to announce that Arnie Sidebottom (former England and Yorkshire Cricketer and father of current Test player Ryan) is one of the coaches who will be attending.

The event begins on Monday the 21st July and ends on Friday 25th July and is being co-ordinated by Junior Cricket Chairman, Duncan Powe. Those invited to attend are children between the ages of 9 and 17, although the core of those attending is expected to be ages 15 and below. Enjoy Cricket Week is open to club members and non-members alike.

Each day begins at 10am and concludes at 3pm and daily attendance costs £2. Registration occurs once, on the first day attended.

Refreshments will be available. The Club is asking that parents volunteer their services to assist in preparing and serving the refreshments throughout the day (Lunch is approx £1.50).

Contact details as follows:
duncanpowe@googlemail.com Tel: 01422 201699

Any questions arising please contact Duncan or your Junior Team.

We look forward to seeing you all during the week!

Gala Raffle - Winning Tickets Announced (7.7.08)

Following the draw yesterday at the club's Annual Gala, a list of the winning tickets has been released by club Chairman John Brooke and raffle promoter Paul Ramsden. Prizes can be claimed by ringing Paul on 07767 252 639. The club would like to thank Artisan Fireplaces for their kind sponsorship of the event.

Lightcliffe Cricket Club Gala Raffle 2008 - Winning numbers

£200 Tog 24 Technical clothing gift voucher - 47
£25 voucher, Prego Restaurant, Brighouse - 2086
Two England v South Africa test match tickets - 244
£25 voucher Da Sandro Ristorante, Huddersfield - 2376
Two Huddersfield Town match tickets - 5579
Sun Inn Lightcliffe, steak meal for two with wine - 6022
Brassiere Lingerie Hipperholme, voucher & beauty products - 2182
Carousel Clothing Hipperholme, voucher - 3806
Charisma Hair & Beauty Hipperholme, voucher - 3612
Two Huddersfield Giants match tickets - 2087
Harefield Farm Shop, Hartshead Moor, voucher - 522
Cordelia Jones Hipperholme, beauty products - 2673
Raistrick’s Newsagants Hipperholme, gift set - 2994
The Veg Shack, Hipperholme,voucher &wine - 3735
Black Diamond Films, London, 8 DVD box set - 3630
Fryer Tuck’s Hipperholme, fish&chip voucher - 3615
Whisky - 2885
Anna’s Beauty Parlour - 357
Perfume - 5521
Wine - 3294
Wine - 2181

The cricket club acknowledges, with grateful thanks, the support of all those listed above.

The waiting is over.........here are the teams {2.7.08}

It's a Farsley fixture for both teams on Saturday. The firsts are at home the seconds travel to Red Lane.

At the risk of repitition, once again Bruce Lunn has grafted away in the Willow Tea room long into the dark night to get two teams selected.

Thirds game is a wash out {30.6.08}

FC Paulo's number one bowls seconds to victory {30.6.08}

A mesmeric spell of seam bowling from Tom Powe turned the game for the seconds on Saturday.

Tom, bowling up the hill with guile and a calm control, ripped the heart out of the Pudsey St Lawrence middle order to set up a stunning success for Gaz Steven's side. His four wickets turned the game in LCC's favour. Tom celebrated long into the night at the FC Paulo end of season do in Huddersfield.

Amir Yakub also stepped up the plate with three fine wickets as a much needed win was settled in style. Youngster Kristian Sharples also picked up a winner. It was good to see the 'John Embury-esque' Steve Hartley chivelling away with his under-rated off spin for 14 overs. Despite being wicketless, Steve was telling anyone who would listen in the Sun Inn that he had deserved at least two wickets.......

Earlier in the day, the solid opening pair of all rounder Hartley {41} and the consistent Rob Crookes {33} provided a useful platform to be built on. There were contributions right down the order with Jimmy Shaw {22}, fresh after an Asian Adventure, Gaz Stevens {17}, Rick Powe {13} all chipping in.

The win lifts the seconds up a couple of positions in the league and eases relegation concerns.

After the game Rob Crookes said: "We needed that. It was good to get one over my old team and get some vital points. We played some good cricket and deserved our success."

Gala raffle reminder

The annual Lightcliffe gala is only nine days away!

The much anticipated summer extravaganza will once again at the cricket club with fun for all the family.

Hot sunshine is forecast, but in case Bob Rust is wrong and the rain falls, it's important that players and members sell their raffle tickets.

You should have had your tickets by now, so please get selling! A range of top prizes are on offer. Please see Steve Hartley or Paul Ramsden if you haven't received your tickets or would like some more.

Remember, this is the important club fundraiser of the year. All help and support is much appreciated.

Experienced third team line up announced

Brucie Lunn has worked his magic once again to get a third team together for this Sunday.

With Jim Powe enjoying an extended break in the sun, and vice skipper Mark Whiley missing, Tom Powe will be making debut as captain.

Tom said: "It's a great honour to follow in the footsteps of my brother. I wont let the club down."

Click on the teams section to see who has made the line up.

No waiting for the teams this week! {24.6.08}

Bruce Lunn's phone was working overtime tonight to get the teams selected nice and early for the weekend's games.

Find out where you are playing by clicking on the teams section. The third team will be announced later in the week.

Apologies for the delay in posting the teams last week. Er, 'Technical hitches' struck again...............

Full report on seconds valiant run chase {23.6.08}

Lightcliffe 2nd X1 v Yeadon 2nd X1 22 June 2008

After a washout on Saturday Lightcliffe Seconds made a bold attempt to end a losing streak in a tight game with Yeadon on Sunday.

On a blustery day, Sam Godden and Mick Wood, fresh from pounding the streets of Leeds in the morning, bowled accurately as Yeadon started slowly having chosen to bat. At 21 for 1 after 12 overs the home side were well in command. Former shot stopper Andy Pullan came on to pick up a couple of wickets as the Wakefield Roaders continued to apply good pressure. When Pullan picked up another and the guile Tom Powe’s probing seam up provided keeper Rob Crookes with his third victim Yeadon were in trouble at 117 for 5. However the game started to drift away from this point as hard hitting Ben Galley smashed an unorthodox 50 in just 33 balls and put on over 100 with skipper and opener Andy Pickering who went on to make an excellent unbeaten 121. Galley’s luck ran out when he was caught on the edge off the under-used Steve Hartley to bring up Lightcliffe’s third point and the innings closed on 243 for 6 off 50 overs.

Hartley and Crookes got off to a flier notching up 28 in the first four overs before both perished in the space of four balls. James Shaw (30), back from studying overseas, and Amir Yaqub steadied the ship to take the total to 67 when the latter was dismissed. It was the 'ginger bull dog' Richard Powe who changed the course of the innings however as he made batting look easy hitting the ball to all parts with some lusty blows and sweetly timed drives. His 50 came up in 38 balls and when he was dismissed for 91, including 5 sixes the score was 208 for 6 with 6 overs remaining. Hopefully Rick is available for the rest of the season. Mick Wood was batting well by this stage and when he hit his Yeadon namesake Rick Wood for 16 in 2 overs Lightcliffe needed just 16 off the last three overs with seven wickets down. However, it was not to be as two wickets fell in the next over to leave the ten man home side a frustrating 11 short on 232.

The eight bonus points picked up kept Lightcliffe just outside the relegation zone but a win is needed soon to boost confidence and start the climb up the table.

After the game Rick Powe said: "I really got a buzz out of my innings but the fact it was in vain made it a bitter sweet moment. I hope to get a run of games going now and help us climb that league table. We'd have won with eleven men. No doubt about it."

Kev is king as thirds truimph {23.6.08}

Kev Booth completed a successful weekend with a classy 81 in the thirds win yesterday.

Still buzzing from his quiz win on Saturday evening, Kev looked in good nick from ball one. He struck nine fine fours in his two hour knock. Other contributions came from in-form Colin Saunders (51), Sam Kalanovic (14no) Ollie Hemingway (10) and Josh Mclean (9).

In reply the Augustinians batting was ripped apart by the raw pace attack. Wickets were shared amongst Josh McLean (3-36), Mark Whiley (2-36), Aiden Edwards (1-21), Marcus Kelly (1-24), and Sam Kalanovic (2-13).

A big thanks to Robert Brooke who put on the white coat for an afternoon of umpiring.

Vice-Captain Mark Whiley said: "It was a good all round display from the lads. The wind made it very difficult but we stuck to our task well.

"The veterans at the top of the order did us proud."

Skipper Jim Powe was delighted to receive news of the victory as he sunned it up on a Spanish beach with girlfriend Emma.

Firsts beaten at Spen

On a very windy day at Spen Lane the firsts were second best to Spen Victoria.

The hosts totalled 214 (with Lightcliffe old boy Peter Jackson making a brisk 29). James Horne picked up four wickets. In reply we were about 45 short and never really in the hunt.

More details to follow!

Seconds just lose out despite some bull dog spirit

Our second team fell an agonising ten runs short of victory earlier today despite an heroic run chase.

Full scorecard details are not yet available but chasing Yeadon's 243 we posted 233. Rick Powe was the batting hero with a typically hard hitting 91. Full details will be posted when they are available!

Classical night of quizzing {22.6.06}

Lightcliffe's willow tea room was packed out last night for our popular quiz night.

Quizmasters Mark and Angela Whiley delivered a fantastic quiz to over 50 eggheads. A good time was had by all.

Players, committee men, supporters, and friends of the club all supported this club fundraiser. A big thanks to all those who attended. A hot supper was provided thanks to Tracey Powe, Liz Howard and John Brooke. Duncan Powe ran a well stocked bar. Three raffle prizes were snapped up by the happy winners.

The winning team was an iq busting line-up of Cricket chair Bruce Lunn, first team captain Richard Nichols, player-secretary Steve Hartley and third team stalwart and under 11s manager Kev Booth. The winning team can be seen celebrating in the photos section.

Kev said: "It was a good team to play in. We complemented each other and despite a mid innings lull we held our nerve and got over the finish line first. It was a good feeling for us all."

The next social event will be our annual gala on 6 July.

Team delays. A statement.

The web team would like to apologise for the delay in uploading this week's teams. They were put on the site on Thursday morning but in the wrong box. A schoolboy error. Normal service resumed next week.

Pay up plea {21.6.06}

The committee's rallying call for players to pay their subs has resulted in a handful of cheques been written in the last week. However, there are still a number of players who have not payed.

Please could all players make every effort to pay in the next week. Treasurer Dave Curran would be very grateful to receive your monies at the quiz night on Saturday.

Avoid been 'named and shamed', dig deep and pay up!

