Click to see u-12 record since 2006

Click for Summary of Caps by club or Player

THE UNDER 12s PAGE

Our fifth and last u12s match of 2010 was at Addingham with rain threatening but which never arrived. the home side, the Airedale JCL (Aire-Wharfe) were our opponents as we sought our first win of the year.

Electing to bat, our new opening pairing Ben Weatherall and Callum Holmes were straight into action against some quality left-arm swing bowling from H Mohammed and J Woodward. After the drubbing on Sunday caution was a good watchword and both lads wisely played themselves in before expansive strokes were attempted. After the opening bowlers had a couple of 'Chinese' cuts just miss the stumps our lads emerged stronger for their caution which took our tally to 17-0.

The partnership blossomed with Callum particularly mixing solid defence with aggressive strokes to anything with width. Ben too soon found his feet and the runs began to flow. The long boundaries were found several times as the pair's confidence grew. After 11 overs they were still together and our total was a satisfying 55-0. The introduction of T Colley and his turning ball did the trick and Ben was bowled for 23 to end our best opening stand of the year. Callum greeted Jake Greenbank but only 3 were added before the big Oxenhope lad danced at the turn, missed it and was stumped for 30. 58-2. It was a much better position for skipper Lewis Hopkinson than had greeted him in the last two matches. But only another 3 runs again and Lewis (0) was also out bowled by Fisher. 55-0 had become 62-3 and the Airedale JCL bowlers visibly lifted their fielding efforts. Our number five was Morgan Davies and he joined Jake with a re-vamp needed. The big lad settled almost immediately and the stand developed. At 78 in the 18th over Morgan on 9 took one on the pads from the confident young twirler only to see it slide onto his stumps to give Colley his third UAJCL victim in less than five overs. Jake was resolute, intent on remaining the anchor for Oliver Whyte to build upon. But his drive to the covers was snapped up by a prowling Quaife to give Colley his fourth of the innings. Jake had made 13 and left the field at 85-5 in the 20th over. 

With Harry Andrews having shown excellent form last Sunday before a direct hit run out we had high hopes he could help Oliver add another 50 in the last 10 overs which would take us to 135. The pair worked well with Oliver stroking to all parts whilst Harry began to muscle without losing his technique or form. It was good to watch and the 100 was passed in the 24th over. Boundaries began to fly and the AJCL attack was rotated in a bid to separate the partners. It finally happened after 52 had been added with the wicket of Oliver for 17  but our score was now at 137-6 in the 28th over. The half-century stand had come up in only 9 overs to push us potentially onto over 150.So it proved as Will Rankin backed up Harry to add another 14 from the last 2 overs. Harry ended as top-scorer on 31no with Will on 3 and our tally at 151-6. For AJCL Colley returned a magnificent effort of 6-1-23-4, a valuable input in the context of our innings.

After an appetising tea in the Addingham pavilion our boys re-took the field hoping our major strength, the bowling, could again deliver.  Openers Fisher and Mullins were faced with typical frugality from Dan Scott and Matt Wear and they were able to eek few runs from their accurate opening salvoes. By the sixth over AJCL had but 12 runs and by the 12th over it had moved on to just 27 albeit it with no wickets down. Mullins in particular was becalmed and had offered just 2 scoring shots. Fisher by contrast had looked dangerous although generally contained. The next six overs were some of our best of the summer as Morgan Davies and Will Rankin transformed the game. It was the Embsay lad who first found a fuller length and with the turn on offer three wickets tumbled all with the timbers struck. Mullins was first to go in the 14th over for just 5 to be soon followed by his partner Fisher who had battled to 24 and number four Naylor for a duck. Will joined in the fun and Quaife too was back in the pavilion for 7 clean bowled. And after 4 overs without scoring Woodward was Morgan's fourth victim at 49-5!

With 13 overs left an improbable 103 were required and a new more productive phase was required from the AJCL boys. Morgan concluded his spell with 6-1-18-4 with an even broader grin than his usual! Kellett and Woodley were faced with an uphill task without doubt but they set about it well. In five overs 29 runs flowed as Woodley found the whitewash repeatedly. His partner Kellet had occupied the crease well but made just 9 before a marvellously spectacular diving catch from keeper Hopkinson off Will Rankin ended his stay. 78-6 in the 22nd over required the remaining batsmen to proceed at over nine per over. Mohammed was next to join Woodley, who was now in free-flow. His boundary count grew and so did the AJCL total. In 3 overs another 20 were added before Mohammed (5) was smartly stumped by Lewis for Will's second scalp. The next ball was like a TV replay as the same ball from Will brought the same response from Lewis and the disbelieving Dewhirst was also on the long march back at 99-8. Five overs remained for AJCL to reach 152, another 53 required. The young Ingrow bowler picked up his fourth wicket in his next over to remove number 10 Colley for 2 at 113-9.

Attention switched to whether Woodley who had accumulated well could make it to his looming fifty. Five were added in the 28th over and with the last ball he managed a single to retain the strike needing 1 for a deserved half-century with 2 overs in which to do it. Whether confused by calls from his team-mates and spectators Woodley took a suicidal single and was run out a gleeful Will Rankin to end the AJCL innings at 118.

For Will there was the satisfaction of 5.1-0-24-4 to his name to sit alongside Morgan as chief destroyers whilst Dan Scott never made his second spell in the light of their succes had 3-1-4-0 to savour. Woodley's knock was a great effort and his 49 stood head and shoulders above the rest with only opener Fisher who could also take some acclaim.

For our boys it was a welcome win to end a first ever five-match campaign that had started so well and then plunged the depths against Nidderdale. We may well have claimed a win against Bradford at Skipton had it not rained but this was the real McCoy.

Glorious sunshine and a wonderfully idyllic setting at Knaresborough Forest CC greeted our band of under-12s and parents and supporters. Our match at Ingrow a few weeks back had a 30-run margin for the Nidderdale League and this was our chance to even the score. It wouldn't be easy as our hosts again included Yorkshire player Eddie Barnes in their line up.

Nidderdale opted to bat first and Barnes and B Bond took guard. Dan Scott and Matt Wear kept excellent control for six overs and Nidderdale posted just 18 runs in that period. There the easy passage ended. The next six overs brought 47 runs as the two batsmen cut loose with Barnes leading the charge. Dan, Tom Addison and Will Rankin bore the brunt of the assault as the lightening fast wide outfield sped the ball to 2s and 3s galore. The next six overs provided no respite either as the two openers piled on the agony at around six per over. The score had passed the three-figure mark and stood at 110-0 as Barnes and Bond accelerated with aplomb. It was the introduction of debutant Will Pullen (Silsden) that pushed the innings into a different phase. He was unlucky to have a catch dropped and showed that a better length might bring results. Barnes was well passed his fifty and heading towards a possible century. The re-introduction of Matt Wear did the trick and he edged through to Lewis Hopkinson behind the stumps and the skipper made no mistake. The classy batsman had made 85 from the 144 on the board and included 7 fours and a six and a host of threes in his 64 balls faced.

