Our opponents have a reputation for being a strong side and once the game started, it was clear that we were going to have to perform at the top of our game.

Against a side stacked full of regional representative players, Lightcliffe made a slow bit steady start. We eventually settled down with Jacob playing some excellent shots on his way to retiring ably supported by Luca.

As innings progressed, Lightcliffe began to up the run rate and at one stage looked like they were going to make 100. In the end, we fell just short despite Yusuf and Brodie adding a late flourish to the innings. We finished on 85.

The boys took to the field knowing that it would take a sterling effort to get the win. With a bit more luck, they could have piled the pressure on their opponent. Three opportunities went down early and this allowed New Rover to build steadily. A run out and a catch stemmed the flow of runs, but ultimately we were 30 to 40 run short of what we needed and the game ended in defeat.

Thank you to Jason Carroll for running the fixture and it was great to see so many parents there supporting the team.

Although that brings our run in this competition to an end, the boys were able to see the standard required at representative / regional level and this will hopefully motivate them as we attack the rest of the season.

Match Report by Chris Heaton