The first round meeting in the Vitality ECB National U15 T20 cup between the only entrants from the Gordon Rigg Bradford Premier league and the Huddersfield league saw Thongsbridge visit Lightcliffe on Thursday evening.
This first ever meeting at any age group between the two clubs was eagerly anticipated since the draw was released a month ago!
Villager’s skipper Isaac M won the toss and elected to bat first. Unfortunately, Isaac’s well timed back foot drive picked out his opposite number and West Yorkshire regional player Elliot G at extra cover.
Lucas A came out to join Monty R at the crease. Both boys batted fluently and runs flowed to all parts of the ground as the score advanced from 2 for 1 to 101 before Monty was caught on the boundary edge for 47, including two 6’s and three 4’s. Lucas was also dismissed with a retirement insight for 47 including three 4’s and with the score on 123.
In the 19th over, the returning West Yorkshire seamer Noah D claimed that cricketing rarity, a hat-trick, as 123 for 2 became 123 for 6!!
Lightcliffe closed on 133 for 6 which seemed a decent total, although the wicket had improved noticeably with another 24 dry hours since the victory the previous evening against Northowram Fields.
Hari S and Luke B took the new ball and in the second over Luke took two in two including Noah D, both clean bowled. Visiting skipper, Elliott G then counter-attacked until Hari S defied his long winter’s hibernation and took three wickets in the fifth over - one caught behind, one bowled, and then the dangerous Elliott, caught in the deep by Ollie F. At 31 for 5, Lightcliffe were firmly in the driving seat but Finlay S with 18 and Ethan D with 20 dug in before two wickets for Akram’s off spin and a wicket for Sam S to a good catch from Luke ensured a Lightcliffe win.
Thongsbridge closed on 90 for 9 - Lightcliffe win by 43 runs.
The Villagers will also be at home in the second round, to the winners of the Skipton v Sutton in Craven tie which takes place on Tuesday. The second round must be concluded by Saturday 18th May.
Finally, thanks to the drawing band of match day volunteers, who included Vicky, Asma, Carolyn and scorer Chris plus those who put the covers on and the sightscreens to sleep in the gathering gloom!

The U15s started the season with a comfortable, 10 wicket win against near neighbours Northowram Fields.
Fields won the toss and chose to bat first.
Austin H made the breakthrough with the fifth ball of the innings having visiting skipper A Bottomley caught behind.
Alex G took the second wicket, bowling E Larner.
Visiting keeper, T. Edgar struck for four 4’s before retiring on 38, not out.
Lightcliffe ‘s death bowling was excellent with skipper Isaac M not conceding a run from his two overs whilst Lucas A claimed two wickets in the last over as Field’s closed on 78 for 5.

Lightcliffe’s reply got off to a slow start before first Monty, and then Isaac began to accelerate the scoring. Monty retired on 35 not out with four 4’s whilst Isaac was 29 not out when the victory target was reached with Lucas unbeaten on 7.

https://hxjcl.play-cricket.com/website/results/6419954

Thursday evening, brings an unknown challenge in the form of Thongsbridge cricket club from the Huddersfield league. We believe it is the first time there has ever been a fixture between the two clubs.

Your support for the Young Villagers for this Vitality ECB National U15 T20 cup tie v Thongsbridge this Thursday 2nd May 6pm would be much appreciated!
Why not make an evening of it and “Come dine with us!!”

“Auntie Lou’s kitchen” will be serving local farm shop produce - steak pie, pork pie, "proper" sausage all with chips and mushy peas and "proper" sausage hot dogs & pizzas.
Hot and soft drinks available plus a fine selection of wines, fizz & gins.
On draught we have Vocation Bread & Butter Ale, Neck Oil, Moretti, Amstel & Inches Cider plus loads of bottled beers/ciders.
Card and cash welcome at the kitchen and bar!!

U15 TEAM SELECTIONS:

The team selected for the season opening fixture this Wednesday 1st May, meet LCC 530 for 6pm start versus Northowram Fields CC in the HxJCL U15 competition:

Isaac M, Imad H, Richard B, Luke B, Alex G, Oliver F, Sam S, Austin H, Jack A, Lucas A, Monty R (wkt)

Team for the Vitality EBC National U15 T20 cup tie v Thongsbridge (Huddersfield) this Thursday 2nd May, meet 515pm if possible, 530pm latest for 6pm start:

Isaac M, Hari S, Imad H, Richard B, Oliver F, Sam S, Luke B, Jack A , Ayaan A, Lucas A, Monty R (wkt)

Team to play at Northowram Fields CC on Monday evening, meet 530pm for a 6pm start:

Luke B, Will S, Imad H, Vatsin V, Ted S, Oliver F, Jack A, Zach C, Harry D, Jacob W, Owen H (wkt)
Reserve: Monty R