There were 8 overs still to bowl and the wicket visibly lifted our boys as it had followed a decent 3-over spell for just 16 runs from young Pullen. Number 3 Harry Stanford took a liking to the pace from Dan Scott and his figures took a battering. He was soon after clean bowled by Matt for 14 of the 24 stand with Bond. 168-2 in the 26th over was still a hefty score-line but the run flow wasn't stemmed. Dan Scott got a measure of revenge for the battering with the wicket of of Davies for 18 at 189-3. Left hander Bond reached his fifty but at 193 was bowled by Tom Addison for 57 to bring a little more spring back to our bowlers' step. Amazingly Tom repeated the dose twice more having Cutts and Bentley out for ducks.

The final tally against was 198-7 including a run out of Roberts for 2. Battered and bruised the bowlers retreated to the pavilion for Hot Dogs, Burgers and chocolate, not necessarily in that order! Tom Addison finished with 5-0-31-3 and Matt Wear with 6-1-27-2 and some pride alongside Will Pullen. The off-spin of Morgan Davies didn't click and 3 overs from Callum Holmes couldn't stop the rot either.

With a serious uphill task our two Earby openers Kieron Mara and Jake Greenbank were first up to try and haul in the mammoth total. Sadly Jake's stay was brief bowled by Williams for just 1 in only the second over. Up the order Harry Andrews (Bradley) proved a more resolute partner helping Kieron get into gear and the pair got the innings properly under way. They carried us albeit steadily to 28 before a quick single didn't prove quick enough as a direct throw from the covers sent Harry back for 7. The 11th over was a complete disaster as first skipper Lewis Hopkinson was bowled for 4 flicking to leg by an impressive Roberts. Two balls later Kieron on 15 was caught by Barnes at an ominous 36-4. 

The very next over Grange persuaded not-yet off the mark, Morgan Davies to flick to leg and the lofted lob was acrobatically caught by Stanford. At 38-5 the innings was in tatters and the prayers for a partnership of substance were only partially answered as Dan Scott and Callum Holmes tried to re-group. They added 11 before Callum was caught off the bowling of Cutts for 4 at 49-6. Nidderdale now sought to close out the match and the introduction of Barnes did just that. He clean bowled Dan Scott for 10, Matt Wear for 0 and Will Pullen for 0 all in his one over. We ended o 56 all out, well beaten and a little demoralised.

It had been a sorry collapse albeit in the face of some top notch bowling. Our earlier near miss vs Ribblesdale and the hold up by the weather v Bradford had faded away and our defeat at Ingrow seemed a decent performance in retrospect. Only Kieron and Dan had reached double figures whilst Harry Andrews was unfortunate with the direct hit. Will Rankin finished 6 not out. Hopefully the boys can get back on track at Addingham on Wednesday with an improved batting display in support of our hard-working bowlers. The real positives were that we took seven wickets and that our bowlers eventually made the Nidderdale batting look somewhat top heavy in final appearance.

It is announced that the u12s fixture on Sunday 1st August (2:00pm) will now be a return against the Nidderdale JCL and will be played at Knaresborough Forest CC (not Knaresborough CC). Directions opposite>>>>

The Bradford JCL have cancelled the original scheduled fixture as their u-11 team has reached the Final of the Lords' Taverner competition that day and some parents have boys in both age-groups. This cannot now be fitted in until next year.

The team for the Nidderdale match is now confirmed as: Captain Lewis Hopkinson (Oxenhope) along with Kieron Mara & Jake Greenbank (both Earby), Callum Holmes & Tom Addison (both Oxenhope), Morgan Davies (Embsay), Dan Scott (Ingrow), William Rankin  (Ingrow), William Pullen (Silsden), Harry Andrews (Bradley) & Matt Wear (Denholme). 12th man will now be Ben Weatherall (Ingrow).

For the Wednesday (4th August) match vs the Aire-Wharfe JCL at Addingham CC (2:00pm) Ben Weatherall will replace Kieron Mara and Oliver Whyte (Wharfedale) will replace Will Pullen, who drops to 12th man.

The Ground is at Knaresborough Forest, post code HG5 8JL for your sat-navs. This is located in the Calcutt area of Knaresborough and is NOT the Knaresborough CC ground.

The Knaresborough Forest ground is behind the Union pub and parking is in the cricket field itself.

Due to holiday commitments there are a few changes to the u12s team selections for the next two matches. the team to meet the Bradford JCL at Idle CC on 1st August (2:00pm) is now as follows with William Rankin replacing holidaying John Davidson from the original selections:

Captain Lewis Hopkinson (Oxenhope) along with Kieron Mara & Jake Greenbank (both Earby), Callum Holmes & Tom Addison (both Oxenhope), Morgan Davies (Embsay), Dan Scott (Ingrow), William Rankin  (Ingrow), William Pullen (Silsden), Harry Andrews (Bradley) & Matt Wear (Denholme). 12th man will now be Ben Weatherall (Ingrow).

For the Wednesday (4th August) match vs the Aire-Wharfe JCL at Addingham CC (2:00pm) Ben Weatherall will replace Kieron Mara and Oliver Whyte (Wharfedale) will replace Will Pullen, who drops to 12th man.

The possibility of a return match with Nidderdale JCL is now strong with the likely venue Knaresborough CC on 8th August (2:00pm). A number of players have already indicated their availability and just a few places remain to be sorted. Watch this space!

Final confirmation as to whether the match will go ahead will be made on 1st August.

Our record must now be put on the line on our travels. The next match will be at Idle Cricket Club in the return with Bradford JCL. The home match was rained off at Skipton earlier this month with UAJCL in a good position. The match will be held on Yorkshire Day, 1st August, 2:00pm.

Three days later on Wednesday afternoon 4th August at Addingham CC (2:00pm) the team will take on the Airedale JCL (Aire-Wharfe) team. Oliver Whyte (U Wharfedale) will come join the 12 with a decision on the team made after the match with Bradford.

The team to face Bradford will see four changes with Ben Weatherall, Tom Bradley, Will Rankin and Eddie Jackson rested from the XI which lost to Nidderdale JCL at Ingrow. Morgan Davies (Embsay), Callum Holmes (Oxenhope) and Kieron Mara (Earby) will return to the team and will be joined by debutant bowler Will Pullen of Silsden.

The team, subject to confirmation of availability, will be captain Lewis Hopkinson (Oxenhope) along with Kieron Mara & Jake Greenbank (both Earby), Callum Holmes & Tom Addison (both Oxenhope), Morgan Davies (Embsay), Dan Scott (Ingrow), John Davidson (Sette), William Pullen (Silsden), Harry Andrews (Bradley) & Matt Wear (Denholme). 12th man will be Will Rankin (Ingrow).

The Wednesday match at Addingham CC vs the Airedale JCL (Aire-Wharfe) will now see the following changes: William Rankin (Ingrow) and Oliver Whyte (Wharfedale) come in for John Davidson and Kieron Mara whilst Will Pullen drops to 12thman.

The Niddedale JCL are really keen as are UAJCL to hold a return match in their patch this season so a check on player commitments for Sunday 8th August will be made to see if a sixth (!) match can be fitted in.

