Blackley, who had won the toss and chosen to field, faced a strong bowling attack from the Villagers with no visiting batter able to put a decent spell at the crease together.

They reached 72-4 around the halfway point, but then a collapse with four wickets lost for just seven runs contributed to being bowled out for 85. Sam was the pick of the bowlers with 4-8, Matthew got 2-2 while Oliver and Hari picked up the other wickets and there were a couple of run outs to complete the dismissals.

The strength of having a keeper of Monty’s standards behind the stumps also showed in regular appearances on the scorecards for being part of those wickets.

With 86 needed, it felt like the strength of Lightcliffe’s batters should be enough – and so it proved, and quickly. Within 11 overs, the young Villagers had reached 88/3 with Sam unbeaten on 23, Isaac making 21 and Monty 16.

Onto the U18s Final of the Collinson Cup where we will meet Northowram Fields, who beat Copley by 9 runs in their semi-final, on Bank Holiday Monday 31st August at around 4pm (exact time to be confirmed) at Copley CC.