Having lifted the Vitality Club T20 Yorkshire trophy 12 months ago, Lightcliffe once again proved they are the team to beat in Yorkshire, producing another memorable performance to become back-to-back champions.

Batting first after winning the toss, Lightcliffe found scoring difficult against a disciplined Harrogate attack. Captain Lucas Arnot gave the innings early impetus with 10 from 11 balls before Jacob Carroll anchored the middle overs superbly. His measured 34 from 49 deliveries was the cornerstone of the innings, ensuring Lightcliffe always had something to build around.

Will Sweeten added an energetic 13, while Alex Gillgrass provided the innings' most explosive contribution, striking 25 from just 23 balls, including a six and a four, to give the scoreboard some much-needed momentum. Although wickets continued to fall, Harrison Heaton remained unbeaten on 9 and George Deighton's quick single at the close helped lift Lightcliffe to a competitive 107/7 after the 20 overs.

It was never likely to be a straightforward total to defend, but Lightcliffe's response with the ball was outstanding.

The opening bowlers immediately squeezed the life out of Harrogate's chase, creating relentless pressure that the visitors struggled to escape. Lucas, as ever, led from the front with figures of 2-14 from his four overs, while Alex was equally miserly, conceding just 11 runs from his four.

Behind the rate, the Harrogate players looked to be aggressive to up the tempo but excellent mid-innings overs from seamers Jacob, Ted, Luca and Harrison restricted them to just a series of singles.

Jacob took the crucial wicket of Barton owing much to the brilliance of Alex in the field. An unbelievable diving catch running around the boundary at Long-On heading towards the sightscreen – a catch worthy of winning any final... and the ‘Jude Bellingham’ type celebration he duly gave to the acknowledging crowd!

Harrison struck another decisive blow in the 17th over as he removed opener Crossland thanks to a 2nd smart catch from Luca at backward point. Harrogate were firmly on the back foot but they refused to admit defeat with a brave and determined performance that epitomised the brilliant spirit in which the game was played.

The Lightcliffe fielding was magnificent all night but no one could have predicted overs 17 through to 20 where the Villagers produced 5 run-outs to close in on victory. Smart work and accurate throws from George D and Seth accounted for 2, a fantastic direct hit from behind the stumps by wicketkeeper Ethan to dismiss the dangerous Hill and two absolutely unbelievable pieces of work from Jacob and Harrison with direct hits from in the deep.

With every run cheered and every wicket celebrated, the Yorkshire final became the gripping contest it absolutely deserved to be with such a feast of young talent on show. But when the pressure was greatest, Lightcliffe held their nerve magnificently – including a trademark last over masterclass from Lucas. A caught and bowled prevented Harrogate from getting the final runs in that final over, and despite their late fightback, they ultimately closed on 98/9 from their 20 overs – a Lightcliffe victory by nine runs.

The performance was very much a squad effort – not just from those on the night, but from every player who’s been part of the Cup campaign in recent weeks.

Retaining a title is never easy, not least one that takes in clubs across Yorkshire, but this talented group led so well by Alex Stead and Jason Carroll, showed why Lightcliffe’s juniors are always a force to be reckoned with.