Our first meeting with the Nidderdale proved a really enjoyable experience on a warm sunny afternoon at the hospitality of Ingrow CC.

Skipper Lewis Hopkinson lost the toss and Nidderdale elected to bat. We again turned to regular opening bowlers Dan Scott (Ingrow) and Matt Wear (Denholme) to strive for an early break-through. It came with Matt's first ball, a beauty to castle a young lad with an an illustrious grand-father called Botham for a duck at 5 for 1. As planned the two bowlers stood down after 3 overs each, Matt with 1-5 and Dan 0-12 when Nidderdale had reached 20-1. The caution from the visitors was matched by the excellent fielding and bowling from our boys in a cat-and-mouse match with both sides looking for openings. Leg-spin from John Davidson (Settle) and medium pace from Will Rankin also proved a fine combination and Will picked up the wickets of Stanford for 19 and Bond for 4, the latter via stunning catch from club-mate Ben Weatherall. The score was then 32-3 after under 10 overs. Yorkshire player Barnes though looked solid and he was joined by Hopkinson to try and restore some momentum for Nidderdale.

The Settle lad returned 0-7 from his 3 whilst Will had 2 for 13 to add to his success last week against the Bradford JCL. Tom Addison (Oxenhope) and Jake Greenbank (Earby) joined the fray with the Earby lad hit for two 4s in his first over. Tom by contrast opened with a maiden and then captured the wicket of Hopkinson for 9 at 52-4. Barnes continued resolutely looking for a long term partner. It came in the guise of Bentley. Tom's three brought 1-10 whilst Jake shipped 19 in his stint. At teh 18th over Nidderdale had 71-4 and they were looking to accelerate from the 4 per over. Bentley was aggressive and Barnes too struck the ball hard to many parts. Lewis opted to try John Davidson's spin again but he was taken for 13 in two overs. Matty Wear started his second spell and once again he did the trick engineering a run-out for Bentley on 22 at 89-5.

With around 9 overs left the scales were tilting slightly towards the visitors after the 37 run stand. Will Rankin replaced the luckless Davidson but his spell was wayward and ultimately expensive as Barnes and Davies continued to spin the tins. Matty bowled out with 6-1-18-2, another fine performance which included the wicket of Davies for 12 at 106-6. Will's figures were bludgeoned somewhat and he finished with 6-0-33-2. Tom Addison rejoined the attack in the 26th over at 111-6.

The young Oxenhope bowler stopped the assault with a wicket in each over, first of all claiming Lawson for 5, smartly stumped by Lewis at 116-7. 16 runs later in the 28th over he finally got through Barnes' defence at 132-8. The Nidderdale lad had batted with some intelligence and made 43 (7 fours). It was time for Dan to comer back and he pickedup the no 9 Grange for 7 at 138-9 to leave the hugely impressive Addison to bowl Hebblethwaite for 0 and bring the innings to a close at 139 all out.

Tom Addison ranked with Barnes as the innings start with his 5.3-1-21-4 and his contribution ensured our batsmen had a reasonable target to aim for.

After a superb tea, generously donated by the Ingrow club, the UAJCL innings got under way with Ben Weatherall on his home ground and Jake Greenbank from Earby. The Nidderdale opening bowlers Lawson and Hebblethwaite showed remarkable pace for such youngsters and looked very fine prospects. But our boys got through their initial phase carrying our score to 27-0. The introduction of Williams winkled out Ben caught for 7 as Jake had assumed the major role.  Bowler Bentley too kept things quiet as Dan Scott settled in to replace his club-mate. The new pair added another 11 before the first ball from young Botham bowled Jake for an aggressive 28. At 43-2 after 10 overs the introduction of Captain Lewis Hopkinson would hopefully continue the satisfactory run-rate. It wasn't to be as Lewis chased a wide one from Botham and spooned it up to Stanford at point. He made just 2. Eddie Jackson came out to start a little re-build with Dan at 55-3 in the 13th over.

The introduction of 4th change spinner Bond was a masterstroke and he gained an lbw decision to send Dan back to the pavilion for 12 at 55-4. John Davidson came in at no 6 but only 4 runs later Eddie (0) too departed to Bond's wiles, caught by Barnes. 60-5 was not where we wanted to be as a very nervous Tom Bradley took gaurd to sadly depart bowled first ball to the cock-a-hoop Bond, who then had 3 for 3 in 11 balls. 60-6 was now very much a likely rear-guard action although the remaining UAJCL players could all bat well. 

Will Rankin made his batting debut and with the diminutive Davidson another 13 were gleaned from the impressive Nidderdale attack. Barnes joined the bowling and his second over brought the wicket of Will for 3 at 73-7. Bradley batter harry Andrews had opted to bat low down the order and there wss the prospect this could be a blessing we were looking for. He struck a couple of well-timed fours and Davidson nurdled to good effect. It was 8th bowler Grange who bowled John for a sterling 14 at 96-8 in the 22nd over. The unlikely target was 44 runs in 8 overs but with just 2 wickets with which to get them. It did prove unlikely as Matty Wear added 2 and Tom Addison 0, both falling to Botham's second spell. Harry Andrews remained 11 not out.

The Nidderdale bowlers proved either pacy or tricky wherever you looked and Botham's pedigree was there to see with 4 for 8. Bond too was a handful returning 3 for 5. The UAJCL final tally was 102 all out, 37 short of the Nidderdale posting.

But new friends were made and a return with the Harrogate-based side is eagerly anticipated.

After such a promising start for our boys at Skipton, the rain was a huge disappointment and we weren't able to see if our batters could back up our excellent bowling.

The first visit of Nidderdale is next up for the lads at Ingrow next Sunday, 20th June. The rain has caused some selection problems as the batsmen didn't get their chance at Skipton. Nevertheless three changes will be made. 12th man at Skipton Tom Bradley comes back into the side after his stunning catch on Sunday. Batsman Jake Greenbank (Earby) and leg-spinner John Davidson (Settle) are also invited to play. Kieron Mara, Morgan Davies and Oliver Whyte will miss out on this occasion.

The team for the match will therefore be Lewis Hopkinson (Oxenhope), Capt & w/k; Ben Weatherall, Will Rankin, Dan Scott and Tom Bradley (all Ingrow). Edward Jackson and Tom Addison (Oxenhope), Jake Greenbank (Earby), John Davidson (Settle), Matthew Wear (Denholme), Harry Andrews (Bradley). 12th man will be Callum Holmes (Oxenhope).

Skipton CC was the venue for the Bradford JCL 2010 visit to UAJCL and they would bat first with storm clouds gathering all around the district. Openers D Hussain and C Tiffany coped well with the occasional low bounce but found run-scoring at a premium. UAJCL bowlers Dan Scott (Ingrow) and Matt Wear (Denholme) had things under control but the impressive Hussain took a couple of boundaries from Matt to relieve the early pressure. Dan came up with an immediate response with the wicket of Tiffany, cleaned bowled for 4 at 18-1 in the fifth over. The opening bowlers had done a grand job of containment Scott conceding just 7 (inc 2 wides) from his 3 overs, whilst Matt shipped 12. After six overs Bradford JCL stood at 21-0 with Tom Addison (Oxenhope) and Morgan Davies (Embsay) the double change to try and build on the good start.

