The hour delay, though Pennine drizzle, had given new skipper David Knight extra time to rev up his charges who were asked to make first use of a Rod Heyhoe belter.

In front of a pleasingly high crowd 13-year-old Joe Pyrah got the first runs of the new campaign with a neat leg side shot. He showed admirable technique and composure on debut

With the ball seaming around a little the host ticked along in the first ten overs, gradually upping the pace in the middle third of the game. There was a typically pugnacious cover drive by the returning Evan Edwards, some nice drilling by David Knight and some wonderfully wristy shots through point by Richard Thommy Thompson.

A total of 70 for five at drinks saw the game finally balanced. Enter Bradford League stalwart Rob Burton.

The four time Priestley cup winning veteran slowly got into the groove with punchy straight drives, juicy cuts and neat flicks. As the run rate increased so did the pulses of the growing crowd. Well supported by debutant Ben Cliffe, the paid added nearly 100 at around seven an over. It was a game changing partnership and warmed the hearts on a bitter day.

A final total of 185 was way above par and reflected well on a team effort, with Burton finishing on fine 85 not out (with four sixes) and Cliffe a terrific 29 (three maximums).
Knight called for an intense start. His bowlers didn’t let him down, with Shoaib Hassan and Cliffe bowling excellent opening spells. Hassan found a delightful rhythm while Cliffe delivered raw pace from the tennis court end. Both were rewarded with early wickets. Skipper knight melted in a superb slip catch which even had Chris Drake on his feet punching the air with delight.

Change bowlers Finlay Hill and Sir Marcus of Kelly came to the party with wickets, 13-year-old Hill excelling on debut with three wonderful wickets. Kelly helped turn things the hosts’ way, with Edwards backing him up with fine fielding. The game was wrapped up with Hassan throwing down the stumps. On a day when everyone played their past, there was a sad postscript with ‘keeper Mark Horne, who had been brilliant throughout behind the sticks, suffering a broken finger. Good luck with the recovery horny.

So a great 18 points and a brilliant start to the season.
Fielding point – Mark Horne
Man of the match – Finlay Hill

Knight said: “A fantastic start to the season, I was proud of the team’s display and everyone played their part. The knock of Burts was different class with Ben supporting brilliantly. All the bowlers delivered the goods and it was a shame the day was marred with Mark’s injury. There were some excellent bits of cricket. We go again next week at Baildon. Well done to all the players.”