On a beautiful April afternoon, Lightcliffe’s 4th team took to the field to face tough opponents Crossflatts, in what was the season’s Sunday curtain-raiser. With the crowd gathering in anticipation of the drama to come (and, of course, the bar and the sunshine), the stage was set for an exciting day's cricket. With a team boasting several debutants, it was always destined to be an entertaining encounter.

Following the toss, the home side took to the field, and junior debutants Ted Stead and Lucas Mullaney were tasked with opening the bowling. There were no signs of nerves from the talented pair, who consistently beat the bat, kept scoring tight, and bowled just one wide between them across their combined 10 overs. In truth, both deserved more for their efforts and were unlucky not to claim a couple of wickets apiece — a fantastic opening salvo.

Fellow junior debutant Freddie Wood (a last-minute transfer from Rastrick CC) was next to continue the good work. After starting with a "loosener" that landed closer to his own toes than the batsman's, he quickly found his rhythm, bowling a consistent line and length. He was rewarded with his first senior wicket (bowled) and finished with excellent figures of 5 overs, 2 maidens, 14 runs, and 1 wicket — a miserly economy rate of 2.80.

At the other end, Charlie Modgill — another junior (although at 15 feet tall, we might need to check his birth certificate) — showcased his talent by turning the ball prodigiously, almost 90 degrees at one point. Asked to bowl a full eight overs, Charlie frustrated and confused the batters in equal measure, finishing with 1 wicket for just 29 runs at an economy of 3.63 — another brilliant spell.

Enter veteran debutant Tom Smaldon, delivering left-arm medium pace around the wicket — an unusual approach but, after a couple of deliveries that could generously be described as "experimental," he settled into an excellent rhythm. The early nerves faded, and Tom produced a superb spell of 5 overs, 13 runs, and 2 wickets, boasting an impressive average of 2.60. With a little more consistency, he'll be a bowler to trouble many a batsman this season.

At the other end, Neil Wood made a long-awaited return to weekend cricket after a mere 20-year hiatus. Smiling through knees that felt as though they were made of sand, he opened with a maiden and bowled with a calm assurance (and a glint of mischief in his eye). Neil finished his 5-over spell with two well-earned wickets, looking like he’d never been away.

Finally, another spinner, James Lunn— this one with still-functioning joints — polished off the Cross Flatts innings, claiming the final wickets to round off what was a highly promising bowling and fielding performance by the whole team. A mention also has to be given for Owen Horne keeping wicket who was simply exceptional. A difficult job to do in any situation but with a few flying down the leg side and in the heat was an outstanding display.

The Chase

Lightcliffe's reply started brightly with openers Bruce and Richard looking composed at the crease. The win predictor (if there had been one) would surely have been sitting at around 75/25 in Lightcliffe’s favour. But cricket, as ever, had other ideas. Bruce was adjudged to have nicked one through to the keeper — a decision he politely disagreed with, but after a lingering look at the umpire, he knew the battle was lost and trudged off, muttering under his breath but with dignity intact.

In came James, keen to avenge his father's harsh dismissal. He built a beautiful innings, steadying the ship. Sadly, Richard fell for 8 after a bright start, bringing John Wood to the crease. Both James and John looked untroubled, easing the growing nerves among the spectators.

And then... disaster. James, looking set, was caught for 32, and in cruel symmetry, John followed soon after for the same score. Suddenly, the previously confident villagers were nervously clutching their drinks once more, willing the team to scrape home.

Despite a patient and plucky effort from Charlie, Lightcliffe suffered a mid-to-lower order collapse, eventually falling 12 runs short of the Crossflatts total.

A frustrating and preventable defeat — but plenty of positives to take, especially from the debutants both young (and not-so-young!). There’s every reason to believe this could be a very exciting season ahead.

Match Report by Neil Wood