Scorecard service coming shortly {21.6.06}

The LCC website is not standing still.

We will shortly be updating the site to include scorecards from teams throughout the club.

Stuart Crosher has spent hours designing this new service. The early drafts look stunning.

Junior and senior match reporters will be contacted shortly with the details.

As always, a big thanks to Stu for the hours of service he is giving to the project.

Firsts look to take Gomersal win into double header {20.6.06}

The first team's stunning win against Gomersal last weekend has not received the headlines it should have done.

Richard Nichols' charges are looking to build on the win this weekend with games against Windhill and Spen Victoria on Saturday and Sunday respectively.

A full match report service will be posted on Sunday night on all the weekend's games!

Better late than never, here's a report on last weekend's second team game

It's been a slow week of news on the website due to unforseen technical difficulties.

However, here is a report on last week's second team games against Hanging Heaton and Pudsey Congs.

Lightcliffe 2nd X1 v Hanging Heaton 2nd X1 14 June 2008
Lightcliffe 2nd X1 v Pudsey Congs 2nd X1 15 June 2008

Lightcliffe Seconds struggled again in a double header weekend coming out second best on both days.

Away at Hanging Heaton on Saturday Lightcliffe’s four bowlers all produced tidy spells to restrict the home side to 191 for 8 in their 50 overs. Dean Heyhoe proved the most successful 4 for 47 with Roger Stead, Ramsey Al Chalaby and Evan Edwards picking up one each. The Wakefield Roaders worked their way to 150 for 5 with 10 overs remaining and looked on course for victory. Rob Crookes with 34, Amir Yaqub 48 and Joe Duffy, 28 all contributing well. But when Yaqub fell two short of his half century the lower order folded quickly and were dismissed 31 short for 160 in 43 overs.

Six changes for the Sunday fixture at Pudsey Congs saw a complete new bowling line up. Skipper Gaz Stevens chose to bat first, however, on a good looking track. Rob Crookes and Steve Hartley, prolific together at the top of the order so far this season, both went cheaply. Stevens and James Horne steadied the ship taking the total to 58 before the third wicket fell and Richard Thompson batted stylishly for 34. However, despite double figure knocks from James Flower, James Shaw and Andy Pullan, Lightcliffe could only muster 161 before they were bowled out in the 45th over. This never looked like it was going to be enough and when the Congs openers rode their luck to put on 90 before Hartley broke through the writing was on the wall. Horne and Pullan bowled accurately to pick up two and one wickets respectively and Hartley bagged a second before Congs reached their target in the 45th over.

After the game, off spinner Andy Pullan said: "I'm delighted to be back playing the odd game and helping out the lads. I've played in two games so far and been on the losing team both times. I'm hoping for a change in fortune this weekend."

Steven’s men will be hoping for a turn of fortune in another double header this week as they look to end a string of defeats.

U13s win again as Woodlands defeated {20.6.06}

Lightcliffe U13s v Woodlands U13s 19-06-08

A return match following the previous week’s cup match produced another entertaining game, this time at Woodlands.

Woodlands batted first but got off to a shaky start with a run out in the first over. Confusion by the batsmen was pounced upon by Harry Sutcliffe who neatly returned the ball to the bowler’s end for the run out. When more wickets fell in quick succession (Jack Sheldrake and Jasper Ayrton doing the damage with another run out by Harry Sutcliffe), Woodlands found themselves on 22 for 5 off 5 overs. Things settled down then, with a Woodlands player retiring on 30 and the total reached 71 for 6 from their 20 overs. Top bowling was from Jack Sheldrake with 2-11.

Lightcliffe came in to bat with Max Sheldrake and Jasper Ayrton playing some steady cricket and keeping the scoreboard moving at the required rate. The first wicket fell in the 11th over with the total on 47. Max Sheldrake continued, before retiring on 32 and the Woodlands total was passed in the 16th over without further loss.


Woodlands 71-6 Lightcliffe 72-1

Are you dreaming of a midsummer's night quiz truimph? {19.6.06}

Don't forget the cricket club quiz night this Saturday 8.30pm onwards in the clubhouse. Please make every effort to support this club fundraiser.

Mark Whiley and his wife have been grafting for hours to get the right balance of questions.

Hot supper and well stocked 'non alcoholic' beers served in the willow team room.

ALL WELCOME!

Selection sorted

It's been another busy week for the club's selection team tank. The teams have now been decided after Brucie Lunn released the teams to the waiting press pack. Click in the teams section to see which team you are in.

EASY WIN FOR U13s!

Lightcliffe U13s v Wibsey Park Chapel U13s 12-06-08

Lightcliffe batted first and openers Jasper Ayrton and James Lumb made good progress, playing some nice strokes and running well for quick singles. It was not until the twelfth over, with the score on 66, that the first wicket fell, Lumb (19) getting a top edge and skying the ball to a grateful fielder. Patrick Wild came into bat and immediately started hitting the ball around and within another 4 overs both he and Ayrton had retired on 30 apiece. Jack Sheldrake continued the fast scoring with a quick fire 29no and Patrick Lathom-Sharp finished on 8no giving Lightcliffe a total of 148-1.

With a healthy total to defend, it was time for the whole team to have a bowl when Wibsey came in to bat. Wickets fell steadily throughout the innings with Ben Armitage taking his first U13s wicket of the season thanks to a smart catch from wicket-keeper Niall Cuttle. Catching was a feature of Lightcliffe’s evening with no less than 6 of the Wibsey players falling to catches (3 of those being caught & bowled). In the end, as the usual bowlers came on to bowl the wickets fell regularly, Wibsey finishing on 75 all out. James Lumb topped the bowling again with 3-2 and Patrick Lathom Sharp added a useful 2-2.

Lightcliffe 148-1 Wibsey Park Chapel 75 ao

Ollie Hemingway beasts 31 in 7 hits as u-15s truimph! {12.6.08}

Under 15s match report from match played on 11th June.

Lightcliffe CC Halifax League Under 15s played their “Get out of Jail free” card against Bradshaw on Wednesday 11th June and held on to their 100% record for the season by the skin of their teeth. Having powered past Outlane in the Cup last week when Ollie Hemingway pinch-hit a contemptuous 31 in 7 scoring shots & Joe Greenwood hit 27 & took 4 priceless wickets, the wheels came off big time at the start of the Lightcliffe innings against a plucky Bradshaw team. 9 for 3 in no time at all became 53 for 8 with half the overs still to be bowled. Sam Kalanovic and Man of the Match Kris Sharples had struck some firm blows but 6 batsmen sharing 2 runs between them tells it’s own story. Luckily, Evan Edwards and Joe Greenwood coming in at No.10 dug in and took the score to 93 before Edwards retired on 30.
Needing 100 exactly to win Bradshaw began strongly and were quickly ahead of the run rate, Chambers hitting 33, before being pegged back by Edwards, Sharples and Godden. In the end two technically brilliant catches at long on by Sharples off Holden and Grech turned the game and Lightcliffe got home by 14 runs.
A lesson for everyone in never giving up. Well played to both teams!

U13s in cup thriller {11.6.08}

Lightcliffe U13s v Woodlands U13s 09-06-08 – Cup 2nd round

A fine game of cricket played on a pleasant evening at Wakefield Road.

Woodlands batted first and made steady progress with the help of some good mixed with some erratic bowling from Lightcliffe. The total was 59 from 13 overs before the first wicket fell to James Lumb. Fielding was once again of a high standard with several players throwing themselves around in desperation to keep the runs down. More wickets gradually fell with catches by Harry Sutcliffe and Jack Sheldrake and a direct hit run out by Oliver Firth.
In the end Woodlands made 98 from their 20 overs.

Lightcliffe came in knowing they needed 5 an over to take them through to the next round of the cup, but as so often has happened this season, early wickets fell with two going in the first two overs. Jack Sheldrake (6) and Patrick Wild (24no) then got their heads down and steadied things before Sheldrake was unfortunately run-out trying for a second run following an overthrow. That brought James Lumb into bat who proved his consistency by going on to reach a 50 partnership with Wild before retiring at 30 in the 17th over. The score was now 80.
Quick wickets followed and it came down to the last over with Lightcliffe needing 10 to win. Harry Sutcliffe (6) hit a cracking 4 from the second ball of the over and a couple of singles brought it down to the last ball with Lightcliffe needing a 4 from it to win. Alas, a good ball only allowed a single and the match was lost by 2 runs.

This match was played in a great spirit by both sides and the tension in the last over with both sets of spectators cheering their teams on, made for the best all round Lightcliffe U13s match so far this season.

Lightcliffe 96-6 Woodlands 98-5

Teams announced!

It's a big weekend of cricket at Wakefield Road. The teams have now been announced. See where you are playing by clicking on the teams section.

A packed summer of social events at LCC {10.6.08}

Here are some forthcoming events for you to note in your packed diaries. It's all go at Lightcliffe Cricket Club..........

Sat June 21 - Quiz night in the pavillion. From 8.30pm. ALL WELCOME.

Sun 6 July - Annual Gala day. More details on this to follow.

Monday 28 July - Half-price test cricket at Headingley. Contact Paul Ramsden to join the party.

Sunday 25 August - Annual 'mini tour' to Lincs. Full day's cricket and camp over. All welcome. Please contact James Horne for more details.

Friday 3 October - Annual Golf Day. See news post below.

Friday 10 October - Annual Club Dinner at Lightcliffe Golf Club.

If anyone has any other events, away from the cricket field, they would like to be added in please mail michaeljbrooke@btinternet.com

Senior teams' weekend round-up

ONE RUN DEFEAT DESPAIR FOR TWOS

Lightcliffe seconds tumbled to an agonising one run defeat to Spen Victoria in what may prove to be a relegation battle come the end of the season.

Home skipper Gareth Stevens inserted the visitors in the hope of getting the best from overcast conditions. His theory worked out well early in the Spen innings as they struggled to 58 for 5 against the opening pace of Adil Ladak, back after university exams, and the guile and accuracy of evergreen Roger Stead. Both picked up two victims with much improving Tom Powe claiming the other. Stead ended the match’s highest partnership and claimed his third and fourth scalps in successive balls with the score on 96 before Steve Hartley with two and Kristian Sharples mopped up the tail to leave the final score on 146.

