Lightcliffe has a proud history in the Bradford Junior Cricket League’s U11 Cup lifting the Ernest Jones Trophy four times in the past decade, in 2017, 2021, 2022 and 2023. And now we have made it five as that run resumed three years on as this year's team beat Farsley by seven wickets on a beautifully sunny morning as we reach the end of the 2026 season.

After losing the toss, our young Villagers were put into the field and the batters started well making 24 before the first wicket fell thanks to Max Terry. It dented the momentum and 24-1 quickly became 32-3 as Jack Crawshaw and then Max once more struck.

The run rate had been slowed and with each bowler able to bowl five overs, there was a chance to build the pressure. And build the pressure our U11s did as scoring continued to slow.

The pace of Jonty Smaldon and George Horne was too much for the next two Farsley batters and then it was time for a bit of spin as captain Dominic Naylor came into the attack and struck once and then again ending the innings of their top scorer who was looking decent on 20.

Jack and Jonty returned to the attack as the end of the 25 over innings approached, and they succeeded in dismissing the last remaining batters as Farsley were all out for 93 in 24.1 overs.

Each of Lightcliffe’s five bowlers were brilliant in different ways – and that mix of approaches had a big impact on the game. Jack’s 3-16, Max’s 2-22, Jonty’s 2-10, Dom’s 2-19 and George’s 1-12 all crucial at different stages of the innings.

And even though each of the 10 wickets was bowled, the fielding had a big part to play in keeping the total to two figures with Ben, Raf, Dougie, Albie and Joey all playing important roles in the field and Isaac brilliant behind the stumps as keeper. Together, they stopped boundaries, reduced byes and eliminated scoring chances.

The highlight for many of our young players perhaps came at the interval as a brilliant spread of pizzas, nuggets and baked goods was laid on by the fabulous team at East Bierley who could not have been better hosts.

But then it was onto the chase – and the neutral umpires once again led us onto the field with George Horne and Jonty Smaldon up first. Intelligence (well a quick trawl of Play Cricket) had suggested that Farsley had some strong bowlers and so their openers proved as their speed and variation took its toll on the top order.

Lightcliffe were three down within six overs – the nerves were increasing as the runs column ticked over but only slowly. But with George at the crease, we needn’t have worried. He was joined by Max at 26-3 and, as the opening bowlers 4-over spells each came to an end, the pair took advantage of the situation and the change and accelerated through the gears.

Max’s 13 from 17 was beautifully crafted and crucial to securing the win, but it was George’s 52 from 46 which was to prove the difference. His choice of shots and ability to spot and take advantage of the fielding gaps was a joy to watch as he scored nine 4s before hitting the winning run in just the 14th over bringing brilliant scenes as the other 9 boys ran onto the pitch to celebrate.

Farsley will undoubtedly be disappointed with how the Final ended, but they were a great opposition whose players, coaches and supporters applauded every cricketer from every team with the game played in great spirits.

After each of our 11 received their winners medals, it was captain Dom who stepped up to lift the trophy and follow in the footsteps of familiar young Villagers Monty Ramsden, Will Sweeten, Jacob Carroll and Will Leach who had all also captained their teams to victory.

As Jack and Jonty resumed their interrupted holidays, others returned to the Club to celebrate another junior success in the only way our young players know how – with some time in the nets.

It was brilliant to see so many familiar club faces at East Bierley – thank you to everyone who was there to cheer on our U11s, thank you to all the squad who have played throughout the season who have all contributed to the win, and thank you to our volunteer coaches, scorers and more who do much to get the games on.

Onto the next Cup Final in just a week’s time!