On a night when the forecast said heavy showers with the chance of thunder, it actually was a night for the suncream (or a red neck due to lack of suncream from your author/scorer) at Southowram as the Under 9s faced their second match in as many days – much needed game time after a season when the number of fixtures has been frustratingly sporadic.

With over 25 members of the U9 squad, this Halifax Junior League team was completely different from the group who won at Cleckheaton the night before, but the result was the same – a win against a strong opposition and a brilliant team performance.

Southowram won the toss, chose to bat and the game began with some positive scoring, with shots firing all over the ground, but that tempered by the slow and steady fall of wickets. The first went to Bertie who was making his competitive debut and took two. Wickets also fell for Dougie, Leo, Luke and Bessie with a run out adding to the mix and some excellent performances with the ball and in the field from fellow debutant Ellie plus George, Evie and Ted. The home side ended on a net score of 279 (114/7) after 20 overs.

In reply, Lightcliffe started strongly with some excellent shot making from opening pair Harry and Leo who scored 28. There then followed a steady few overs with a few wickets falling, including a couple from run outs where the decision to attempt to add to the score could only be described as ‘risky’. Luke and Dougie were the final pair in and got the team over the line with three fours and a six in their partnership. At the end of the 20 overs, the net score was 308 (133/5).

Lightcliffe won the game by 29 but both sides deserve credit for the positive performances and excellent attitude. Huge thanks also to Gaz for running the game and the brilliant support from parents, grandparents, cousins, aunts and more from both sides. Southowram have their first U9 side in the league for a few years and it is brilliant to have such a great community club in a beautiful location back on the fixture list. We look forward to many more thrilling nights at Ashday Lane in the years ahead.

Match report by Stephen Naylor