Lightcliffe 13A’s were well beaten by top of the table Buttershaw St Pauls, although they did extend the home team further than in the corresponding fixture earlier in the season.

In a change to the usual practice, Lightcliffe opted to bat first and went for a new opening pair in Paul Eliot & Andreas McIntosh, although this strategy didn’t pay off, with both back in the pavilion by the end of the 2nd over.

Captain Harry Stobart (returning from holiday) and Owen Thomas, battled hard on a lively track to put on 40. Thomas, who steadfastly ignored the warning signs from a pitch where the ball was always going to perform tricks, took a number of blows to the upper body whilst performing his whirling dervish full-out-big-back-swing attack shot, before finally being bowled for 15.

Stobart quickly followed run out for 12 in a case of lemming-esque running following on from a ball hit short to a close in fielder.

Lightcliffe lost 3 further wickets, including Declan Raistrick to an excellent one handed catch by opposing captain Adam Wainwright, before Joshua Booth batting calmly (13no) and Robbie Heath (3no) added 14 in the last couple of overs to take Lightcliffe up to 71 for 7.

Replying, the older and more experienced BSP openers went straight after the bowling, dealing almost exclusively in boundaries and necessitating a regular replacement of match balls.

Bowlers and fielders all found it difficult but stuck at the task of trying to keep the runs down.

Mention should be made of Andreas Macintosh who fielded well and Matthew Booth, who continued his good form this season with a tight over.

Additionally Reece Smith’s flighted deliveries caused problems and he was part of the comedy champagne moment of the game.

A Smith delivery caught the edge, to be taken diving forwards by wicket keeper Jack Beattie (who kept well throughout the game).

The crowd witnessed the square leg umpire inadvertently squeeking “howzat” with arms outstretched, followed by a similar cry from the boundary from the scorer.
All 11 fielders remained mute whilst Greg Colehan the Buttershaw umpire (correctly) remained inactive. After what seemed an eternity Reece turned around to politely question the umpire if that 2might have been out?" at which point the finger went up!

The end came soon thereafter, with a typically powerful pull giving the League leaders a 9 wicket win but again more good experience for this young tea