Under-11 Addison was as frugal as hoped and whilst Morgan too gave 'em nowt. But there was a special moment as debutant Will Rankin (Ingrow) picked out the stumps with a direct hit from backward point to run-out Bradford no 3 J Norcliffe for 9 at 33-2. The two bowlers conceded just the one boundary between them as Hussain remained resolute in defence. After 12 overs the gleaming electronic scoreboard showed 43-2 with M Sharp now the Pudsey lad's partner.

The second double bowling change introduced Rankin and dales lad Oliver Whyte and Will's third ball proved too good to pull and Hussain's vigil was at an end. His 21 from 37 balls had been vital to the Bradford innings. It was 43-3 in the 13th over and our boys sensed a key moment.  Again our two bowlers kept the lid on Sharp and no 5 J Dixon for a while. Will Rankin had two maidens in his locker with 3-2-5-1 to add to his spectacular run out. The previously watchful Sharp though took a liking to Oliver's third over and he conceded 12 runs to take Bradford to 65-3 after 18 overs.

Skipper Lewis didn't hesitate to turn to his opening bowlers again and Dan Scott brought the partnership to an end with his first ball. It came via a tremendous tumbling, diving catch from his Ingrow team-mate and fielding-sub Tom Bradley. It was Dixon who departed for 5 at 65-4 and our tails were now well and truly upwardly mobile. 10 balls later Matt Wear added to the Bradford problems as Oliver Whyte took another good catch to give the Denholme bowler a just reward for his tight bowling. Sharp was the victim for 17 from 25 balls.

Clearly in some difficulty J Wood and S Gatenby dug themselves in as the UAJCL boys closed in for a potential vital phase. The two bowlers completed their six overs without any further boundaries as the UAJCL stranglehold tightened. The fifth wicket had fallen at 70 and after 24 overs the score was 75-5. And then steady drizzle became steady rain and the Umpires brought the boys from the field.

An excellent early tea was taken whilst the Skipton covers kept the strip dry. The bar takings also increased somewhat. The weather had closed right in and a re-start looked doubtful

But it did relent a little and play resumed around 5;30pm. Tom Addison and Will Rankin (pictured right) were to resume the push to clear up the last five wickets whilst the Bradford batsmen found scoring increasingly difficult. Addison conceded 2 as did his partner. Tom claimed his first victim clean bowling B Pearson for 1 at 80-6. William too got in on the act and the resilient Wood was bowled for 10 from 24 very watchful balls. It was now 81-7 but the rain had returned. Will's over was to be the last of the afternoon as the game was abandoned.

For UAJCL the bowlers had been magnificent with Ingrow pair Scott 6-0-15-2 and Rankin 5-2-8-2 the top performers. Youngster Addison was also well to the fore with 5-1-13-1 and Matt Wear was much more consistent this time around with 6-1-14-1. the fielding was excellent and the boys commitment to their task was of the highest level.

The next match is scheduled for next Sunday 20th June at Ingrow against new opponents the Nidderdale JCL.

UAJCL under-12s will next face the Bradford JCL at Skipton CC on Sunday 13th June (2:00pm). The first Test of the summer was lost at Oxenhope in our first ever meeting with the Ribblesdale League in an exciting high-scoring match going to the last over. The provisional team for the second Test will have three changes. Into the team will come Eddie Jackson (Oxenhope), Harry Andrews (Bradley) and on form William Rankin (Ingrow) to replace Tom Bradley, Reece Webb-Foster and Callum Holmes. Tom Bradley of Ingrow comes in as 12th man but will play in the third Test.

The match will again be 30 overs per side, commencing 2:00pm.

The Bradford JCL claimed their first win against UAJCL in the last over at Buttershaw St Pauls in 2009 and will be seeking to add to that record with a first win on our soil.

The UAJCL team will be:
L Hopkinson (Capt), E Jackson, T Addison (all Oxenhope) M Wear (Denholme), K Mara (Earby), H Andrews (Bradley), B Weatherall, D Scott & W Rankin (all Ingrow), O Whyte (U Wharfedale), M Davies (Embsay).

T Bradley (Ingrow) will be 12th man.

It is now agreed that UAJCLu-12s will have for the first time a fifth fixture in 2010. The Nidderdale JCL are the opponents on 20th June. The venue will be Ingrow CC.

The postponed match with Aire-Wharfe (AJCL) can not be fitted in and we will play them just the once this season on 4th August

As the fighter planes and bombers circled overhead at the Haworth '40s weekend, our first ever 'War of the Roses' meeting with the Ribblesdale League began in bright Oxenhope sunshine on a fast bouncy batting track.

Ribblesdale won the toss, asking UAJCL to bat first. So our first two lads to face a Lancastrian District, Ben Weatherall (Ingrow) and Kieron Mara (ironically from Earby in Pendle) took guard. The opening bowlers were Joseph Ryland (of Pendle Forest) and A Nixson and both began well but the field conceded early extras. Both settled in well and after 5 overs had 18 on the board. The fifth ball from Nixson was chipped by Kieron to the waiting Ryland to claim a first scalp for the visitors. He made 8 and gave way to no 3 Tom Bradley of Ingrow who joined his club-mate at 23-1. The second bowling pair was L Wright (Lancashire county player) and J Beach and buoyed by the wicket they continued the Red Rose grip on the run-rate. Eight runs and 15 balls later Tom chipped a caught & bowled back to the classy Wright for just 2, despite his usual sound defence. This had followed a spilled chance from Weatherall, who had looked in no danger, settling in well. The warning signs were there that the Ribblesdale attack was clearly a good match and that the game would be a tough one. It was time for a skipper's innings and home lad Lewis Hopkinson strode out with the match poised tantalisingly at 31-2.

If there was any doubt about the quality of the visitors attack it dissipated in the 11th over when Ben did depart for 12 also caught and bowled by Wright, whose tidy figures were then 2-7 in his third over. The new partner for Lewis was Oliver Whyte (Wharfedale) and some consolidation was required. They faced third bowling pair H Phelan and L Scothern and the scoring rate visibly lifted as a stand developed. By the half-way mark UAJCL had advanced to 58-3 with obvious promise of more. Oliver smashed a six off Scothern to signal an attacking intent. Lewis too picked up singles and 2s a plenty at his start but eventually began to find the whitewash. The two stayed togther until the 18th over when bowler M Pepper got a straight low one through Oliver's defence after initial difficulty with wides. It was 71-4 with almost 12 overs to push on. Oliver made an aggressive 17, an excellent contribution for UAJCL.

A second Oxenhoper Callum Holmes joined the Captain, who began to take charge of the innings. Lewis opened up well with a full array of shots and the tins were moving apace. After 20 overs UAJCL had 99-4 as the aggression from Oliver, Lewis and Callum began to tell. In over 22 at 103 Callum was bowled by H Rashid amid a spate of boundaries for 11 in a superb partnership of 32 with Lewis.

