It was an evening where the apps said the chance of rain was 0%. So inevitably, the young cricketers arrived to leaden skies and drops of rain. Thankfully it didn’t get heavier, and as the evening went on the clouds cleared which allowed for a strong performance that stifled the hosts with a 42-run victory.

The toss was won by Booth who chose to bat, but Lightcliffe’s bowlers took control from the start when Jonty’s pace struck with ball one. And then again with ball two. His 2-4 was instrumental, as was Dom’s 3-5 where the offspinner also found himself on a hat-trick ball having taken two in two in the 12th. He also took a brilliant caught and bowled and narrowly missed another with a dive for a low flying ball. The leading pair were well supported in the bowling attack by Hugo’s tight 1-1 while Jacob and Max also secured wickets.

Strong, fast hands from keeper Isaac and important stops from Rafferty and others on the boundary kept the score down meaning Booth ended on 78/8 from their 16 overs, leaving the visitors with a net score of 238.

In reply, Lightcliffe batted positively and showed good depth throughout the order. Max top-scored with a fluent 16 not out from his 12 balls, including two boundaries, while Dom completed a fine all-round performance with 15 not out from 11 balls, striking a four and a six. Jacob added an important 11, Jack also made 11 and cleared the rope with a six, while Jonty, Hugo and Isaac all made fine contributions. Lightcliffe reached 105/5 from their 16 overs, giving them a net total of 280.

It was an excellent team display from Lightcliffe, built on disciplined bowling, regular wickets, confident batting, correct calls and strong fielding. A deserved victory.

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In the night’s Development game, Lightcliffe’s younger U11s put in a resilient performance but ultimately went down to defeat at Jer Lane by 60 runs.

Jack, George, Ellie, Ethan, Leo, Harry, Dougie and Joseph refused to give up and showed great strength and team spirit with much to build on.

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