Hopton Mills CC 228 for 8 innings closed
Lightcliffe CC 229 for 6
Lightcliffe win by 4 wickets - Lightcliffe 19 points; Hopton Mills 8
Full scorecard here: https://bradfordcl.play-cricket.com/website/results/6080438

The 2024 cricket season well and truly got underway for our 1st XI at LCC on Saturday.
Despite a nip in the air, there was a healthy crowd off Till Carr Lane. Numbers were boosted by those attending a "Benefactor's Luncheon," a thank you to those who have contributed most to the building of our fantastic new clubhouse.
This increased the real air of anticipation as new signings Mohammed Jamal, Joey Sharp, Jordan Laban and Drew Russell all made their LCC debuts in the Gordon Rigg Bradford Premier League Division One. Visitors Hopton Mills, from a picturesque valley on the south side of Mirfield, won the toss and elected to bat first.
Lightcliffe’s new ball pairing was a mix of youth and experience - after a maiden over from left-arm seamer Andy Walker, 19 year-old Joey Sharp's first delivery for Lightcliffe can only be described as a loosener. Luckily for Lightcliffe and Sharp, opening batsmen Ahmed's attempt to pull was mis-timed and lobbed up to youngster G Leach at square leg – Mills were none for one.
Walker and Sharpe kept things tight, and with the score on 12, Walker rolled back the years to take a diving, one handed catch off his own bowling to dismiss the other Hopton Mill's opener Scott for just three. Visiting skipper Ashton was at first circumspect, but when he began to play a few shots, home skipper Alex Stead introduced another new signing left arm, finger spinner Mohammed Jamal. Walker and Jamal bowled excellently, both claiming two wickets apiece – Walker for just 19 runs off 14 overs and Jamal for 28 runs off 15 overs. Thereafter, the off-spin of Jordan Pickles accounted for Ashton for 57 and when Leach bowled Senior for just three, Lightcliffe were really in command with Mills struggling on 130 for seven and overs running out. However, number nine Maqsood, with 26 off 21 balls, joined wicket-keeper Hayward and the pair launched a blistering attack on the Lightcliffe bowling. Hayward fell LBW off the last ball of the innings to Sharp for a brutal 91 made off just 60 deliveries including nine 4s and five 6s. Their 98 run partnership enabled Mills to post an excellent early-season total of 228 for 8.
After the usual delicious Lightcliffe tea, The Villagers got off to a solid start before Stead was out LBW to Haider for 12. This brought Jordan Laban to the crease for the first time for Lightcliffe. Batting alongside Niall Lockley the pair added 125 for the second wicket showcasing some very impressive strokeplay. Laban made 53 off 60 balls, including eight 4s. When Lockley soon followed for a pugnacious 83 off 102 deliveries including seven 4s and five 6s, Lightcliffe were well placed on 167 for 3.
Crossley Heath A-level student Y Malik was joined at the crease by Sharp with the youngsters combining well to take Lightcliffe close to victory. Sharp made a fluent 34 including four 4s and a 6 before performing a routine which was more "Strictly Come Dancing" than Premier League Cricket to be stumped! Both Lightcliffe youngsters fell to the left arm, teenage Mill's seamer Ramsey. Despite Leach being dismissed with the scores level, Jordan Pickles struck the winning run with three balls remaining, much to the delight of the large crowd.
Next Saturday, Lightcliffe make the 15 minute journey to Heckmondwike & Carlinghow CC for the new norm 12 noon start.

There was much to be pleased about from a Lightcliffe perspective on and off the field on Saturday.
Off the field, the new clubhouse has opened a new chapter for LCC in many ways. There is already a wonderful atmosphere in the new building which we hope will get better and better as more 'Lightcliffians' discover it's delights.
Whilst on it, 1st XI left armer's Walker and Jamal both bowled beautifully whilst Laban and Lockley both batted beautifully. Sharp looks a very talented all rounder with a very smooth bowling action, despite bowling 10 no balls in his 8 overs, and the ability to play shots all round the wicket.
Add in the wonderful win for the 2s at Baildon, an victory for the 3rd XI at home to Sowerby Bridge and a double win for the Under 15s, including the Vitality ECB T20 National Cup victory, and it has been a fantastic week for LCC.
One swallow does not a summer make, but on this showing the Lightcliffe faithful should have much to look forward to this summer.

The full scorecard can be viewed here:
https://bradfordcl.play-cricket.com/website/results/6080438