Morley batted first which enabled 17-year-old Oliver Barrowcliffe and 16-year-old George Leach to bowl at their former Lightcliffe teammate, 18-year-old Finn Brookes, now at Morley via East Bierley, having left his boyhood club 18 months ago.

Finn was the first wicket to fall caught behind by Ben Speak off Leach for 16.

Morley lost wickets regularly and were all out for 125.

Seamer Yusuf Malik, off-spinner Jordan Pickles and 17-year-old left arm spinner Leo Flanagan claimed two wickets apiece with Indian all-rounder Rajit Dey, after a 34 hour journey via Bombay and Bahrain, taking his first wicket for Lightcliffe. Additionally, Morley and Flanagan both caused run outs.

Morley continued their innings as there was an agreement pre-match for a full 40 overs to be bowled by each side to ensure all bowlers and batsmen had time at the crease with only six days to go before the start of the season.

This allowed Flanagan to bag another two wickets and Pickles another one whilst 14-year-old left arm spinner Lucas Arnot took one too.

In reply, experienced 1st XI captain Alex Stead opened with 15-year-old Isaac Morley.

They put on 56 for the first wicket before Morley was dismissed for 22. Stead retired soon afterwards on 23 to ensure batting time for all.

Lightcliffe cruised past the Morley total for the loss of only four wickets with Leach top scoring with 40. Pickles also retired on 28 and Arnot struck 24.

Malik and 15 year-old Monty Ramsden had both made 14 before Flanagan, 13 not out, and Oliver Barrowcliffe, 20 not out, showcased the depth of talent amongst Lightcliffe’s young guns.

In the final two overs, Flanagan’s pulled six into the car park and Barrowcliffe’s fiercely struck four through the covers provided entertainment right until the end.

Whilst this fixture showed there is plenty for the Lightcliffe lads to work on, such a comfortable victory against a team from the division above shows that Lightcliffe should be highly competitive at both 1st and 2nd XI when the Bradford Premier League commences on Saturday (26th April).

The 1st XI travel to Lawkholme Lane’s Cougar Park to play Keighley who have recruited extensively over the winter including the Premier Division’s leading wicket taker in 2024, Zeeshan Qasim from Undercliffe. At home, the 2nd XI entertain relegated Farsley who will be aiming to bounce back up at the first attempt.

All Saturday fixtures commence at 12 noon in the Bradford Premier League this summer (until September). Keep following for more during the week ahead of the matches.