As did Lightcliffe’s determined ten U11s on a night when 18 of the age group were in action.

Northowram won the toss, chose to bat and perhaps quickly wished they hadn’t as the wickets began to fall. Noah struck first with the second ball. Then so did George, Raff (twice), Aidan and Dom twice in three balls. It’s also I think worth mentioning (though I am admittedly biased) another brilliant catch from Dom in the field.

As the innings went on, an odd run was added, a few wides and no balls conceded and the total crept up. But the fall of wickets was relentless - from Brodie, Ben, Aidan again, Isaac and Jack. In total 12 wickets were lost and in U11s where each one knocks five off the total, it proved decisive as the home side ended on a net score of 218 (78/12).

Credit also has to go to Isaac and Brodie who shared wicketkeeping duties, and did an impressive job throughout the innings.

Lightcliffe couldn’t afford to be complacent though and so it proved as an unlucky streak saw them lose three wickets in the first two overs. They were thought to be the only wickets lost.

Jack’s power saw him accumulate 16, the same number added thanks to George’s determined batting. Brodie’s steadying nine were crucial in the early overs while Noah’s eight included some beautifully crafted shots.

The game was won long before the end as the visitors finished on 83/3 - a net score of 268, giving a 50-run victory from a real team performance that was just about enough to warm up the travelling support of mums, dads, grandparents and siblings. Although, note to self, next time bring more layers.

Match Report by Stephen Naylor. Photos from Bob Horne, Stephen Naylor & Gavin Rhodes