Following the conclusion of the regional programme, County Age Group selections have taken place for the under 12 to Under 15 age groups. Lightcliffe already have wicketkeeper/batsman Finn Brookes as part of the under 16 Yorkshire squad - matches for the Under 16s commence post exam season.

At Under 12, despite a duck in the final fixture, it would not have taken the selector's long to choose Lightcliffe's Lucas Arnot who was clearly the leading batsman and run scorer across the four regions. Last Thursday, Lucas captained Yorkshire Under 12s, 143 all out, in their victory against Northamptonshire, 111 all out, at Peterborough Town CC making 16 runs off 13 balls and 1 for 12 off 2 overs.

At Under 13, Monty Ramsden was also the top run scorer across the four regions. Monty top scored in 4 of his 5 innings for West Yorkshire including 58 off 66 balls with 4 fours and 4 sixes against East and Central Yorkshire at Ilkley CC which may have clinched his selection for Yorkshire Under 13s, despite not bowling a delivery!.
Monty is opening the batting today at Bradford Park Avenue against Derbyshire - wickets pitched at 11am, 45 overs.

At Under 15, George Leach could have done little more than make scores of 30, 38 and 74 in his 3 matches during a weather hit Under 15 programme. Surprisingly, he has been overlooked by the county selectors at this stage and must be very disappointed. The regional programme phase 2 continues however, and George will be looking for more runs and wickets to force his way into the squad.

And finally, congratulations to Alex Gillgrass and Ted Stead who have been added to the West Yorkshire Regional Under 12 squad for phase 2 after been overlooked following the winter Pathways nets - both deserve this oportunity - good luck to them!

Regional round up for weeks 4 & 5 (dependent upon the age group!!)

Last Sundays regional action was plentiful with games all over Yorkshire. In Ripon North U11s comfortably beat Wests 11s. Upon winning the toss and rather surprisingly West decided to bat on a drying pitch. They were bundled bowled out for 56 off just 27 overs, our very own Jacob was selected as the non batter so wasn’t part of the carnage.
He once again opened the bowling however and continued his good form taking another wicket and finishing with 5 - 2 - 7 - 1. It proved to be the only wicket of the Norths Innings as they knocked off the runs in 20 overs.

With time to spare the coaches decided to go again with a T20 practice match. Norths reached 89 off their 20 overs. Wests faired better second time around knocking them off for the loss of 3 wickets with an over to spare. (Deciding to continue the innings with the game won Jacob came in for the last over hit his first two balls for four finishing on 10 not out!

At Drighlington CC West 12s beat South by 148 runs.
Losing the toss, Wests were asked to bat first.
Batting at 5 Lucas Arnot dominated the South attack with a well made 88 off 76 balls falling in the last over caught on the boundary, putting together a great stand of 118 with our wicket keeper Tom Frankland. Wests eventually ended on 208-7.
In reply South were never at races and fell well short at 60 All Out, our off spinner taking 5 wickets for 4 runs including a Hat trick to seal the deal.

West under 13’s beat South in a low scoring match at Silsden on a very difficult damp wicket.
West won the toss and decided to field first with Monty Ramsden standing in as wicket keeper. South were bowled out for 73 with Sam Walker coming on first change with his leg-spin and taking 3 for 4 off his 5 overs with Monty keeping well and taking a catch off Sam stood up to the wicket.
In reply west recovered from 22-6 to knock them off with 8 wickets down. Unfortunately Monty got one that kept low and was adjudged lbw for a 19 ball duck, his only failure of the regional season. Sam batting at 9 was not out for 0 as they crept over the line.

West u15 beat East and Central by 23 runs at Undercliffe.
George Leach scored 30 with five fours in a rapid partnership of 62 with Oscar Webster who agonisingly fell five runs short of his century. This was George's 3rd significant contribution in his 3 regional matches.
West’s total of 230 always seemed too high to be be chased but East gave it a good go ending up all out on 207. George was not called on the bowl.