It was a case of after the Lord Mayor’s show for the u13’s as victory over the top of the league last week was followed by defeat to the bottom club (without a single win all season!) in the last away fixture of the season at Spen Victoria.

Bowling first Lightcliffe initially kept things tight and aided by a suicidal run out and a deserved wicket for Owen Thomas (1 for 6 in 3 overs) had Spen 23 for 2 after the first 8 overs.

However cracks in the fielding began to show and these widened as the innings progressed as mis-fields, overthrows and an increasing number of needless extras combined to boost their opponent’s total.

For Spen Iqra Hussain made a well compiled 31 retired, whilst Declan Raistrick picked up a late wicket finishing with 1 for 8 in his 3 overs. The only bright spot in the field was a James Chapman direct hit that brought a run out.

With 10 coming off the last over and widespread generosity in the field, and no less than 39 extras, Spen’s total of 116 for 4 was at least 30 runs more than should have been the case.

In reply Lightcliffe suffered an early loss when Declan Raistrick; unable to reproduce last week’s heroics, was bowled for 2 trying to hit a straight one through square leg.

Both Henry Smith and Joshua Booth starting aggressively and, looking in the mood for runs, the outlook still looked positive before both fell when seemingly well set. Smith was caught behind flashing outside off stump for 16 whilst Booth was bowled on the drive by a ball that turned down the slope leaving Lightcliffe at 47 for 3 after 10 overs.

Owen Thomas and Reece Smith played a number of powerful shots (especially targeting the bowling green) to keep up with, and indeed get ahead of, the asking rate.

Unfortunately Thomas was bowled behind his legs for 22 and when Reece Smith fell for 14, slicing a drive to backward point, Lightcliffe needed 28 from the final 5 overs and a massive challenge.

Despite often frenetic running (with “encouragement” from the boundary) between the wickets by Paul Eliot and Matthew Denman the rate required began to edge up and going into the final over Lightcliffe still needed 11 to win.

Taking ever more desperate chances Eliot was run out for 4 and Denman bowled for 5 and despite a boundary from Ed Wardle Lightcliffe came up short at 110 for 6.

Whilst the batting was spirited, defeat was especially disappointing given that extras and mistakes in the field contributed over half the Home side’s total.

Here’s hoping for better in next week’s final league game.