There’s much that could be said about the U9s fixture but we’re going to focus on what was a much improved display on the Grassroots Sports Funding Ground, particularly from Evie and Bessie - two of the many girls we're so proud to have as part of our club.

Lightcliffe’s young players batted first and Bodhi and Bessie took a challenging start in their stride showing determination and strength. That continued for George and Evie with some ‘brave’ running calls being rewarded. Oliver and Euan were assured as the penultimate pair. Then Luke and Bodhi worked well together to finish off the innings strongly.

In reply, our brilliant little Villagers put on a bowling performance that showed how much progress they’re making.

Evie, in particular, shone with a brilliant three wickets for just 7 runs in her 2 overs. Luke was tight, as ever, conceding no extras in his 1-8. While a Luke catch off George’s bowling completed the 5 wickets taken.

Yes, there’s more to do with bringing down that extras column. And, yes, the result will go down not in our favour. But, frankly, that wasn’t the story of the day.

The story of the day was the spirit of cricket shown by our brilliant eight and the supporting cast of parents, grandparents and friends, including our regular U9 assistants of U11 Dom and U13s Ollie and Brodie.

It’s always worth saying how proud we are to have such a strong U9 squad of boys and girls, of every ability, aged 7, 8 and 9. Every match they learn more about the sport and improve, but what really matters is that they’re a team who cheer each other on when it goes their way, support each other when it doesn’t, and respect everybody who takes to the field.