There were now 8 overs for the 'big lad' from Embsay, Morgan Davies, to help take the tally towards the 150 mark, if he and Lewis could quickly gel. Lewis fully took centre stage whist surprisingly Morgan picked up the singles and rotated the strike a-la 20-20. It worked a treat for 5 overs later Lewis took the plaudits for a stunning half-century which included six fours and a six. The very next ball at 147 he pulled straight to Beach from the ever-persistent Wright who now had 3-13. Hopkinson received the acclaim he deserved from the watching parents and supporters.

The last four overs brought another 15 runs for the loss of Matthew Wear (2), a fourth victim for the very impressive Wright. Morgan stroked most of the added runs, surviving two skied chances to finish on 23 not out. Wright came off sporting 4-17 against his name after a quality showing. One outcome of the fast track was a substantial extras tally of 34 for UAJCL who had made 128 from their bats. The team had tallied 162-7 but on the superb Oxenhope strip it would be very interesting to see if it was enough. Once again the excellent teas went down well at the newly extended Oxenhope pavilion.

It was Wright and Nixson who again opened for Ribbledale facing Dan Scott (Ingrow) and Matthew Wear (Denholme). It was our boys turn to keep the lid on things and the two quickies did just that, conceding just 13 between them in the opening six overs. The batsmen were playing them selves in nicely at the expense of the run-rate. Tom Addison and the leg-spin of Morgan Davies continued to keep things tidy with boundaries a rarity. After 12 overs the Ribblesdale tally stood at 36 with UAJCL seemingly in control. The principal scorer had been the excellent Wright but 3rd change Oliver Whyte induced a catch to Morgan and he was first out for 23 at 38-1 in the 13th over. Joseph Ryland, aPendle Forest cricketer, had declined the UAJCL invitation but opted to play with his Pendle mates and at no 3 he immediately picked up the scoring with the previously missing boundaries. After 15 overs the score was 52-1 but another five overs on it had reached 88-1 and Ryland had engineered a visible acceleration, sparking Nixson into more expansive mode. Nevertheless the Red Rose still required 75 to win from the final 10 overs.

Lewis brought back Matt Wear but the ploy failed as Ryland continued to dominate. He also took a toll on Whyte, Reece Webb-Foster and Callum Holmes. No 2 Nixson was caught by Holmes for a staunch 34 (3 fours) at 146-2. The runs had flowed heavily and with 4 overs to go team manager Danny Kegg bravely withdrew Ryland for a magnificent unbeaten 80 (13 fours and 2 sixes) still requiring 5 runs to win. Boldly they sent in J Henderson to join H Phelan. With two new batsmen at the wicket UAJCL sensed an opportunity to prevent the likely Red Rose win. Opening bowler Dan Scott put in a determined maiden claiming the wicket of Henderson (2) courtesy of a catch from sub Eddie Jackson. Four runs were still needed with Tom Addison with the cherry. Phelan tucked away a four to settle any Ribblesdale nerves and posted a cracking victory for our visitors.

Scott had admirable control conceding just 16 in his six overs whilst home lad Addison shipped only 20 in 5.1. But the day belonged to Ryland with a majestic knock, the highest ever in any of our u-12 matches in five years.

UAJCL and Ribblesdale, well matched it would seem, will now try to find a date for a return in Lancashire this season. If not then next year.

UAJCL is delighted to announce The Ribblesdale Junior Cricket League have filled the breach for Sunday's Test match. We will now have a mini 'War of the Roses' with our colleagues from across the border. The match in all other respects will be on the same basis, ie 30 overs per side, commencing 2:00pm at Oxenhope.

Ribblesdale team manager Danny Kegg has said he is delighted to accept the invitation and his boys will be raring to go!

Our team remains as selected:
L Hopkinson (Capt), C Holmes, R Webb-Foster, T Addison (all Oxenhope) M Wear (Denholme), K Mara (Earby), B Weatherall, D Scott & T Bradley (all Ingrow), O Whyte (U Wharfedale), M Davies (Embsay).

E Jackson (Oxenhope) will be 12th man.

UAJCL is advised that Sunday's planned u-12 Test match with AJCL (Aire-Wharfe) at Oxenhope is to be postponed and played later in the year. AJCL have six players called for trial with Yorkshire and have therefore reluctantly asked for postponement. Efforts are being made to arrange short-notice alternative opponents. It is hoped the Aire-Wharfe match can be re-arranged, probably in early June.

The UAJCL 2010 under-12s squad of 18 has been selected and now new Team Manager Chris Kimberley plans to hold early season form trials. The provisional list is essentially based on 2009 form but additions to the squad may be made, once current form emerges.

The 2010 team will be Captained by Lewis Hopkinson of Oxenhope (pictured).

Subject to confirmation of player availability the full squad of 18 is: L Hopkinson, C Holmes, R Webb-Foster & E Jackson (all Oxenhope), M Wear (Denholme), N Atkinson (Skipton), J Greenbank, K Mara & M Naylor (all Earby), B Weatherall, D Scott & T Bradley (all Ingrow), O Whyte & T Webster (both U Wharfedale), H Andrews & D Hunt (both Bradley), J Ryland (Pendle Forest), M Davies (Embsay).

In addition T Addison (Oxenhope), J Fawcett (U Wharfedale), C Hall (Cullingworth) W Booth (Settle) and B Akrigg (Steeton) will also, as highly-rated under-11s, be invited to the trials.

Once again we look to have a strong squad which given focus should do very well in our four matches this season.

The u-12s fixtures for 2010 have been agreed on a similar basis as 2009 with Home & Away fixtures versus the Aire-Wharfe and Bradford Leagues.

CHRIS KIMBERLEY

-- APPOINTMENT CONFIRMED

Now approved at the AGM he will take over from Terry Thompson, who has undertaken the role over its development period of the last 4 years. 

The final u-12s fixture of 2009 at Harden CC was against our regular rivals the Airedale JCL (Aire-Wharfe) team. Captain George Sutcliffe lost the toss and was asked to field.

Wharfedale's Ted Wilman opened for UAJCL and initially found difficulty with his run up conceding a couple of no balls and to give us a poor start, Joseph Metcalfe found his line a little wayward. The AJCL openers J Malik and D Holmes were patient in waiting for the bad balls and built with care and our quick bowlers were relieved after 3 overs each; at 20-0. Our changes worked well as Gargrave's Joe Wood in tandem with Ben Howell of Oakworth tightened up yet further. It was the diminutive Howell who upset the AJCL applecart having Holmes caught by the prowling Lewis Hopkinson (Oxenhope) for 8 at 35-1 in the 10th over. And as often happens, in the next over Wood was delighted at a second catch in the covers from our own 'Jonty' [Hopkinson] to dismiss Malik for 18. At 37-2 there was a visible lift in the fielding as everything was chased and everything recovered to keep the pressure on the two new batsmen J Braham and P Dixon. After two excellent spells the skipper turned to Glusburn and Earby and the twirlies from Alex Horsfield and cutters from Luke Hipgrave.