Rob Crookes and Hartley again opened confidently for the Wakefield Rd side putting on 35 in good time before both were adjudged caught behind to leave ‘Cliffe on 45 for 2. Captain Stevens and Amir Yaqub steadied the ship and young Joe Duffy played nicely to put the home team in full command at 120 for 4 before the wheels fell off. Three ducks in a row caused consternation in the dressing room before Tom Powe appeared to have settled the nerves with a couple of lusty blows to take the score to 143 for 7. Chasing the 4 for victory Powe tried one big shot too many and when Stevens, who had batted serenely through to reach a well deserved 50, hit one straight to backward point with the total on 145 Spen sensed a shock. They duly took the last wicket on the first ball of the penultimate over as Lightcliffe snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. Skipper Gaz Stevens said: “We are all gutted. Victory was there. And we lost it. In the blink of an eye. It's a good job I don't have a cat as I wasn't in the best of moods when I got home! Hopefully we can get it out of our system this weekend."

Defeat has left last season’s runners up in relegation slot and they will be hoping for better luck in a tough double header away at Hanging Heaton and Pudsey Congs this weekend.

FIRSTS BATTLE IN VAIN AT MORLEY

Yorkshire player Chris Taylor proved to be the main difference in this lower middle table match at Scratchard Lane.

He scored 85 and helped Morley build an imposing score on a big field. The first team lads stuck to their task well with wickets for all the bowlers and a good ground fielding display.

In reply, Jocky Wilson {43} James Horne {45} and classical cricketer and chair of selectors {39 no} all made useful contributions. And it was a glorious cover drive by Ramsey Al-Chalaby that brought up an extra bonus point in the late evening sunshine.

The firsts will be looking to put their losing run behind them this weekend in a game against free scoring Gomersal at Wakefield Road.

THIRDS MARCH ON UNDER POWE

Jim Powe's thirds are the only unbeaten team in the club after a 65 run win against Elland on Sunday.

On a glorious summer's day Powe had no hesitation in batting when the coin flipped down on the wrong side for the Elland Skipper. And it proved an astute decison from Powe, who is maturing by the week as a captain.

The thirds posted 265 with contributions right down the order including veteran Colin Saunders {49}, Yorkshire under 15 player Evan Edwards {53 not out}, hard hitting Ollie Hemingway {38} and the returning Ben Whiteley {23}. Yet, it was a Lightcliffe batsmen who only scored ten runs who took all the plaudits from both teams and a large summer sunday crowd.

Early in the innings James Flower nicked a swinging, seaming ball. However, only he and the wicket keeper had heard it. Despite a muted appeal, Flower put the bat under his arm and walked off. How refreshing. He deserved the standing ovation from spectators, players and umpires alike. It set the tone for the game to be played in a sporting manner. Later on, Tom Powe carried on the honest approach when he walked off after the ball hit the keepers' glove and hit the bail. Tom thought he had been bowled and despite no appeal at all, he ambled off. When told in the dressing room that he hadn't been bowled Tom's reply was unprintable!

In reply, Elland started fluently and were in the game on 110 for 1. However, under used spin bowlers James Powe and Michael Brooke pegged them back with some canny bowling. "Why don't they bowl more often?" more than one Elland spectator was heard to say.

There were wickets for Powe and James Godden, and then in their second spells the accurate Mark Whiley and Evan Edwards claimed two and four wickets respectively. Edwards was just too quick for the Elland middle order. Backed up by some sharp slip catching and an excellent catch by wicket keeper Will Gough, Elland finished on nine wickets down after some late resistance from Alistair Finn.

Despite the late 8.15pm finish, a good day's cricket was enjoyed by all. The thirds take their unbeaten run into the cup quarter finals next week against Blackley at Wakefield Road. Vice captain Mark Whiley said: "We are looking forward to it. We want to forget about last year. This is all about now. It should be a good game."

Players too slow to pay subs. What is to be done?{9.6.08}

The LCC committee was in a bullish mood last night with the threat of naming players who haven't paid their annual playing fees looming large.

Subs form an important part of the club's income, but too many players don't cough up quickly enough.

Please could all players get their subs to treasuer Dave Curran or any other committee member as soon as possible.

Dave said: "We need the monies. I appreciate that players might not see it as a top prioirty, but it is really important that we keep a steady flow of income. Thanks to those players who have paid for this year. Please could the others make every effort to pay in the next two weeks."

Pay up please and avoid being named and shamed!

Date for annual golf day confirmed {9.6.08}

The popular LCC golf day will once again be taking place at Lightcliffe Golf Club in early autumn.

This year the much anticipated annual event will be on Friday 3 October. As usual there will be two rounds of competitive golf, breakfast, lunch and evenig meal. All at a good price. Alcohol is an optional extra.

Further details will be released throughout the summer, but please put the date in your diaries!

For further details please contact golf organiser Paul Ramsden.

Latest news from U13s campaign {9.6.08}

Lightcliffe U13s v Undercliffe U13s 05-06-08

Lightcliffe fielded first and were met with two resilient openers, who stoked the ball around comfortably both going on to retire on 30. Lightcliffe’s bowling was not up to their usual standard and Undercliffe progressed well before losing their first wicket on 92 and finally reaching a total of 117 for 3. The 3 wickets were taken by James Lumb, Jasper Ayrton and Patrick Lathom-Sharp.

Lightcliffe came into bat facing a challenging target, but openers James Lumb and Max Sheldrake set about the task in positive fashion taking 21 from the first 5 overs. Lumb was then run out to a direct hit and the rot set in. Undercliffe brought on a series of good spin bowlers which decimated Lightcliffe’s upper order and they stuttered to 27-6 off 8 overs. From then on the target was always in doubt and Lightcliffe were eventually all out for 51. Top scorer was Max Sheldrake on 11.

Lightcliffe 51 ao Undercliffe 117-3

Club social night reminder {6.6.08}

A quick reminder that the popular LCC summer quiz will be taking place in the clubhouse on 21 June from approx 8.30pm unitl late.

With a wide range of refreshments, lovely pork baps and good company, is there a better way is there to spend midsummer's evening?

Come and enjoy a relaxing night in the willow team room and pit your wits against some of the finest eggheads in Lightcliffe.

Mr and Mrs Mark Wiley will be making their quiz mastering debut and are already working hard to come up with some unique teasers.

Please could along and support this club fund raiser. ALL WELCOME.

Entrance fee for adults is £5, which includes the quiz, hot supper and a raffle ticket. Maximum of six people in a team.

See you on the 21st!

For more information please contact Michael Brooke on 07799 418557.

Keep your mobiles switched on! {6.6.08}

Less than 48 hours before the wickets are pitched, third team skipper Jim Powe and his fellow selectors are still deciding the starting line up for Sunday's game at Wakefield Road.

James has just been in touch to say that the team will be selected this evening. All successful players will be notified by phone or text.

The third team captain said: "We have a lot of playere available and it's not been easy to decide on a starting eleven. That's why the team has not been released yet. It's a nice problem to have though.

"I can assure all the players that they will be notified by Bruce or me if they are have made the eleven."

Any player wondering if they are playing or not should contact James on his new mobile number 07792212488 or Bruce Lunn on 07768031742.

Test match cricket for less than £20! {3.6.08}

LCC is reaping the rewards from being a 'focus club' with an exclusive offer for members to watch test match cricket and still have change left from a crisp £20 note. For under 16s it's a bargain at £5.

Yes, Yorkshire County Cricket Club has exclusively been in touch with secretary Steve Hartley to say members can enjoy the 4th day of the much anticipated South African game for half price.

Club socialite Paul Ramsden has already indicated he will be going along. Mail him at paulramsden@tog24.com if you want to join the party. Full details of this stunning, not to be missed offer, below.

EXCLUSIVE CLUB OFFER FROM THE YORKSHIRE COUNTY CRICKET CLUB

Half price Test Match tickets! Only £5 for children!

England take on South Africa in the 2nd npower Test Match at Headingley Carnegie Cricket Ground and we would like to invite cricket club groups to come along to enjoy all the excitement on Day 4 (Monday 21st July 2008) at half price for adults and only £5 for children!

See Michael Vaughan, Kevin Pieterson and Matthew Hoggard in action in what promises to be a closely fought contest with the South Africans.

To take advantage of this fantastic offer please call the Yorkshire County Cricket Club Ticket Office on 0113 203 3623 and quote: FocusClubs1


Tickets available

West Stand – Adults £13.50 Children (under 16) £5.00

North Stand – Adults £16.50 Children (under 16) £5.00

More news from Kev Booth's under11s {3.6.08}

Lightcliffe Under 11s vs Spen Victoria. Sun 11th May

Straight bowling the key.
Spen Victoria 235-5 beat LCC 212-4 by 23 runs

This was a game where straight bowling was rewarded, deservedly won by a Spen side that bowled better and conceded 27 less extras.

Diminutive Lightcliffe newcomer 8 year old William Smith made sure it was not all one way, with 2 first innings wickets, assisted by a good catch from Regan Broadbent.

After a promising opening, Lightcliffe’s batting struggled in mid innings, where only 5 runs were scored in 7 overs.

The final pair of George Ayrton and James Hodkinson were left with a tall order to get 25 runs. The former was caught of his first ball, the 8 run penalty leaving them with an even more severe test.
Some good shots and brave running from the pair were rewarded with 24 runs, but 2 further dismissals, made the task to too great.



Lightcliffe Under 11s vs Great Horton Church. Sun 25th May

First success in exciting finish.
Great Horton Church 227-6 lost to LCC 229-4 by 2 runs

Catches win matches, but so can Run Outs. Some great fielding in the first innings kept Great Horton within reach and allowed Lightcliffe to overhaul the home side with one ball to spare.

A wicket for Jake Broadbent caught by Jordan Pickles who then clean bowled an opponent, set Lightcliffe up early on.
A direct hit from 15 yards by Jack Booth looked to put the clamps on their opponents, until Zain arrived on the field and clubbed 21 runs in short time.
Undaunted, alert fielding by George Ayrton, allowed Booth to run Zain out at the bowler’s end. Ayrton then “cleaned up” Zain bowled and next ball had a catch behind well taken by new keeper Ben Stega-Jones, to restrict the home side to 227.

Lightcliffe struggled against some good bowling by Arandip (3 wickets) in the first half of their innings and a win looked unlikely at mid stage.
An unbeaten 18 by Booth however, allowed last pair Ayrton and Pickles to see ‘Cliffe to a win, with Ayrton’s boundary through extra cover being decisive.







Lightcliffe Under 11s vs Great Horton Church. Sun 1st June

Rains halts return leg
Great Horton Church 267-5 . Game abandoned after first innings.

James Hodkinson’s wicket with his first ball was not the sign of things to come.
Neither he nor 8 year old Charlie Sutcliffe had played a week earlier, so it was no disgrace that they failed to stop Great Horton’s Zain, who this time slugged 31 in the opening 4 overs.

