Batting first, the runs flowed from the first over - opening pair Bertie and George G added 31, then came George H and Arthur who brought another 25 to the scoreboard, Jack and Nathan secured 33 more and, though the run rate slowed slightly as some of the hosts better bowlers got into their stride, Boston and Jenson kept the total ticking up with a further 22, and last pair Harry and Luke completed a superb innings with 28 added.

With the loss of just 1 wicket - some achievement in U9s cricket, and one that would prove absolutely crucial - plus boundaries scored from the bats of Bertie, George, Nathan, Jack, Jenson and Luke - it meant the total after 20 overs was 137/1 - a net 333.

A big score. But anyone who’d looked at East Bierley’s scoring knew they were more than up to the challenge. And they absolutely proved that.

Lightcliffe’s young bowlers, undoubtedly getting tired after a long day (it’s easy to forget 8pm is late when you’re 9, let alone when you’re 7), did incredibly well. An early couple of wickets tempered the home side’s advance with George H and Boston taking one each, both thanks to catches - a simply brilliant one from Bertie off George, and one caught by George off Boston. But four more came from some astute fielding and those four run outs (admittedly for runs which simply weren't there), with their 4 off the total each time, were the difference.

After a bruising penultimate over, Luke stepped up for the last. It was a lot of pressure for our youngest (and therefore most tired) player and although it wasn’t a vintage Naylor over, it was enough. Nerve held, win secured.

Three brilliant East Bierley batters were tough to handle, and they helped their side score 152 runs. But having lost six wickets, the net score was 328. Five short.

Both sides deserve huge credit for such an exciting, closely contested game. In truth, no one really deserved to lose. But Lightcliffe brought the points home and all 10 young Villagers should be incredibly proud they did.

Thanks to Dom for scoring on his one night off this week from playing U11s and U13s cricket… and, of course, to Rob, Paul, Nick and Helen.