Match Report from Paul Ramsden at Jenny Lane

The early season scorecards from Baildon’s Jenny Lane ground suggested that batting second was a wise decision against the winless bottom of the table hosts.

So it was a somewhat of a surprise when stand in skipper Niall Lockley called correctly and chose to take first use of the facilities.

However, when Niall struck his sixth 4 and third 6 in the ninth over to reach his 50 it appeared to be the correct decision.

Unfortunately, Niall was then caught by Baildon’s young Aussie on the deep mid-wicket boundary without addition but the 68 run opening partnership appeared to be a firm foundation from which to build a sizeable total.

Pakistani professional Hasan Raja soon joined his opening colleague back in the pavilion cruelly “strangled” down the leg-side for 16.
George Leach joined Jordan Laban in the middle and the century mark was passed comfortably.

However, 106-2 soon became 122 for 7 as George was bowled for 11 and Jordan caught and bowled by off-spinner Hussain.

Monty Ramsden joined Yusuf Malik at the crease and watched Yusuf play back a maiden before being lbw first ball to Hussain.

Yusuf was then lbw to Sharp for 4 and when Finlay Hill was caught out off Sharp’s bowling without scoring, Lightcliffe’s young middle order had failed again as 5 wickets fell for the addition of just 16 runs.

Jordan Pickles showed his young teammates how the play at Baildon, showing the full face of the bat and getting a large stride in whenever possible. His 33 included a 6 and a 4 and he received solid support from Redford Holdsworth and Leo Flanagan before a couple of lusty blows from Osama Ahmed saw Lightcliffe close on 179. Osama’s dismissal finished off a faultless display in the field by Baildon as Kamario Grant sprinted 30 plus yards around the mid-wicket boundary to complete an excellent diving catch.

At tea, the healthy travelling support were hopeful that Lightcliffe’s total would be sufficient to put some distance between The Villagers and the bottom two Baildon and East Bierley.

Baildon though had other ideas and reached 57 off the first 6 overs with opener Sharp chancing his arm, assisted by some poor fielding which saw him dropped 3 times. George Leach took the 4th chance he offered, Sharp’s 56 including 9 fours and 2 sixes off just 40 balls but Baildon were almost half-way to Lightcliffe’s total at 84-1.

With no scoreboard pressure to consider, Baildon advanced to 121 before losing a 2nd wicket as Osama Ahmed removed Grant for 18 and then soon after opener Kelly for a measured 35.

Both Leo Flanagan and Yusuf Malik bowled frugally without any luck whilst Jordan Pickles picked up a couple with his off spin aided by catches from Lockley and Ahmed with Raja also claiming a 2nd.

But the damage was done and Aussie Palmer, who clearly likes giving the ball a bit of a biff, struck the winning runs well onto the adjoining Baildon Rugby ground the seal a great win for Baildon and a disappointing result for Lightcliffe.

Next week’s fixture at home to Batley now takes on added significance as they lie just one point below us in the table and one hopes there will be a significant improvement in the field, in both the ground fielding and catching.