After Saturday night’s storms and torrential rain, there was a suggestion that snorkels not bats would be needed at Copley CC - but thanks to the efforts of their grounds team, and some rejigging of the timings, our two Collinson Cup Finals were on.

In the opening game, Lightcliffe’s U15s - so dominant throughout the season - had one of those days you get in cricket where nothing goes to plan.

Captain Lucas Arnot and Jacob Carroll started things off for the Villagers but it was slow going until the sixth over when Lucas knocked off two 4s and a 6 to build some scoring momentum.

It sadly didn’t last as, in the next over, he skied a big shot which was safely taken. And, as so often happens in this sport, one wicket led to another. And, sadly, another. 35-1 became 41-4.

Opener Jacob Carroll remaining at the crease meant there was still hope, but that hope started to fade when he was run out attempting a second in the 12th over.

It faded further when another wicket fell next ball and, despite a much needed classy 17 from Luca Mullaney, the dismissals kept coming and 70-8 became 70 all out as Lightcliffe were skittled within the 20 overs.

Early wickets would be vital if the young Villagers were to stand any chance. Instead, when the first ball of the King Cross innings went for four the writing already seemed to be on the wall.

Indeed, it took just 8 overs for the total to be passed with the only wicket coming from the bowling of Ted Stead when the scores were level.

Sometimes games go like that, and the U15s have so much to be proud of this season - but they won’t perhaps have felt that as they received their runners up medals in front of friends, family and supporters.

90 minutes later, giving plenty of time for the supporters to be fuelled by the BBQ, bacon sandwiches and bar, it was Lightcliffe's U18s turn to take to the field.

Captain Isaac Morley won the toss and put Northowram Fields into bat - and they started strongly, crafting shots that became boundaries and running hard.

Their number three anchored their innings reaching 52 and retiring as others came and went at the other end of the cease. Wickets did keep falling regularly - 2-27 for Oliver Barrowcliffe, 2-14 for Jack Stansfield and 1 each for Sam Stobart and Matthew Brearley - but the runs column also kept increasing.

By the end of the 20 overs, the target set was 116 and so began Monty Ramsden and Isaac’s attempt to chase it down.

They started well, adding 34 runs - but then the wickets started falling as 34/1 became 34/2, 59/3 became 59/4 and - after a rain delay, the pattern sadly continued as 81/5 became 81/6.

By this stage, our U18s had rightly decided they needed to go for it, and Jack Stansfield set about the task with aplomb making 21 from 18. But when he was dismissed with 20 needed from 8 balls, it felt like the last hope had gone too.

Oliver Barrowcliffe had other ideas though as he came in and made 13 from just 7. It looked like the line that had seemed some distance away could be crossed - but in the end, it was one boundary too far as the match ended with Lightcliffe just three runs short on 113/9. A thrilling contest.

A day then of two defeats - but each young Villager should be proud of the part they played, cheered on by family, friends and many supporters. Thank you to everyone for their passion and encouragement. We will go again, and be stronger for it.