The new bowlers were out-foxed by the batsmen and four boundaries in the next 3 overs eased any AJCL concerns. By the half-way mark the score-board showed 58-2. Alex was having difficulty with his length and was replaced by Josh Ferguson, back in harness after a broken wrist. He too couldn't settle with a wide and two no balls leaving George to adopt Plan 'C'. Lewis Hopkinson came out of the covers and immediately re-gained the control that had started to slip a little. The other end saw Nick Sharples of Oakworth who was let down by some poor field placings but recovered well to work with Lewis in limiting any break-out from Braham and Dixon. Lewis conceded just four scoring strokes with 3-0-5-0 as his reward for a superb spell. At the 24 over mark AJCL had 90-2 at 3.67 per over and whilst only 2 wickets were down a degree of urgency would be needed to push upward on an excellent wicket. 

George turned back to his opening pace-men and Ted Wilman struck with his 4th ball via a catch from Joe Wood to have Braham, on 34 (five 4s), headed to the pavilion; 96-3 on the tins. Dixon was joined by J Inglis with our boys now really on a high. A maiden from Joe Metcalfe, bowling at high pace, rubbed in the dismissal and an element of anxiety crept into the AJCL batsmen. The next over from Ted brought another victim with a safe catch from the reliable Toby Priestley. It was Inglis who went for 5 at 101-4. Joseph tightened the screw yet further conceding just 1 run and with 2 overs left the prospect of a sub-120 score looked odds-on. Ted applied a real killer blow bowling Panesar (not Monty) for 6 in a wicket maiden to put UAJCL firmly in the driving seat. The final over added 6 runs and the total stood at 115-5, Dixon remaining unbeaten on 18 after 20 overs at the crease, holding the AJCL innings together.

For UAJCL Ted Wilman really came up trumps in his second spell returning 6-1-19-3 whilst the pace from Joseph Metcalfe always had the AJCL batsmen wary and whilst wicket-less his 6-0-21-0 was also highly instrumental in the attack. Ben Howell 3-1-9-1 and Joe Wood 3-0-5-0 had telling inputs but perhaps the spell which turned the tide towards UAJCL came from Lewis Hopkinson with 3-0-5-0.

The Umpires reconvened the match after draining their own tea pot offered by an excellent Harden CC kitchen, which more than satisfied the players.

UAJCL had changed the batting order after the Sunday match with Bradford and it was Josh Ferguson who strode forth with Toby Priestley to face the AJCL bowlers Rafiq and the giant Ben McGonigle. A first ball 2 had the UAJCL boys cheering as the reply got underway immediately. With 12 from the first 4 overs we had a stroke of ill-fortune as Josh blocked a ball from McGonigle and then watched it trickle onto the stumps dislodging just one bail. He departed for 6 to give the AJCL a boost with the early wicket. Rafiq had been a model of frugality and he conceded just 7 runs in his impressive 3-over spell which left UAJCL at 15-1 after the first 6 overs.

Captain George Sutcliffe had opted to bat at number 3 and AJCL brought J Braham and J Inglis into the attack. Braham had taken 2 wickets earlier in the season at Oxenhope and the team-manager had not forgotten. The new bowlers though were met with boundaries from both Toby and George and both were out of the firing line after just 2 overs each. The white-wash was still under assault with Panesar and Newark trying to apply a tourniquet with spin. After 12 overs UAJCL were steaming onward with 67-1. Panesar struck the much needed blow, an lbw for Toby whose 22 had begun to threaten an even higher contribution. Ben Howell was in at no 4 and he wisely left the attacking strokes to George who was now well played in and scoring freely. In the 14th over Ben (7) edged to Inglis at second slip off Dixon, who had replaced Newark after just one over. It was now 75-3 and two wickets had been lost for just 8 runs in a spell of control from the AJCL third change bowlers.

Our hero from Sunday Luke Hipgrave strode purposefully out seeking to add to the 136 runs he already had from his 3 previous 'caps'. The bowlers' stranglehold was maintained as opening bowler McGonigle retuned to team up with Panesar and it was he who brought Luke's run to an end, castling him for 1 at 79-4. This was our wobble and whilst the run-rate was well ahead of that required there were now many fascinating equations that might resolve the match. Alex Horsfield had helped stabilise a parlous situation at St Pauls and we now looked to him to repeat the performance. But the Captain had other ideas and he resolved to take the fight to the AJCL and he attacked with some flair. By the 18th over we had advanced to 94-4, most coming from George. With the finishing line in sight Alex was lbw to Panesar for 7 at 98-5 to bring Ted Wilman in to join George. But the Dales lad just had to stand and watch as George took the bull by the horns and smashed his way to 47 with two leg-side sixes off spinner Newark who had replaced McGonigle. The scores were level and a bye took us to the win at 116-5, still in the 23rd over.

It was a stunning win and unexpectedly with plenty to spare. George's skipper's innings came off 55 balls and included seven 4s and those two powerful 6s. We can also look with pride on Toby's 22 and the scintillating fielding and catching of the entire squad. For AJCL, Panesar finished with 5-0-15-2 and McGonigle 5-0-15-1 as real thorns in our side.

So we can reasonably look forward to the 2010 under-13s Taverners' possibilities with some optimism after a season with 2 wins, 1 defeat and the abandoned match at Oxenhope. Under-11 Lewis Hopkinson proved an excellent selection leading the fielding effort with admirable maturity and should be an automatic inclusion again next under-12 campaign. Finally we sincerely hope to see the District Cricket selectors taking note of our continuing development and recognise more of our players in 2010.

Our third match with Bradford JCL was for the first time away from our comfort zone and Buttershaw St Pauls'CC had done well to prepare a wicket after all the late July rain. Pre-match speculation anticipated a not very high scoring match in view of long outfield grass and a likely wicket of variable bounce. George won the toss and elected to bat.

What happened next was at least for UAJCL totally unexpected. Opening Bradford bowler Josh Wilson had shown well at Malsis with 1-13 so he would have to be watched. New opener Ted Wilman did that but his third ball kept low and the woodwork was clattered; 0-1. Returning Ben Howell was also rightfully more watchful but Wilson conjured a fine yorker and Ben too was on his way back within the first over; 0-2. Bradford's second opening bowler Danny Marshall took pity giving 4 wides in a 10-ball over to relieve the early pressure on our boys. With our skipper George Sutcliffe at the crease early, Wilson was naturally on a high and his second over at Toby Priestley was on the spot again and his third ball, again with a low bounce had the tall Denholme lad on his way for a third duck and a scoreboard reading 5 for 3. It was a heavy blow as Toby had top scored at Malsis. George was joined by Earby's little master Luke Hipgrave with initial need for survival and a serious rebuild. Steadily the rocking boat gradually ceased to wobble and the pair each took a brace of boundaries to allay any real dark fears. We had a stroke of luck when George was clean bowled off an early-called no-ball from the troublesome Wilson. After six overs 22-3 was streets ahead of where we might have been with the rate acceptable in the circumstances. But first change Sam McEvoy was intent on a stake in the action and his sixth ball induced a pull from George which he failed to control giving an easy catch for Ryan Williamson. His 10 runs in 4 overs had helped kick-start the innings but his loss was a massive blow. Another returnee, Glusburn's Alex Horsfield was our number 6 and at 24-4 he would likely be key as to which way our knock went from there.