Jack Booth’s 3 wickets mid innings, looked to turn things Lightcliffe’s way until the final Great Horton pair put on 24, including many singles with somewhat dubious backing up tactics.

Credit to the 8 players, drenched by the light but persistent rain, which eventually stopped to match half way.

Brave effort from u13s against Spen Vic {3.6.08)

Lightcliffe Under 13s V Spen Victoria U13s 29-05-08

On a grey evening, Lightcliffe fielded first and were soon feeling the might of the first three Spen batsmen who all went on to retire. Some wayward bowling and good batting gave Spen Vic a start that appeared to be getting away from Lightcliffe. But once the top three had retired the Lightcliffe bowlers managed to peg things back a little with Jack Booth, on his debut taking two wickets. Harry Sutcliffe bowled tidily and Patrick Lathom-Sharp chipped in with a wicket. Scott Johnson took two good catches in the process. Spen Vic managed a substantial 139 for the loss of just 3 wickets

The Lightcliffe batsmen then had to face some pacey and accurate bowling from Spen Vic. Max Sheldrake (14) stroked some nice boundaries, before being well caught. James Lumb (4) skied one to the bowler, Jack Sheldrake (5) was caught and Scott Johnston (12) was run out to a direct throw. Harry Sutcliffe was stumped (0) which introduced Patrick Lathom-Sharp, who immediately got his head down and defended well, before attacking the loose ball. He had moved onto 17 when he hit a tame catch to the nearby fielders. Niall Cuttle chipped in with 7 before being yorked. Jack Booth (9 not out) and Ben Armitage (20 not out) then saw Lightcliffe to the end to finish some 25 runs short.

Lightcliffe 114-7 Spen Victoria 139-3

Under 11s round up

The Lightcliffe under 11 campaign is now in full swing under the expert stewardship of Kevin Booth. They have already played three games.

Below is a match reports from a game played against Northowram Fields earlier in the season. News of the latest two matches will be posted later in the week. Thanks to Kev for sending these reports through.

Lightcliffe Under 11s vs Northowram Fields. Sun 4th May.

LCC 236-2 lost by 6 Runs to Northowram 242-2

This was a creditable effort, by a novice Lightcliffe team, 7 of whom were playing their first ever competitive game and with ages ranging from 8 to 11.

The match was played in drizzle throughout and resulted in a damp Northowram pitch making run scoring difficult.
Lightcliffe batted first; Jordan Pickles and Will Smith performed steadily early on. The whole team tried to bat correctly, with the resultant loss of only 2 wickets, neither of which were due to poor shots.

The score of 236 was always a challenge against an older side.
Billy Hartley and particularly Charlie Sutcliffe bowled tightly early on.
With a steady flow of runs however, wickets were required.
When first Will Smith and then Jack Booth picked up one each, the game was finally balanced.
Ben Stega-Jones then caught the last man off Booth’s bowling, only for the square leg umpire to call No-ball!
The Northowram skipper Gledhill, then batted out a maiden to secure a narrow victory for the Home side.

Considering the inexperience of the team, it was an excellent effort to concede fewer Extras than the opposition and all should feel pleased to have run the home side so close.

Thirds make cup quarters {1.6.08}

Despite a cup wash out today at Rastrick the thirds are through to last eight after an unbeaten campaign.

The knock out stages begin in earnest in three weeks time. Congratulations to Jim Powe and his team who are on a mission to win the cup and make up for last year.

The 'bread and butter' of the league begins next Sunday with a home game at Wakfield Road.

Firsts crash at Keighley {1.6.08}

Despite dominating much of the first half of yesterday's game at Keighley, the firsts lost out by over 80 runs.

At one point Keighley were 70 for 6, but rallied to make 164 which proved beyond us. The bowling and fielding performance was excellent. Youngsters Joe Duffy (three wickets) and Sam Godden (two wickets) both bowled very well. There was a welcome return to the fold for James Horne. He bagged two wickets, two top catches and a league fielding point on his return. Not a bad first game. Aleem Ladak again bowled well, but only had one wicket for his reward. Dom Finn had the other.

In reply, the firsts faltered early on with Michael Brooke (second slip) and Javed Iqbal (LBW) back in the hut. Aussie Sean Robinson and Jocky Wilson rallied the score to 50 but when they went, caught behind and at first slip respectivley, wickets began to fell regularly.

Keighley bowled and fielded very well, taking three or four good catches and letting the ball do the work on a helpful wicket.

The firsts will be looking to get back to winning ways at Morley next week when skipper Richard Nichols returns.

Assistant captain Jocky Wilson, who has ably stood in, said: "I have enjoyed the experience but i'm looking forward to Richard returning and taking the helm again."

A few photos of the firsts game at Keighley and trip to Fannys in the photos section.

Seconds are second {1.6.08}

It was a disappointing day at Wakefield Road for Gaz Stevens's second team.

After being inserted to bat, the seconds struggled against a lively seam attack. Steve Hartley hit a fluent 20 but was unable to match last week's effort. There was a welcome return to the team for 'Bull Dog' Rick Powe and he hit an entertaining 60 odd not out in our total of just over 150. However, the consenus at the interval was that it was 50 short. So it proved.

Despite seasoned players Roger Stead and Mark Wiley picking up a wicket apiece Cleckheaton eased to their target by eight wickets.

Gaz said: "It was a good toss for them to win. We battled away, but it just wasn't our day. We are looking to get back to winning ways next week."

For full details of the second team's performance click on the JCT Bradford League Website, where there is a full scorecard.

Flaming June? {1.6.08}

And ghastly through the drizzling rain
On the bald streets breaks the blank day

It's looking like the third team's crunch cup tie at Rastrick is going to be a victim of the wet start to June.

Throughout the morning it has poured from the clouds. It could be an afternoon of cards for Jim Powe and his team.

However, Jim has just confirmed that an abandoned game should see the thirds take their place in the cup quarter finals.

The third team skipper was still crunching the figures as went to press but was quietly confident that his team had qualified.

We will be posting later if the thirds make it on to the pitch.........

It's all go for Jim Powe

It has been quite a start to the 2008 campaign for third team skipper and all round good club man Jim Powe.

For the first two weeks of May he watched the rain come down and wondered if his third team charges would ever get on the pitch.

He has made up for lost time since then. James has led the third team on a glorious unbeaten run. They have already booked their place in the cup quarter final and are looking to go one better than last year.

In between his mission to lead the thirds to cup glory, he has also made his first team debut. He got a few runs and impressed in the field during last Monday's defeat to Bankfoot.

However, it is the Halifax Cup that is occupying James's mind. Last season he was cruelly robbed of the chance of cup final glory after Halifax league rules were, er, allegedly broken.

It would indeed be a bitter-sweet moment if Powe got his hands on that trophy this time around.

The thirds have a mixture of youth and expereince in their ranks. Seasoned campaigners Kev Booth, Jez Latham-Sharp*, Mark Wiley and Colin Saunders line up alongside younger players like Ben Oakland, Tom Gorringe, Ollie Hemmingway and veteran of many a third team campaign, Tom Powe.

Last Sunday at Southowram Mark Wiley bagged three wickets and Gorringe and Hemmingway both got 50s in our reply. Powe brothers Tom and James helped see the 3rds home. With the other member of the Powe clan, 'Bull Dog' Rick Powe joining the ranks on Sunday, the odds on Powe lifting the cup in July are shortening by the week.

James said: "I am taking each game as it comes, but we have some good players and I hope the unbeaten run can continue into June and beyond."

The 3rds are away at Rastrick this Sunday starting at 2pm.

*Can anyone remember the last time LCC was represented by someone with a double-barrel name? Perhaps one for club historian Bob Horne to answer.

Arise Sir Stuart

Hopefully regular LCC web users will have noticed things gathering pace in the last few days with more news, more photos and more information.

We know some people (you know who you are!) have been wanting things posting quicker. That is now happening.

Thanks the hard graft over the weekend by Stu Crosher, posting news, photos, info, fantasy league and statistics is simplier and faster. There will be something added every day. Keep logging on so you don't lose out on your diet of Wakefield Road news.

And, you can now access the LCC web from your mobile phone. Very useful if you are bombing up the M6 or the East Coast Mainline and want to know if you have the weekend's team. To access LCC teams on your mobile phone the link is www.lightcliffecricketclub.co.uk/mobile.php. And, if you are in Cornwall or Crete, Filey or the Falklands, the LCC web will only be a click of your mobile away. The next stage of our five year plan is advertising.

The genius's behind the site Al and Stu Crosher deserve a big thanks from everyone at the club. Rod Heyhoe says the league webmaster has voted our site the best design in the league. Praise indeed.

You are either behind or ahead of the Lightclffe web page. We don't stand still.

(If you own a phone with a barcode reader, scan this image to get the link on your phone.)

Quiz night at the Club!

Once again, after overwhelming public demand, the Club will having a summer quiz night.

The date for your diaries is SATURDAY JUNE 21st. The quiz will begin at approximately 8.30pm and will be in the pavillion. There will be a supper provided and the usual refreshments will be served in the home dressing room. Please try and boost the club coffers by enjoying a pleasant evening in the club house. What better way to enjoy the summer solstice?

Please tell your friends and family and invite them along to this popular event.

Third team pace ace Mark Wiley will be making his 'quizmaster debut' and posing the questions. After winning the quiz far too often in recent years, we thought the best way for someone else to win would be go get him to ask the questions.

Mark said: "It's a daunting challenge but one i'm looking forward to."

See you on the 21st!

U13s victorious in the cup

Lightcliffe U13s v Farsley U13s 23-5-08

Farsley batted first, and made a shaky start losing 3 wickets in the first 4 overs for just 13 runs. From that point on though, they made steady progress with some powerful hitting from a couple of competent batsmen. Smart Lightcliffe bowling and fielding was again the order of the day with the whole team making a contribution. 3 catches (two by U11 player George Ayrton and one by Ben Armitage) helped to keep the wickets falling as Farsley made their way to 86-9 from their 20 overs. Best bowling was from Jack Sheldrake with 2-10 from his 3 overs, including a hat-trick chance.

Lightcliffe came into bat facing their highest target of the season so far. Losing early wickets is becoming a habit and true to form, 2 fell in the first over. Things settled down and the run-rate was matched with Patrick Wild (32 rtrd) and James Lumb (25 no) playing sensibly throughout most of the innings. The target was finally passed in the 19th over, giving Lightcliffe a narrow but deserved victory and a second round match against Woodlands.

Farsley 86-9 Lightcliffe 90-4

Hero Hartley hits a hundred..........but its a double defeat for the twos.

