Going into the game needing 13 points to secure promotion to Bradford Premier League Division 1, Lightcliffe’s on-the-day captain Niall Lockley started well by winning the toss and electing to bat.

Determined to set a total that guaranteed the batting points, and ultimately the win, Lockley and George Leach came to the crease and, frankly, made the result all but certain by the time they were both dismissed.

An opening partnership of 188 delighted the crowds watching on – and it wasn’t a slow and steady knock, it came from just 162 balls – Lockley securing the century he just missed out on a week ago, his 110 from 91 including nine 4s and nine 6s. Leach’s 91 came from 93 and included fifteen 4s and one 6.

When they finally made way to give someone else a go at the crease, Yusuf Malik (36), Monty Ramsden (13) and Rhys Jowett (11*) all made contributions to the innings but it was the international who Lightcliffe has taken to its heart this season who picked up where Lockley left off.

In the space of just 53 runs, Rajat Dey hit seven 4s and eleven 6s – a total of 116 runs and a strike rate of a staggering 219.

By the end of the 50 overs, the batting points had most certainly been secured… and then some. With 391/4 being set and 392 the unlikely target for East Ardsley to reach.

There was still a job to do though – no complacency, no early celebrations, and it proved absolutely the right call as Harry Appleyard frustrated Lightcliffe with a near two hour stay at the crease making 51 from 80 balls. It was a courageous knock brought to an end by a George Leach catch off the bowling of Jordan Pickles.

It was to be Pickles who was the pick of the bowlers, collecting four more wickets before the end from 86 runs in 15 overs. A brilliant five-for for one of the juniors turned seniors that epitomises what Lightcliffe as a club is all about.

The other bowlers all made contributions too – 2-37 for Leo Flanagan, 1-60 for big hitting Rajat Dey and Redford Holdsworth with 2-26 including the wicket that wrapped up the game, and promotion, sparking celebrations on and off the pitch.

It means Lightcliffe sit 89 points ahead of the third placed team with a maximum of 80 points available from the remaining matches, and that means the 1st XI will be playing in Division 1 next season.

Four games to go but still plenty to play for – especially next weekend when the team visit Hanging Heaton, who currently sit second in the table, in what could well be the season’s title decider.