The pairing began to prove any gremlins in the wicket were on the run and by the 12th over we had 51-4, 29 coming off the last six overs. Many of them were from poor wide balls as the Bradford bowlers constantly lost their lines. Then just as we looked to breaking free, leg-spinner James Masheeder and Ryan Williamson bowled successive maidens to peg our run-rate once again. Williamson had been a real threat at Malsis and again proved difficult to get away. The wicket tumbling seemed behind us and by the 18th over we stood at 62-4. Alex was off the blocks early and initially overtook Luke but then found horizontal bat shots difficult to master, becoming becalmed on 13. Fortunately Oxenhope hero Luke was well and truly settled with judicious defence and a variety of strokes all around the wicket. By the 24th over our tally had accelerated well to 90-4 with the partnership unbeaten at 66. Alex emerged from his temporary cocoon and helped Luke continue towards our targetted 120 minimum. With another 30 from the last five overs the target was indeed achieved and en-route Luke took his personal tally past the half-century eventually concluding at 55 not out; his second of the summer. Alex contribution was vital; his 23 runs off 24 overs was a tremendous 96-run partnership builder and his solid defence enabled the more effusive Earby lad the freedom he needed. The contribution from the Bradford bowlers of 22 wides and 6 no-balls was a boost we needed to offset the 4-0-19-3 from Josh Wilson, 5-0-18-1 from Sam McEvoy and 6-1-15-0 from the impressive Ryan Williamson. After the marvellous start the Bradford attack really let themselves down with the 32 extras and the UAJCL confidence was transformed.

The real Bradford danger man Tom Blanchard was now at the crease with home-ground lad Kevin McDermott. An opening maiden from Joseph Metcalfe was just what we needed to show our total would not be easily achieved. The Bradford start was very cautious in the face of fast tight bowling from the Gargrave flyer and left-armer Sam Nettleton of Oakworth, who was unfortunate to have a sharp catch from the Malsis top-scorer Blanchard dropped by Luke Hipgrave at mid-off. Our opener's 6 overs cost just 17 and the 4 per over required was already extended upwards. Successive tight spells from Jack Keighley, Joe Wood and Ted Wilman continued to keep the Bradford batsman in check. There was some superbly executed fielding particularly from Lewis Hopkinson patrolling like a cougar at extra cover. Toby Priestley, Joe Wood and Ben Howell all made telling stops in the field and with a very competent display behind the timbers from the Captain (pictured right) our confidence and demeanour was that of a side with focus still very much on winning despite the lack of wickets arising from three or four dropped catches.

At the 18 over mark the two batsmen were well embedded but with 62-0, a further 59 from 12 overs would be needed for the victory. The match was clearly going to hinge on how tightly UAJCL could continue to bowl versus how well the batsmen could accelerate. Wickets were academic. Our spin merchant Alex Horsfield kept his concession to just 12 from 3 overs, worrying the batsmen with his better pitched up deliveries. At 74-0 at the close of the 21st over, the final nine would require 47 runs and UAJCL looked to have emerged slight favourites, which when looking back at our 5-3 start was tremendously satisfying. At some point a break-out attack was going to come and a poor first ball from Lewis Hopkinson signalled the onslaught. The 10 run injection was a heavy blow to our hopes and whilst Luke Hipgrave shipped just 5 in his third, the 15 added left BJCL needing a more gettable 28 from the last six overs. But Luke's over did bring hope; a superb direct hit from Ben Howell at backward point to send McDermott back to his pavilion. He batted with admirable patience, taking three 4s in his 37 as foil to the quicker scoring Blanchard.

The return of the opening bowlers was perhaps UAJCL's last card but the added pace was used extremely well by number 3 Adam Firth who nurdled the ball all around making 15 without a boundary. Blanchard continued pushing hard such that the last 3 overs would need just 12 runs for a first Bradford victory. The last six overs had cost 41 runs as the Bradford batsmen proved they could accelerate when required. Joseph Metcalfe continued his immaculate spell but with 7 balls remaining the one four ball he had conceded in almost six overs brought the Bradford win and took Blanchard to his well crafted 50.

What a great finish and no disgrace for our boys considering the start we had. Metcalfe proved an inspiring opening bowler with only 19 from his 35 balls. Our bowling had been well disciplined with only 8 wides and 3 no-balls and the 17 extras conceded contrasted markedly with the BJCL 32. The match was lost by runs from the bat 104-88 and perhaps the lack of pressure that can come from the taking of early wickets. Significantly Bradford managed only 7 boundaries to the 11 from UAJCL, showing the real difference really came from singles run and then singles turned into twos late in the innings.

So on to Harden CC on Wednesday to again take on the AJCL (Aire-Wharfe) with Josh Ferguson and Nick Sharples coming into the side for Sam and Jack.

The map opposite shows the Buttershaw St Pauls ground in Bradford for our away u12s Test with the Bradford JCL. Its towards the bottom centre part of the map. Access is from St Paul's Avenue just down from Wibsey roundabout in South Bradford.

Following recent success at Malsis School against the Bradford JCL we will be travelling to play a return at a ground yet to be confirmed on Sunday 2nd August (2:00pm). We now have a number of players unavailable and 6 changes are made to the line-up. The team to travel will include new members Ted Wilman from Wharfedale Stags, Joe Wood of Gargrave and Nicholas Sharples of Oakworth. In addition Ben Howell (Oakworth), Alex Horsfield (Glusburn) and Joseph Metcalfe (Gargrave) who played in our first match at Oxenhope will all return.

Provisionally the full team is: Capt. George Sutcliffe (Skipton), Ted Wilman (Wharfedale), Toby Priestley (Denholme), Ben Howell (Oakworth), Luke Hipgrave (Earby), Alex Horsfield (Glusburn), Lewis Hopkinson (Oxenhope), Jack Keighley & Sam Nettleton (both Oakworth), Joseph Metcalfe and Joe Wood (both Gargrave). Nicholas Sharples (Oakworth) will be 12th man.

Provisional team for final match on 5th August vs Airedale JCL (Aire-Wharfe) at Harden CC: Capt. George Sutcliffe (Skipton), Ted Wilman (Wharfedale), Toby Priestley (Denholme), Ben Howell (Oakworth), Luke Hipgrave (Earby), Alex Horsfield (Glusburn), Lewis Hopkinson (Oxenhope), Nicholas Sharples (Oakworth), Josh Ferguson (Oxenhope) Joseph Metcalfe and Joe Wood (both Gargrave). Jack Keighley (Oakworth) will be 12th man.