Lightcliffe 2nd X1 v E Bierley 2nd X1 24 May 2008
Lightcliffe 2nd X1 v Woodlands 2nd X1 26 May 2008

Lightcliffe’s second string had a disappointing Bank Holiday weekend against strong opposition but there were a personal truimph for player secretary Steve Hartley on Saturday.

Steve blasted the ball to all parts of the East Bierley ground on his way to a magnifient 107. He shared yet another good opening stand with Rob Crookes.

Away to East Bierley on Saturday the Wakefield Road side were looking to inflict a first defeat of the season on the League leaders and prove a point after the narrow loss of the title to them last year.

Crookes and Hartley once again opened for Lightcliffe and looked on for their second consecutive 100 partnership before Crookes fell for 48 with the score on 96, injuring himself in the process.

As usual the second team lads's running went into Laurel and Hardy mode for a while. There were just the couple of run outs on Saturday.

After running our skipper Stevens, Hartley clearly felt the responsibility to stick around and went on to make a chanceless 107 before getting involved in a run out mix up which saw himself as vicitm. With handy contributions from Alex Tait and Ollie Hemingway who both made 22 the visitors notched up a challenging 242 for 9 in their 50 overs.

Tait and promising Yorkshire U15 newcomer Evan Edwards opened the bowling in reply and soon had the useful Simpson, Brook and Owens back in the pavilion with only 21 on the board. When the Bierley skipper Anderson was bowled by Tom Powe to put the champions on 99 for 6 with just 20 overs to go Lightcliffe looked set for a good victory. It wasn’t to be though as Elllis came in and blasted an unbeaten 89, with his first 50 in just 26 balls, to steal a win for the home side.

A much depleted team travelled to Woodlands on Monday with just four of the Saturday side available. The weakened attack never got on top and the Oakenshaw side blasted their way to 299 for 4 in 50 overs with the wickets taken by Amir Yaqub (2) and one each for Mark Duffy and returning Wakefield Road legend Andy Pullan. With six frontline batsmen either promoted or unavailable this was always going to be too tall an order for Lightcliffe. They battled away well however with skipper Gareth Stevens leading the way with 55, warhorse Kevin Booth with 28, young Ollie Hemingway a promising 33 and Pullan himself with an unbeaten 32. The final score of 188 for 7 in the allotted 50 overs was no disgrace but a long way short.

Selection Chairman Bruce Lunn will be hoping for better availability this Saturday as the team look to return to winning ways at home to local rivals Cleckheaton. Has Bruce got his wish? The teams have now been picked so click on the teams section to see who has made this weekend's line ups.

Fantasy fun comes to the web

The days of fantasy league e-mail round ups from LCC fantasy president James Horne will soon be a thing of the past.

From this week, James will be posting all the fantasy news and tables on the web. So you'll have to get logging on to the site to see who is up and who is down. Who is the Manchester United of the LCC league? And who is the Halifax Town? Keep logging on to find out!

Fantasy news. Every week. Only on lightcliffecricketclub.co.uk

Please note: Lightcliffe Fantasy league is copyright James Horne 2005. Beware of imitations.

Crooko vows to make quick comeback

In-form Rob Crookes had an interesting exit from the pitch at East Bierley on Saturday after his dismissal for a fine 48.

The popular wicket keeper batsmen had to be carried from the pitch by his team mates, after picking up a nasty leg injury and collapsing in a heap on the turf.

"For a minute it looked really bad" said skipper Gaz Stevens. "Hopefully Rob will be back in the mix shortly."

We caught up with Rob today who was relaxing on his half-term week. He said he was hoping to be back in action in the next few weeks.

Rob said: "It's badly bruised. There's some deeper bruising that hasn't come out yet possibly near the bone. It's getting better, a little better, all the time."

We wish Rob a speedy recovery as his opening partnership with Steve Hartley has been the key to the seconds' healthy totals.

Rod gets some deserved press coverage

Last autumn, when the club website was still in its infancy, we reported the news that Lightcliffe stalwart and head groundsman Rod Heyhoe had deservedly won the Bradford League 'lifetime achievement' award. This is the most prestigious award in league circles.

However, it didn't really get the LCC website coverage it should have done. It's time to put that right.

Readers of yesterday's Telegraph and Argus newspaper would have noticed a lovely piece on Rod and the work he does at Lightcliffe. The link at the bottom of this page takes you to the article. It's difficult to add to the wording.

There have already been dozens of games at Wakefield Road this season and, from under 11s to first team, the wickets have all been prepared by Rod.

We perhaps don't always appreciate the hard work that is done by Rod to get games on. If this weekend's belting wickets are anything to go by, then long may Rod's commitment to LCC continue.

Keep up the good work Roders!

Rods press coverage

P.s. if the link doesn't work just copy and paste it into your browser or go to the Telegraph and Argus website and search Rod Heyhoe.

Report on under 13s game away v PSL

Lightcliffe U13s v Pudsey St Lawrence U13s 22-5-08

Lightcliffe opted to bat first but were immediately met by some quick and accurate bowling by Pudsey. Three wickets fell in the third over and things were not looking good. Again however, things were steadied by the partnership of Jasper Ayrton and James Lumb who batted through to the end of the 20 overs. The total never really got going though and Lightcliffe finished on 50-4, Ayrton run-out trying for a last gasp quick single off the last ball of the innings. Top scorer was James Lumb on 25 not out.

Pudsey set about their task straight away scoring 20 from the first 2 overs. In the end, Pudsey comfortably made their target for the loss of two wickets.


Lightcliffe 50-4 Pudsey St Lawrence 54-2

Thanks for logging on.

Keep logging on for your latest news from LCC.

Website Changes

Changes to the web site will be occurring over the next few days. While these changes are taking place there may be a few glitches. Please be patient while the new system beds in.

Lightcliffe 2nd X1 v Farsley 2nd X1.

Lightcliffe’s second string got back on the winning trail with an exciting last over victory against arch rivals Farsley.

Farsley took first knock on an overcast day during which rain interruptions would reduce the match to 43 overs per side. Under 15 Yorkshire trialist Evan Edwards bowled with good control and swing early on and got his reward by removing Frankland. Evergreen Roger Stead took the next two before an excellent direct hit run out by Ramsey Al Chalaby reduced Farsley to 83 for 4. Some sloppy fielding allowed the visitors to get away to 145 before Stead picked up two more to finish with 4 for 45 and Edwards returned to take a second scalp. Farsley finished on a creditable 190 for 7 on another good Rod Heyhoe track.

Keeper Rob Crookes and club Secretary Steve Hartley opened up for the home side and, after a couple of early scares against the new ball, soon looked in command. Crookes raced to 50 in just 54 balls with some fluent strokeplay and the pair put together a 100 partnership in the 22nd over. However, when Hartley fell to Horner for 33 and Crookes followed leg before the next ball for 68, 104 for 0 soon became 104 for 4 as Mick Wood and Joe Duffy were both dismissed without scoring. Experienced pair Gareth Stevens and Amir Yaqub then started to repair the damage with some sensible batting to take the total to 167 before Stevens was caught for 28. With victory in sight and 24 needed from six overs the Wakefield Roaders suffered a touch of the jitters losing two more wickets before Yaqub hit 6 off the first two balls of the final over to take his score to 42 and secure a satisfying win and 16 valuable points. Rob Crookes said: “I was chuffed with the win and my knock. I am feeling good at the moment; keeping my balance and letting the ball come to me. The whole team is buzzing and the mood in the camp is one of quiet confidence going into the double header weekend."

The team will be looking to take this form into a tough Bank Holiday weekend double header away at East Bierley and Woodlands.

Halifax League Under 15s show the new motto that held catches win matches is true!

The Halifax League Under 15s team have begun their season with two strong performances away from home, comfortably beating Clayton and Blackley. The most outstanding feature of both victories has been the excellent fielding & catching ability within the team. Kristian Sharples and Marcus Kelly have held several sharp chances as well as bowling aggressively. At Blackley, in the cup match, 9 catches out of 9 were taken- all of them outstanding- and no drops. There is a good team spirit developing under the leadership of Oliver Holden and he and Sam Kalanovic have led from the front as senior players, both retiring on 30 at Blackley.

Lightcliffe U13 truimph over Northowram.

Northowram batted first, and made reasonable progress making 27 without loss from their first 7 overs. From that point on though, the match swung in Lightcliffe’s favour. A direct hit run out by Max Sheldrake started the wickets falling.

Smart Lightcliffe bowling and fielding was the order of the day with the whole team making a contribution including further run outs from Jack Sheldrake and a Ben Armitage/Niall Cuttle combination. Two catches by Jasper Ayrton and accurate bowling from the bowlers helped bowl Northowram out for 46. Best bowling was again by James Lumb with a repeat of his previous week’s 3-3.

Lightcliffe came into bat needing just over 2 an over, but for the third match in a row lost a wicket in the first over. Progress was steady from then on with the total creeping up comfortably, Patrick Wild contributing a useful 14.

But then 3 wickets fell in 8 balls and things were not quite so rosy. The ship was however steadied, and the winning runs hit in the 14th over with a classic cover drive for 4 from Jasper Ayrton who top-scored on 21 not out.

Northowram Fields 46 all out Lightcliffe 49-5

Lightcliffe Under 12's VS. Buttershaw St. Pauls. Played Wed 14th May.

The under 12's played their first match this week in the Gordon Bowers competition. Batting first against some steady accurate bowling they were restricted to 31 runs but in the process lost 5 wickets. Buttershaw bowling remained quite accurate and they conceded only 15 extras. When Buttershaw came in to bat, progress was initially slow and Lightcliffe bowlers, combined with some good catching, took 3 early wickets and at one time it looked as if Lightcliffe might just sneak a win as they took 2 more wickets. But is was not to be, Buttershaw took their total runs to 32 and Lightcliffe conceded 32 extras.

Final Scores:
Lightcliffe 206 for 5 wickets. Buttershaw 224 for 5 wickets.

Training details confirmed.

Training sessions for all ages are now underway at LCC. The details are:-

Monday nights – Under 12’s and under 13’s. From 6pm to 7.30pm.
For more details please ring Phil Dodd (Under 12’s) on 0113 255 6183 or 07891 702 563 or Mark Wild (under 13’s) on 01422 203514 or 07974 818 659.

Tuesday nights – First, second, and third teams. From 6pm. For more information please contact Bruce Lunn on 07768031742.

Friday nights – Under 11s. From 6.15pm to 7.30pm. Please contact Kevin Booth on 07770 867162.

Under 15 and Under 17 practices are to be confirmed shortly. Watch this space. Please contact team managers below for more information:-

Under 15’s (Halifax) Richard Edwards 01422 205741.
07890 448 532.

