Match Report by Stephen Naylor

Having just walked into my office accompanied by the distant rumbles of thunder, lightning streaking through the air and the potential for torrential rain, it’s almost like a higher being knew I had to start my day writing this match report.

The evening started positively – another beautiful ground, the scene of success for our Over 50s on Monday in the Grey Fox Trophy, and a toss won by captain Brodie who very quickly opted to have a bat.

Watched on by what is always a sight to behold – the Thompson family en masse and, last night, joined by the Harding family looking to emulate their always brilliant support, Henry and Isaac were first out of the pavilion, striding to the crease with purpose.

On Tuesday night, poor Henners was out without facing a ball from a run out. The good news is that this wasn’t repeated on Wednesday. The bad news is that he was run out, but this time after 3 balls and having scored 1 run.

Isaac crafted some beautiful shots in his 14 before being dismissed, Alexander was bowled for 1 and then (as they so often do) things improved as Brodie made his way out to steady the ship. He did in a ‘blink and you’ll miss him innings’ where he retired not out at 26 having scored three 4s and two 6s.

Jonty also made an impact in building the runs making 18, as did Freddie with 10 and Max with 5. Dom had to watch on from the non-strikers end as Aidan and Jim were beaten cheaply by some good bowling but then alongside last man Charlie saw out the innings (facing two of their best bowlers, both bowling their third…), both scoring a couple of quality shots to bring the total to beat to 117.

In these matches, if you can bat your 20 overs and make a decent score then it always feels like you’re in the driving seat. But then it’s also, as they say, the hope that kills you.

At Crossbank Methodists on Tuesday, Brodie opened the bowling with a wicket first ball. Could he do the same again? Reader (as you’ll have guessed by the fact I’ve mentioned that fact), he did. Alongside Charlie, the first four overs were tight – 18 scored and another wicket taken.

The hope was still there. It didn’t last. New Farnley’s middle order produced some decent shots but, in truth, the door was opened for them by a bowling and fielding performance that gave Taity a decent list of ‘things to work on’ for the next Friday night coaching session.

Too many extras, too many misfields, too many missed catches – including off Dom’s first ball which could have been taken, should have been taken, but wasn’t. That’s cricket for you.

He did get one later in the over thanks to a flatter, quicker spun ball that pitched perfectly (hope you noticed, Taity), was missed by the batter and ended up in Isaac’s quick hands for a stumping. His 1-2, alongside the earlier 1-3 from Brodie, 1-7 from Charlie and 1-6 from Max were the tightest but they weren’t enough.

The winning runs, scored in the 16th over, came from a four that took the hosts third player to the retired not out score.

Worth mentioning U15 George Deighton, our umpire for the second night on the run. With a mix of left and right handers, he was worked hard in the middle but his support of every player from every side through the evening is a testament to the way we approach our cricket at Lightcliffe. His being out there also probably stopped Taity self-combusting, so thank you George.

Every cricket match is a learning experience – and there were lots of positives with a decent batting performance, some good stops in the field, some miserly bowling, but ultimately there were too many missed opportunities. The boys, just like the storm that is now clearing outside my window here, know better things will follow.