Try as we might, two home fixtures on one night simply doesn’t go so our U13s were split between our Till Carr Lane home and Brighouse Cricket Club on Thursday night as they played their third and fourth fixtures of the week.

And, it was a third and fourth win of the week - results which made even Taity raise a smile. Briefly.

First to the home match in the Halifax league against Copley where Lightcliffe produced an excellent all-round performance, chasing down 95 in just 14 overs after a disciplined effort in the field.

Copley won the toss and chose to bat, finishing on 94 for 3 from their 20 overs. Their innings was built around two retirements at the top, with Karthik making 25 from 17 balls and Charvikesh adding 25 – but it took 46 balls for him to reach that total as the young Villagers kept things tight throughout. Jack took 1-6 from his 2 overs, George was outstandingly economical conceding just 3. Dom’s spin conceded just 5 and Brodie closed things out neatly for just 4. Lightcliffe also claimed two run-outs, with Noah and Brodie’s quick hands and Isaac behind the stumps getting the wickets. Ollie W, Freddie and Charlie's bowling also helped restrict the total to chase.

In reply, Lightcliffe made a confident start through Brodie and George, who both retired unbeaten on 26 – the majestic Brodie striking six 4s in his 24-ball innings, while George hit five boundaries from 28 deliveries. Their efforts put Lightcliffe firmly in control of the chase as the light faded. Yusuf then kept the momentum going with a lively 20 from 17 balls, including four 4s, before Ollie R added a brilliant 15 from 13. Although both fell late on to Arnav Sha, who finished with 2 for 18, Lightcliffe were already on the brink of victory. Charlie was there at the end on 2 and Isaac joined him for the last ball as Lightcliffe reached 95 for 2 in 14 overs.

It was a strong team display from Lightcliffe: tidy bowling, sharp fielding, and a controlled chase led by the top order.

2 miles down the road, another 11 U13s took to the field – this time in the Bradford league – with Adwalton the opposition. And though the result was tighter, the match longer and the skies much, much darker by the end, it was another strong performance.

After winning the toss, batting first, and posting 120 for 7 from their 20 overs. Adwalton replied with 104 for 5, leaving Lightcliffe deserved winners and taking 4 points from the game.

The home (ish) side’s innings was built around an excellent attacking knock from Daniel, who retired not out from just 19 balls. He was well supported by Nico and Max who both showed patience and control.

There were also useful contributions throughout the order, with Alexander not out on 10, while Henry B, Ollie W and Jonty all chipped in with boundaries.

Adwalton’s chase was decent but Lightcliffe’s bowlers kept the pressure on throughout and never allowed the visitors to get ahead of the rate.
Strong spells came from Jonty, who conceded just 2, Nico conceding 5 and there were wickets for James, Max, Henry P and Daniel.

It was another really solid team win for Lightcliffe: runs from across the batting order, disciplined spells with the ball, and enough pressure in the field to restrict Adwalton.

Thank you to the team at Brighouse Cricket Club and the Sports Club for hosting the game, our players and Adwalton – we really appreciate their support allowing us to get the game on.

Full scorecard from the Copley match >>
Full scorecard from the Adwalton match >>