Under 15’s (Bradford) Mark Duffy 01484 380359.
07785 788 780.

Under 17’s Will Knight. 01484 720 571.

For any more details on practice nights and midweek activities at the club please mail michaeljbrooke@btinternet.com

Match report from Lightcliffe U13s v Cleckheaton U13s.

Finally, after a week of rain, Lightcliffe Juniors played a match!

Cleckheaton batted first on a soft but well prepared wicket. After a shaky start Cleck ground their way to 63-5 from their 20 overs with a late flurry from a big hitting batsman boosting their score. Wickets were shared amongst the bowlers and some good fielding from the whole team kept the score down.

Lightcliffe came into bat needing just over 3 an over, but were shocked by a wicket in the first over. They then settled down making steady, unhurried progress, preferring to play safe rather than take risky singles or hit wildly. The winning run was hit by Max Sheldrake in the 16th over. Top scorer was Patrick Wild on 27no.

Cleckheaton 63-5 Lightcliffe 65-1.

Firsts out of cup and 2nds bow out at shield first hurdle.

Decimated by first team call ups and unavailability Lightcliffe 2nds crashed out of the Priestley Shield at the first hurdle.

With just three members of Saturday’s winning combination at Bowling Old Lane available cricket supremo Bruce Lunn drafted in five of the talented under 15 side for second X1 debuts and asked groundsman Rod Heyhoe to dust down his trusty willow to make a comeback fourteen years after hanging up his boots.

Heyhoe had been working from 7am to get the ground playable after Sunday’s washout and worked miracles to get a game on at all. Put in to bat, Lightcliffe suffered an early blow when stand in skipper Steve Hartley edged one on to his own stumps. Marcus Kelly and Kris Sharples batted sensibly in tricky conditions before both were dismissed by Shane Marshall. Rod Heyhoe was looking comfortable before he too dragged one on to leave the home side struggling on 21 for 4. However, Amir Yaqub had started to look in control by then and, aided by a quickfire 22 from Alex Tait and an accomplished 14 from Tom Powe, he helped take the score to 122 before Powe fell leg before. Yaqub succumbed soon after for an excellent 62, his maiden Lightcliffe half century. Sam Kalanovich, Tom Denham and Jack Walsh all fell cheaply as only two further runs were added to leave a target of 124.Opening bowlers Tait and Powe contained Idle well but were let down by some poor catching. It was Yaqub who picked up the first wicket before Powe got his just rewards thanks to a sharp catch behind the stumps by Kalanovich. The home side never really got on top and,despite a smart run out by Hartley who also took a catch to earn Sharples his first second X1 wicket and himself the fi elding point, Idle got home comfortably with six wickets and 17 overs in hand.

The first team lost by 8 wickets at Idle after being bowled out for 46. The least said about that the better!

Silver Fox and Tom Powe help bowl 2nds to victory.

Lightcliffe’s second string got back to the winning ways of last season with a comfortable victory at Bowling Old Lane.

Opting to bowl in overcast conditions youngsters Joe Duffy and Evan Edwards took the new ball. Both bowled with great control and accuracy taking a wicket apiece to reduce Old Lane to 17 for 2 after the first 10 over burst. Roger Stead and the guile of Tom Powe then proved no less difficult to get away with some accurate medium pace bowling and the home side stuttered to 41 for 5. Only Rifaqat Ali provided any resistance with an unbeaten 51 as Powe and Stead took three wickets each with Duffy and Edwards sharing four and the West Bowling side eventually reaching 128 for 9 in the allotted 50 overs.

Rob Crookes and Steve Hartley opened up the Lightcliffe reply and were soon in command. With some good fortune and plenty of fluent strokeplay they took the score to 69 before Hartley failed to clear mid on and perished for a useful 44 including seven fours and one six. When Crookes eventually went for 21 the outcome already wasn’t in much doubt. Skipper Gareth Stevens batted patiently for 15 and ex Brighouse new recruit Richard Thompson making a polished unbeaten 16, as the Wakefield Road side recorded an emphatic six wicket victory with 14 overs to spare.

Another Six wickets for Nichols as first team beat Undercliffe

A match winning spell of bowling from skipper Richard Nichols was the highlight of the first team’s win over big spending Undercliffe.

The captain took six for 31 from 15 overs, as Undercliffe collapsed in their pursuit of Lighcliffe’s 156.

Aleem Ladak and Dean Heyhoe were also amongst the wickets in a superb bowling and fielding display.

Earlier, most Lightcliffe batsmen contributed with the willow but none could go on to make a really big score. Nick Pyrah hit a fine 37, but was hampered by a knee injury and had to bat with a runner. The firsts were grateful to some late blows from Dom Finn (35 not out) to help get them to a respectable score.

Powe ponders then calls off

Third team skipper James Powe was an early arrival at the Wakefield Road Ground on Sunday to assess the scene. It was a soggy sight. After musing for an hour, skipper Powe decided the ground was unfit to play. He said: “It’s pretty gutting because it was the opening day and my charges were raring to go. I am looking forward to getting underway on Sunday.”

Seconds Stumble

Lightcliffe 2nd X1, runners up in last year’s first division race, started the season with a disappointing defeat at Pudsey.

Opting to bowl on a green looking track youngsters Sam Godden and debutant Joe Duffy took the new ball. St Lawrence skipper James Milligan showed why he regularly finishes near the top of the League averages with some fluent stroke play to take the home side to 50 without loss. By this stage the pairing of experienced Roger Stead and youthful Tom Powe had started to stem the flow of runs and it was Stead who struck the first blow of the season with a good lbw shout. Milligan followed soon after deceived by a full length delivery from Powe. It wasn’t until Powe had given way to Amir Yaqub that the next wicket fell and, with Stead striking again soon after Pudsey were left at 110 for 4. Yaqub continued to peg away and picked up two more scalps and then it was left up to Godden and Duffy to return to return to claim two victims each to dismiss the home side for 187 in one over short of the alloted 50.

Club Secretary Steve Hartley opened up the Lightcliffe reply with 3rd X1 skipper Jim Powe. Powe went first, trapped leg before, to see the advent of skipper Gareth Stevens. The experienced pair took the total up to 40 in amongst some wayward bowling before Hartley played round a straight one.

Under 15 newcomer Ollie Hemmingway played a couple of nice strokes before he and Stevens fell in quick succession to leave the visitors struggling at 50 for 4. Duffy and Javed Iqbal then combined to play some fluent strokes in Lightcliffe’s most fruitful partnership of the day, adding xx for the fifth wicket, before Duffy holed out at backward square for a useful 24. Stead joined Iqbal, who was by now playing with real confidence and the Wakefield Rd side started to scent a victory before a mystifying leg before decision removed Iqbal for 27 to leave them on 116 for 6. Lightcliffe never really recovered from this set back and, despite a couple of defiant blows from Ramsey Al Chalaby, stumbled to 136 all out in 38 overs to lose by 51 runs.

With a double header next weekend the team will be looking for the return of a couple of experienced campaigners including vice captain and keeper Rob Crookes.

Opening day defeats for firsts and seconds. Thirds washed out.

It was a disappointing opening weekend for our three senior teams.

The first team was on top throughout most of the game against Idle, but crashed to a 20 run defeat.

Skipper Richard Nichols was the pick of the bowlers with a fine spell of bowling, including three wickets in one over. He ended with six wickets for 27 runs. Aussie Shaun Robinson, Dean Heyhoe and Aleem Ladak were also amongst the wickets. As the Lightcliffe players tucked into a pleasing tea they were confident of victory.

An opening stand of 41, with Nick Pyrah making a useful 24, seemed to be helping the first to wickets. However, a steady shutter of wickets at crucial times, saw Idle snatch an unlikely victory. The firsts will be hoping for better this weekend at home to Undercliffe (1.30pm start) and away to Idle in the Priestley Cup on Sunday (1.30pm Start).

Vice captain Jonathan Wilson said: “We were in control of the game for much of the day, which augers well for the rest of the campaign. It was a shame to lose but there were many positives to take from the match.”

We’re back!

For LCC web addicts the last 72 hours have been agony.

Due to unforeseen technical difficulties the Web has been down. Thanks to round the clock work these have been overcome. Apologies to everyone but we are now back on line!

We hope you are continuing to log on and enjoy the site.

Yours sincerely,

The LCC Web Team management.board.

Packed practice nights at HQ

The cold and damp April evenings have failed to deter LCC players from turning up for outdoor practice sessions in their droves.

Last Tuesday evening saw an excellent turnout of players. New signings Aussie Shaun Robinson and gloveman Mark Horne had their first workout and seemed to enjoy their new surrounds.

Despite a damp practice pitch, a net session was possible thanks to Rod Heyhoe’s hard work in making sure the wicket was playable. A big thanks to Rod.

Images from practice sessions.

Race night helps boost club bank balance

The club raised over £300 on Saturday night after an enjoyable race evening at the Whitehall Pub, Hipperholme.

Players, committee members and locals packed into the popular pub for a pleasant evening of drinking, betting and conversation.

A big thanks to everyone who attended and supported the club. A special mention to Dave Curran, Steve Hartley and Robert Brooke for running the Tote, and to Roger Stead for doing the organising, raffle selling, and donating most of the raffle prizes! All the prizes were claimed on the night.

The club would also like to extend a big thanks to Margaret and Paul at the Whitehall. They kindly let us hold the race night at their pub. We hope to be back next year for another fund-raiser.

Treasurer Dave Curran said: “We are still totting up how much we raised but it was a good amount which made the event worthwhile.

“There was a good turnout from the club and everyone seemed to have a good night.”

Rallying call for players to practice this weekend

Chair of cricket Bruce Lunn has contacted players this week to tell them about early season practice arrangements. Please see his mail below.

Guys,

Given the recent inclement weather the earliest opportunity we're going to have to practise outdoors is Saturday 12th April. Richard wants to replicate match conditions as much possible by practising on the bottom of the square and having first team bowlers bowling to first team batters, second team bowlers to second team batters etc etc. If the weather has not been good enough and there is a risk of damaging the square we will practise in the nets instead.

Either way please can we all make the effort to turn up for a 1pm start. It's a good chance to get used to those early season conditions, get your eye in, get the long hops out of the way and meet up with everyone again. Please let me, Richard or Gareth know if you can't make it.

Richard email to: richardmnichols@talktalk.net
Gareth email to: gs@hethertons.co.uk
Me email to: jbswlunn2000@waitrose.com

We'll have further outdoor practices on Tuesday 15th and Thursday 17th ahead of our first game on Saturday 19th. Sean Robinson, our Australian overseas, will be arriving on Monday 14th. I hope you will all make him very welcome!!

