On the final day of August, as the weather was in two minds whether it was still summer or turning into autumn, Bradshaw Cricket Club was the scene for the second of this year’s Collinson Cup Finals Days.

The U11s were first up and put into bat by opponents Copley. Captain Brodie Tait and George Horne opened up the batting and the skipper quickly raced away to the retired not out score of 25 from just 21 balls. Charlie Deighton was a steady hand with 10 accompanied by Nico Fletcher who also retired not out on 25 from 29 while Ollie Rose came in and smashed the ball around in imperious fashion making 22 from just 11.

With the score climbing and wickets in hand, the final batters did the right thing in trying to chase runs and increase the total and Lightcliffe ended their innings on 103/7.

The score felt slightly below par to those watching on, but very defendable - and so it proved as Copley came in (with torrential rain showers clearing during the interval) but just appearing to lack the intent of the young Villagers.

They were restricted by a simply sublime bowling and fielding performance though - Noah Boshell and Charlie opening the hunt for wickets and though they didn't claim one, they were miserly with just 11 conceded. Brodie and Dominic Naylor were similarly impressive, Brodie conceding just 3 from 2, Dom conceding just 6 from 3.

Five wickets fell too - which slowed Copley's progress throughout. Jonty Smaldon claimed two victims, Ollie Wood - named player of the match - claimed two, one including a great catch from George. And a threatening Layton Baldwin was stopped in his tracks by a brilliant piece of fielding that saw him run out thanks to Jonty's throw in to bowler Dom at the stumps who lit up the bails and claimed the wicket.

Keeper Isaac Thompson took some great grabs behind the stumps, Ollie Webb was great in the field and 12th man Freddie made an appearance for a 'comfort break' and provided the brilliant support that every team needs. With the cast of many of the other U11s who have done so much as part of the squad through the season, the support through the match was amazing.

As the contest neared the end, the drizzle turned heavier and the final ball not only heralded victory but also a downpour. It did nothing though to dampen the mood as the 9, 10 & 11 year olds who had all done the club so proud celebrated their 35 run win.

As the presentation came to a close, it was the U13s turn to take to the pitch. Again, it was the opposition - this time Thornton - who won the toss and, again, they put Lightcliffe into bat first.

Captain Jacob Carroll and Harrison Heaton opened the innings with a poised series of shots with the skipper, like Brodie for the 11s before, setting the tone by retiring not out for 25 from 26. Harry Betts also reached the retired not out target with 27 from 21 and important contributions from Luca Mullaney (18), Brodie Tait (11) and George Terry (10) saw the U13s total climb to a strong 121/4.

In response, Thornton were stifled as, despite a brilliant opening knock from their captain Ashton Burrowes who retired not out, the rest of the batters simply couldn't get going thanks to more brilliant fielding and bowling, and some seriously impressive keeping from Harry behind the stumps which, combined with his runs, led to him being named player of the match.

The eight wickets to fall were spread around - Luca got a brilliant caught and bowled, Harrison ended 1-8 from 3, Jacob was 1-1 from his single over, George Deighton took 1-8 from 2 and George Terry took 1-2 from 1. George Horne, unlucky not to get a wicket in the U11s final, claimed a brilliant 3 wickets from his 2 overs while Theo Fletcher, Charlie Carroll and Yusuf Akram played their part with the ball and in the field.

As the light started to fade, the result wasn’t in doubt and the win was sealed by 46 runs prompting more celebrations and another presentation ceremony to enjoy.

After the 15s victory in Southowram on Bank Holiday Monday, it means three of the six Collinson Cups are held by Lightcliffe with 43 players across three age groups contributing to the campaigns.

Congratulations to each and every one of them, hats off to our brilliant coaches, and thank you for the support at the Finals from parents, grandparents, family, friends and more.