It was fitting that Lightcliffe should gain promotion last year in their 150th year anniversary season. The new clubhouse will prove to be a popular magnet for Division One clubs who will doubtless enjoy their visit.

Former Yorkshire contracted batter Alex Stead continues as captain and looks ahead with a degree of caution. “Realistically, consolidation is the name of the game. It has taken the club four years to get back to this level, and longer than we thought it would.

“We have lost wicketkeeper Ben Speak to Barkisland, but he is the only significant departure. Sixteen-year-old Monty Ramsden will take the gloves in the first team after he scored a lot of runs in the seconds last season.

“Ben is the only `outgoing’ from last year, and we have brought Finlay Hill back from Cleckheaton. He is sure to have benefited from a spell in the Premier Division.

“We could not retain Rajat Dey as our overseas player, so we have gone for a Pakistani all-rounder. Things are in place to acquire him, and we hope that the instability in the world does not prevent him from coming.

“We have a multitude of junior cricketers - quite a few have been selected to play representative cricket in varying age groups. We must afford them as many senior opportunities as possible or else we could lose them.

“It was a disappointment to lose in the Jack Hampshire Cup semi-final, but we like to give young lads a chance in cup cricket, and they would have benefited from it. Having four senior sides helps us to develop players and give them chances to bat and bowl

“Our 3rdXI side won the Halifax Sunday League, and of course our seconds won promotion to the Premier Division. This was vitally important because this has become a very good standard with the likes of New Farnley and Jer Lane providing very tough opposition. Now we can get our lads playing in that competition It is a much easier transition to senior cricket.”

Stead played several years for Yorkshire’s 2ndXI and once hit a magnificent 170 in the Roses game with Lancashire at Todmorden. After being released he played minor counties cricket and enjoyed a stellar career in the Bradford Premier League with Pudsey St Lawrence and Lightcliffe, with over 16,000 league runs to his name.

Stead looks back: “It was disappointing to be released by Yorkshire at the time, but I do not regret a thing about my life. It gives me great pride to be a part of the development of Lightcliffe Cricket Club. My father has been an integral part of the club for many years, and I enjoy following in his footsteps.

“The new clubhouse has opened many doors for the club, and is now a massive part of the community, as well as a cricket facility for players, officials and spectators to enjoy.”