Brucie Lunn.

Countdown to the season

A big apology to all regular LCC website addicts for the lack of story action over the last week or so.

A full service will be resumed next week; watch out for:-

1. The return of fantasy league. Now in its fourth season! Exclusive details on how to enter. Only at www.lightcliffecricketclub.co.uk

2. Pre season preview with profiles of the new players.

3. Opening day teams.

4. News of next week’s race night. Saturday 19 April at the Whitehall. 8pm. Please put it in your diaries and come along and support the club!

Log in again from Monday. You will not be disappointed.

Cricket-force workers work wonders

The sun shone; the rain came down; the snow fell. But the work went on.

Yes, over fifteen people brave helpers soldiered on in the elements last weekend at Wakefield Road to help get the ground in shape for the new season. They deserve huge thanks.

As part of the national Cricket force weekend, a gang of volunteers painted, rolled, and repaired. The ground looked a picture on Sunday evening.

Organiser Steve Hartley said he was delighted with the turnout. He said: “There was a good turnout and the people who came along really grafted for the cause. Without such sterling help the ground would simply have not been ready for the new season.

“There is only so much Rod can do; the work last weekend complemented the hours and hours he has put in over the close season to get the ground ready.”

A big thanks to Steve for organising the weekend and thanks to all those who helped out. You know who you are!

Easter snow but sunny outlook for new season - 27/03/2008

A covering of Easter snow may have given a festive look to the Wakefield Road pitch last weekend but cricket chair Brucie Lunn has a spring in his step as the new season approaches.

With new signings in place (further details to be announced shortly. Keep logging on!) Bruce says the “pieces of the jigsaw are falling into place”.

Along with returning batting ace Nick Pyrah, a top Australian all rounder and a new glove man, Bruce is still delving into his contacts book to try and catch a paceman to fill the boots of Richard Tesseyman. Turbo is heading for a new challenge at Southowram.

Bruce said: “Things are falling into place. We will have a couple more indoor sessions before heading outside for some pre season work on the soggy April wickets.

“The winter nets have been well attended and I am sure that all three senior teams will be competitive this season.”

Brucie also heard from opening bat Rod Hinch this week. Rod has work commitments for much of the summer and can’t commit to Saturday cricket. He will be playing a bit of evening league cricket over in East Yorkshire. He is, however, planning to pop over the Wolds on 19 April to watch the opening match at Spen Vic before heading to the race night.

May the cricket force be with you

LCC players and officials are being urged to sacrifice their weekend lie-ins to help get the ground looking in tip top shape for the new season.

The second annual cricket force weekend will be Sat 5 and Sun 6 April from 10am-4pm. The Grand National starts at 4.20 so horse lovers will have plenty of spare seconds to get home in time for the much anticipated Aintree chase.

There are a number of important jobs to do. So if you can plaster, paint, or mow, your services will be much appreciated.

Head groundsman Rod Heyhoe and Player-secretary Steve Hartley are organising the day of action.

Rod, well tanned after two weeks in the sunshine, said: “We need as many people as possible to come along and help us out.

“The more bodies there are the quicker the work will get done. We need doers not talkers; anyone with practical skills has a part to play. The curtain raiser is rapidly approaching and there is a lot of work to do.”

There will be refreshments served, including Steve Hartley’s speciality bacon butties. Please make every effort to turn up on one of the days, even if it’s for an hour or so.

For more information please contact Steve at steve.hartley@virgin.net

Under Starter's Orders for LCC Race Night

Forget the excitement of Cheltenham or the thrills and spills of the Grand National – the highlight of the racing calendar is fast approaching.

Yes, back by popular demand after last year’s success, the club will be holding a race night on SATURDAY 19 APRIL at the popular Whitehall Pub, Hipperholme.

The first social event of the summer will be a good chance for players, spectators and friends to get together after the eagerly awaited opening day games. The fun begins at 8pm.

The races will be beamed across the pub on state-of-the art television screens. Please make every effort to attend this event and support the cricket club. Put it in your diaries today!

Treasurer Dave Curran, fresh from his Cheltenham Gold Cup day out, said it was important people turned out to boost the club’s coffers.

Dave said: “We have some big outgoings in the next few weeks, so it’s important to give the credit side of the balance sheet a gee up.

“Last year the race night raised over £300 and was very well attended by players after the first game of the season. We are looking for a repeat show.”

The club would like to thank Margaret and Paul at the Whitehall for kindly allowing us to hold the race night in their pub. It promises to be an enjoyable evening.

Bob Horne on George Bottomley

Bob Writes, "This is a sad moment in the club's history. George's contribution to Lightcliffe Cricket was considerable. I have a number of statistics of his playing career but, as is almost always the case, they don't give an adequate impression of his stature as a cricketer.

He made his first team debut in 1933, although he had a couple of seasons with the seconds before that. George grew up in Hove Edge and was brought to the club by two fellow Hove Edge residents and Lightcliffe cricketers, Charlie Young and the legendary Albert Hartley. He retired from league cricket in 1962 and, after three seasons with Craven Gentlemen, turned to his other sporting love, golf.

In 333 matches for Lightcliffe he scored 3967 runs, took 508 wickets and held 102 catches. Like so many young man of his generation, the war interrupted his sporting life and he only played seven games in the 41-45 period.

Peacetime brought about his best ever season. In 1947 he scored 571 runs and took 70 wickets. He then enjoyed three years as professional with Meltham in the Huddersfield League. In 1948 he scored a century in the Sykes Cup Final, and fondly recalled how his collection of more than £100 had to be kept overnight at Fartown police station because it weighed so much! After four seasons back at Lightcliffe he had a spell with Pudsey St. Lawrence (55-58), including a Priestley Cup Final against Lightcliffe (LCC won!).

Many people will have their own memories of George. I recall him as a medium-paced outswing bowler with a good off-cutter, although I never saw him in his prime as a batsman. I was well acquainted with this off-cutter because, playing for Hipperholme Grammar School against Craven Gentlemen in 1963, I was bowled by one! My impression of George, having seen a good deal of him during his last years at Lightcliffe, is that he was a shrewd and confident cricketer, able to outwit less thoughtful opponents.

In George's time, as now, players were not allowed to practise after the start of a game. However, if Lightcliffe were batting second, George sometimes got his son Michael and me to bowl at him during the tea interval! Who could complain about a bloke encouraging youngsters to play cricket? He offered us sixpence if we hit the stumps, so of course we tried like hell. I remember bowling him out once, down where the nets are today. I got my sixpence and went away happy. It wasn't until reflecting on this in later years that I realised that George probably missed the ball on purpose. That would have been typical of the man, always kindly encouraging, but he never let on.

George was also a prominent local footballer, playing with Lightcliffe in the County Amateur League, although my dad remembered him as a ginger-haired sixteen year-old playing on the right wing for Clifton. You'll know his story of Arsenal wanting to sign him (this is Herbert Chapman's 1930's team, which won the old first division in three successive seasons!): the MD at Firth's (where George worked) called him into his office and talked him out of it!

His contribution to cricket at Lightcliffe on and off the pitch is hard to put into words. George was associated with the club throughout most of the 20th century. It really is the end of an era."

R M Horne.

George Bottomley

The last chapter in the remarkable life of George Bottomley has closed after his sad death at the age of 92. The Club has lost a one its greatest servants.

Legend is an over-used term. Not in George’s case. If anything it fails to do justice to his decades of sporting achievement. Whether as player, committee man or Chairman his contribution to Lightcliffe Cricket was enormous.

He quickly broke into the Lightcliffe first team after joining the club as a teenager. In 1933 he made his first team debut and quickly made a name for himself as a talented all-rounder, comfortable and classy with both bat and ball. George was also a talented footballer playing at a good standard for many years.

Revered throughout the Bradford League and beyond, his long service at Wakefield Road, was broken by a spell as pro at Pudsey St Lawrence. He cricket career won him many friends. George conducted himself off the field as he did on it. Polite, courteous, and respectful.

The curtain fell on three decades of achievement in 1963 when pulled on his whites for the last time. It had been decades of runs, records and cherished memories.

There is a saying that retired cricketers don’t die, they just fade away. George proved the inaccuracy of such sentiments. He became a committee man and hard-working official and in the early 1980s assumed the Chairmanship, a position he held until he stood down in 1998. Even then, he regularly turned up at committee meetings as a reassuring presence offering sound advice, and wise words.

He was also a key member of the gala committee, helping, along with Robert and Margaret Firth, to kick start the annual fund-raiser in 1987. Indeed, the layout of the stalls today is still based on the vision George had 20 years ago. Even in his latter years, he would dust off his gala plan and come down to the ground on a Sunday morning to show everyone how it should be done. Lovely memories.

Today, when you ask older members how good George was, you hear the same reaction; saying just what a talent he was. This is not misplaced sentiment, but an appreciation of one of the most natural and gifted players to represent Lightcliffe and one of the finest cricketers of his generation.

AGM - Report

At the recent AGM player-secretary Steve Hartley posted his annual report on the club.

The bumper report was packed full of information about the club’s activities in the last 12 months both on and off the pitch. It is an interesting and informative read.

It underlines the progress that has been made at the club over the course of 2007. A case of much done, much still to do.

Please find a copy of the report attached for you to peruse at your leisure.

Secretary's Annual Report

Aussie Ace Signs on the Dotted Line

Champagne corks were popping amongst club officials this week after a top Aussie all-rounder signed on the dotted line.

Hard hitting middle-order batsmen Stuart Lee, 27, will be jetting over from Adelaide in time for the keenly awaited opening game on 19 April.

Cricket chairman Brucie Lunn’s hard graft over the long winter months has paid off. There is a promise of more signings to follow.

Stuart has played at a top level in Australia and comes to Wakefield Road with a rich pedigree.

Bruce said: “This is good news for the club. We hopefully have a player who score runs by the bucket load and get spectators pouring through the Wakefield Road gates.

“Stuart played in the Cheshire league last year and has also played at a very good standard down under. He’s not played Sheffield Shield but he has performed one rung below that ladder.”

There are more signings expected in the coming weeks to provide some much needed March momentum.

Turbo gears up for Southowram sojourn

Long-serving seamer Richard Tesseyman his heading for pastures new after years of loyal service at Wakefield Road.

He broke into the first team, after coming through the junior ranks, in his late teenage years and his raw pace helped him become a consistent performer over many years.

Richard’s finest hours came in the 2003 season. In a year of hard wickets, fast outfields and sunny weather, he twice returned nine wicket hauls. He was also a key member of the 1997 promotion winning team.

In the last couple of years, injuries have restricted his pace and he feels the time is right for a new challenge in the Halifax league.

He goes to Southowram with the club’s good wishes

LCC Constitution

Sexy it might not be, but important it is.

The club’s constitution, after many hours of hard work from club officials, has now been finished. A copy is in the section of ‘the club’ for you to puruse at your leisure.

It includes a range of important information setting out the aims and values of the club. All players are advised to give it a read if they have a spare 20 minutes.

Club secretary Steve Hartley said: “It is an important document and one we have to produce. It sets out the core of the club’s policies and despite it taking hours to produce, we are happy with the end product.”

Quiz-goers pack into Church Hall to boost club coffers

Dozens of people packed into Lightcliffe Church Hall on Sat night to test out their brain power and help raise the club hundreds of pounds.

A big thanks to the 60 people who attended the quiz night (including the four players who showed up) to help boost club funds.

The winning team was an IQ busting line-up of player-secretary Steve Hartley, Cricket Chair Bruce Lunn, Mr and Mrs Mark Wiley, and Big John Howard and his girlfriend.

The independently drawn raffle winners were Big John Howard, Steve Cooper, and Alistair Finn.

There was an excellent atmosphere, with a well stocked bar run by Duncan Powe and delicious hot supper served up by Tracey Powe. A good time seemed to be had by all.

Thank you to everyone who helped organise the event, particularly Tracey Powe who did some sterling work to help provide people with a delicious supper. Also a thanks to St Matthew’s Church for allowing the club to use their community room.

The next social event is a race night on Sat 19 April. Please make a note of this in your diaries and try and help support the club.

Win ten grand on LCC all-weather lottery!

The Lightcliffe all-weather lottery is an easy way to raise money for the club and gives you a chance to win a cool ten grand.

For only a pound a week you can give yourself a chance of winning this life changing sum of money. You’ve got to be in it to win it!

As committee member and groundsman Rod Heyhoe regularly points out this is a “win-win” situation for the club and should be supported by as many members as possible.

Rod took the chance to sign up some new members at Saturday’s quiz and a further recruitment drive will be launched in the coming weeks.

Rod said: “For a pound a week people can give themselves a chance to win anything from £2 to ten grand. In participating they are providing the club with a much need source of income.

”Entering is easy with a simple direct debit needed and away you go. I know one club member who won £20 recently and was chuffed to bits.”

Full details of how to enter the Lightcliffe lottery and support the club are on the right hand side link. For more details please contact Rod.

Good luck!

Turn out in force for weekend of repairs, rolling and roofing

The countdown to the cricket season is on but the action doesn’t just begin on 19 April as was recently stated!

There are dozens of jobs to do at LCC to help get the ground looking ship shape. Rod needs all the help he can get to get things in full working order.

So once again, the club will be having a weekend of action as part of Cricket- force weekend on Sat 5 and Sun 6 April.

Last year many players and committee members turned out to paint, plaster and lift. A similar sterling effort is required this time round.

The event is being organised by player-secretary Steve Hartley (whose contact details will shortly be on the web). If you have ideas about what could be done that weekend please contact Steve. The club needs your suggestions and help.

More details about Cricket-force weekend will be posted here shortly. Please pen these dates in your diary and help make the ground picture-perfect for when that first delivery is bowled on 19 April.

A story on what Farsley CC is doing for Cricket force weekend is on the JCT Bradford League Website. Click the link on the right for full details.

Rolling, rolling, rolling as the worm turns at LCC

Groundsman Rod Heyhoe’s hours of winter work getting the ground fit and ready for the new season are paying off.

LCC looked picture perfect this weekend bathed in glorious February sunshine.

There is, though, still much to do, like removing some annoying pests, as Rod pointed out as he revved his roller up for another pounding of the pitch.

He said: “Most of the work at the moment involves hours of rolling. I have also been sorting out the outfield, including removing the hundreds of worm casts that have appeared. There are always jobs to do and most of the important work is done in the close season.

“I am pleased with the progress that is being made. It’s only eight weeks to the start of the season but I think I am top of things at the moment.”

Slugging away

Rod added his thanks and appreciation to his friend and Institute Of groundsmen colleague, David Robinson, who lent him some gear to help wack away the worms.

If anyone wants to help out with a stint on the roller please contact Rod through the usual channels. He would appreciate your help.

Hot Rod shows he still has the touch

The winter nets are now in full swing with old and new players getting in shape for the 2008 campaign.

However, it was a veteran who caught the eye at the latest session with a master class in batting and off spin bowling.

Groundsman Rod Heyhoe, who last played a league game in 1994, showed everyone he still had it as he rocked forward and rode back to hit the bowling to all parts of the nets.

It was good to see Rod putting on the whites once again and there is now talk of a comeback for a few games in 2008.

Rod said: “It was good fun and I enjoyed the workout. My flighted off spin bowling had a few of the lads in two minds. It was good to pick up a bat again and hit a few balls in anger. I can confirm that my towel still does a good job. I never saw the point on wasting money on a thigh pad!”

Also at the nets was former Pudsey St Lawrence and Bowling Old Lane star Gurdif Singh. He has no club for 2008 and his impressive session certainly caught the eye.

After the nets club officials rushed off to contact Chairman of Cricket Bruce Lunn and tell him of the player’s availability.

Despite looking like he was wintering well, Gurdif produced a beguiling spell of bowling followed by some hard hitting.

Pudsey opening bowler Gary Severn was also at the nets. He told the club website last night that Gurdif would be a “real asset” to LCC.

Gary said: “I would certainly recommend that LCC make an approach to him. He is still a good player and is also a great lad.”

Watch this space for more developments on the signings front.

Ernest Hitchcock

The club was saddened to hear of the death of long standing supporter Ernest Hitchcock. He died peacefully in his sleep last week at the age of 96.

Ernest watched the first team home and away for many years. He was a popular figure at Wakefield Road rarely missing a game. He travelled by public transport to games, which often involved at least three bus and train journeys!

His knowledge of West Yorkshire bus services was second to none and the fact that, well into his 90s, he still came to watch the team at difficult to reach grounds like Yeadon, Esholt and Windhill said much about the kind of character he was.

Ernest’s funeral is at 2pm this Friday 22 February at Park Wood, Elland.

Aussie Ace is just the deal for LCC

Rumours have broken this week that an Aussie star is set to sign.

Unconfirmed reports have broken that a top-order batsmen, who also bowls a bit of spin, will shortly be putting pen to paper. This is just reward for the diligence of Bruce Lunn and his hard working cricket committee.

If the signing comes off this will be another piece in Richard Nichols’ jigsaw for the 2008 season. Opening batsmen Nick Pyrah, who was a consistent performer over a decade at Wakefield Road, has also returned to the fold.

Bruce is holidaying in Ireland this week but took the time to phone the website editor from his relaxing sea view retreat. Bruce said: “I want to emphasise that nothing is confirmed yet but, yes, we are very close to sealing the deal.

“He is just the type of player we are looking for and hopefully he will be the extra cog in the wheel that can see who improve on last year’s position in the league.”

At this week’s AGM Richard Nichols was confirmed as captain again for the 2008 campaign. Gareth Stevens will lead the 2nds, with James Powe skippering the thirds

Further news on signings, along with player profiles, will be appearing on the website very shortly. Watch this space!

It’s business as usual after positive AGM

Club officials and members packed into the church hall in Lightcliffe this week for the AGM.

After a two hour meeting, when the Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, groundsman and club captains gave their reports, club officials were elected unopposed.

Club officials for 2008/9 will be:-

President – Nigel Denham

Chairman – John Brooke

Vice Chairman – Duncan Powe

Secretary - Steve Hartley

Treasurer – Dave Curran

Press Officer – Paul Ramsden

After the meeting Club Chairman John Brooke said: “It was a reasonably good turnout for the AGM. It is an important event on the club calendar and a chance to thank the people who do so much to make the club run smoothly over the course of the year.”

There was a sense of optimism about the forthcoming season with news of new signings breaking moments before the meeting began.

The reports of the various officers will be on this website very shortly. Watch this space!

Lightcliffe selected to stage White Rose Trophy clash

Club officials are celebrating after the club was chosen to stage a White Rose representative game.

The high profile fixture, which will see the Bradford League White Rose team entertain their Halifax counterparts, will be staged on Sunday 11 May.

This is a timely boost for the club and is a just reward after recent modernisation work which has now enables access for cars and a spacious car park behind the club house.

It is also a testament to the hard work of Goundsman Rod Heyhoe. Rod told the website this week that he was “delighted” the fixture is heading to Lightcliffe.

Rod said: “This is good news. Everyone at the club is thrilled that the League has chosen our ground to hold this fixture. We are hoping for a packed ground, beautiful sunshine, and an entertaining high scoring game.”

The club is urging its members to pop along and show their support for the game on 18 May.

Rod added that the club hoped that this would be first of many representative games held at LCC in the coming years.

Link to story on Bradford League site

Lightcliffe Cricket Club Winter Indoor Nets

Winter nets for seniors, Under 17s and Under 15s commence on Thursday 7th February at Hipperholme & Lightcliffe HS between 8pm and 10pm. Nets for Under 12s and 13s will commence at Woodlands Cricket Club on Tuesday 29th January between 6pm and 7pm. Finally, nets for Under 11s will commence on Monday 4th February at Hipperholme & Lightcliffe HS between 6pm and 7pm. Please note the change of venue for the Under 12s and 13s. For those of you unfamiliar with the location of Woodlands Cricket Club please click on the link below.

Woodlands CC, Albert Terrace, Oakenshaw

You've got to be in it to win it!

Want to win big money and raise money for the club at the same time? Then get yourself in the all weather lottery. For only £1 a week you have a chance to win hundreds. And at the same time you are bringing cash to the club coffers. Full details can be found here or by contacting Rod Heyhoe. We need more people to sign up and help the club. Remember you've got to be in it to win it!

Winter Nets

With Hipperholme and Lightcliffe High School fully booked, we have still to secure a slot for next year's winter nets. Deputy Chairman Duncan Powe is busy beavering away to book us some facilities. Watch this space for news on this issue. Somewhere will be found and the first net of 2008 will be in late January/early February.

Get your thinking caps on!

A winter Cricket Club quiz night is, by popular demand back again next year. This social fundrasiser and not to be missed event will be held in St Matthews Church Hall on Sat February 23rd. Tell your friends and family and come along and support the club at this winter get together. A hot supper will be served and, of course, there will be a well stocked bar serving lagers, beers and ciders. See you on the 23rd! For more information please contact Michael Brooke.