UAJCL u-12s second meeting with the Bradford JCL proved another successful encounter with our boys taking a 31-run victory margin. UAJCL with five changes were asked to bat first and a new opening pair of Angus McCabe (Skipton) and Toby Priestley (Denholme) were to face Josh Wilson, who conceded a boundary (to Angus) in the first over. With Danny Marshall coming in from the Gate House end, the scoring rate was halted by accurate straight containment. After 6 overs only 14 were on the board despite the warm sunny weather and fast outfield. the pairing settled nicely with Toby taking the major role and for 10 overs they picked off the bad balls to fine effect. The partnership was broken by 2nd change Joe Bowman, bowling Angus for 9 off 31 balls. Toby though had played himself in well and Jack Keighley (Oakworth) joined him to push the innings onward. Jack was soon stumped by Alex Hobson for just 2 off 6 balls for Tom Blanchard, a harden player but ironically a product of the Skipton club! The dismissal brought skipper George Sutcliffe (Skipton) to the crease alongside Toby.

The pair gelled really well taking boundaries from most Bradford bowlers although Joe Bowman and Danny Marshall gave little away. Toby was now in full flow and runs came quickly to the tall Denholme lad. 34 runs were added for the 3rd wicket in under 4 overs as our lads cut loose. It was again Blanchard who stopped their progress thanks to a good catch from Josh Wilson. Toby had 44 to his name from just 46 balls. He could look back on six 4s and a six in a dominant innings. Earby 'master blaster' Luke Hipgrave, our hero at Oxenhope was next in and they continued the rich batting vein found by the previous pairing. They took UAJCL past the 100-mark in the 20th over, well on target to match last year's 160+ score. George, with four 4s in his 23 (21 balls), was bowled by a beauty from Sam McEvoy who was dragging the run-rate downwards as the innings entered its last third. Left-hander Oliver Huck found McEvoy and Ryan Williamson bowling better lengths than some of the earlier Bradford attack. Uncharacteristically Luke too was held up and they took 7 overs adding 25 to the total. Oliver was winkled out by Williamson at 133-5 and 10 year old Lewis Hopkinson (Oxenhope) took his place. He made 5 including a stunning 4 off Josh Wilson although the returning opener had his castle down at 138-6. Luke departed with 2 balls to go with 28 to add to his 53 at Oxenhope. Sam Nettleton picked up 4 and the UAJCL knock ended at 142-7

The Bradford bowling had been somewhat mixed with three of them shipping over 20 runs whilst Marshall, Wilson, Bowman, McEvoy and Williamson were generally on the money, the pick perhaps Williamson with 2 for 6 and the stylish blond-haired opener Wilson. The Malsis tea was truly scrumptious with enough for an even bigger crowd than already present.

Gargarve's Jonah Smith bowled with pace and power and Oakworth's Sam Nettleton also used his pacy left-arm to great effect. In his first over he beat Kevin McDermott for pace to have his timbers akimbo. The other opener was Tom Blanchard and his wise strategy of taking time to settle was to prove appropriate. In the 7th over Jonah too struck gold with another timber rattled, that of Josh Gledhill for 9 (16 balls) at 18-2. Blanchard was dropped by George standing up on the same score in an early period of supremacy for UAJCL. No 4 Ryan Williamson proved stubborn and his stay allowed Blanchard to begin to accumulate. With 14 from his first 30 balls he went on to add another 37 from his next before his team manager retired him on a sterling 51. The left-arm round of Thomas Storr caused the Bradford batsmen much consternation although Blanchard threaded a number of fours to the boundary from both Luke Hipgrave and Georgina Smith 3-over spells. Williamson was bowled by a peach from Lewis Hopkinson at 72-3 in the 19th over leaving the visitors requiring a further 71 in just 11 remaining overs. James Massheeder added just 1 after a superb direct hit from the deep by an energetic Georgina Smith.

Alex Hobson led a mini-revival but Harry Cullingford fell to the left arm trundle from Oliver Huck at 91-5 in the 25th over. Sam Nettleton had removed Hobson for 18 with a successful lbw appeal although an immediate second appeal against Marshall was turned down. The game had swung heftily to UAJCL as Bradford needed over 10 per over to match their score. A 10-ball duck from Danny Marshall (bowled by Angus McCabe) didn't improve things  and the innings slid to a conclusion at 111-7, 31 adrift of the UAJCL posting.

Five UAJCL bowlers took wickets with 3 maidens from Nettleton in a fine all-round display, highlighted by superb fielding galvanised by the impressive Georgina Smith, not at all overawed by the occasion. UAJCL u12s are now unbeaten in five matches and will look for a sixth against the Bradford League on their territory on 2nd August.

On Sunday 14th June The Bradford Junior League return to Malsis School to bid to take a victory from UAJCL under-12s. The plan to give all players in the squad an opportunity to play at least one match was thwarted by the rain at Oxenhope which prevented the bowlers getting into action. In addition spinner Josh Ferguson has been ruled out with a broken arm.

 "We'll retain two or three to face Bradford and bring the others back later if availabilities allow" said UAJCL's Terry Thompson. "That means we can have brother and sister Jonah and Georgina Smith in the team" The squad to face Bradford will see five changes to give more players a chance. In will come Toby Priestley (Denholme), Angus McCabe (Skipton), Jack Keighley (Oakworth), Georgina Smith and Thomas Storr (both Gargrave). Alex Horsfield will be 12th man. The team, again captained by George Sutcliffe will be:

George Sutcliffe (Skipton, Capt), Thomas Storr, Georgina Smith and Jonah Smith (all Gargrave), Toby Priestley (Denholme), Lewis Hopkinson (Oxenhope), Sam Nettleton, Oliver Huck and Jack Keighley (all Oakworth), Angus McCabe (Skipton), Luke Hipgrave (Earby) and Alex Horsfield (Glusburn)

The second 'Test' match in a row was a victim of the fickle English weather. After a 25 minute delay UAJCL took the field against the Airedale Junior League at Oxenhope, bidding for a fourth match without defeat. Openers Patrick Lee (Glusburn) and Josh Ferguson (Oxenhope) faced some excellent bowling from Yorkshire player J Thompson and found him difficult to get away. A smart late cut from Ferguson brought a first boundary but Patrick fell to Dixon caught at point for just 1. 2008 Cup winning Captain Ben Howell (Oakworth) joined Ferguson in an all Worth Valley partnership but it didn't last as the home boy was bowled by the first ball from 2nd change Reeve for 6. The score was 12 for 2 as skipper George Sutcliffe (Skipton) joined Howell. George was off the mark almost immediately with a 2 to backward square showing admirable aggressive intent. He was perhaps a little too eager as he was stumped the next ball also from the bowling of Reeve.

At 14-3 there were a few glum local faces but Earby's 'master blaster' Luke Hipgrave took a 4 to ruin Dixon's impressive start. The diminutive pairing combined well, Howell playing the anchor role and Hipgrave the expected attacking posture. So it followed, as the score-board began to turn. The fifty stand came up with the young 'Lancastrian' picking the gaps for the boundaries whilst Howell scrambled and rotated the strike. Luke gave a chance but the AJCL mid-off let it slip as possibly the turning point of the innings. The pair accelerated, pushing on towards 4 per over until at 92-3 Ben was smartly caught off Dixon for dogged 25. There were 4 overs remaining to push beyond the three-figure mark but Glusburn's Alex Horsfield wasn't able to capitalise, skittled for 1 as the third victim for Dixon. UAJCL's first under-11 to play in the u-12 team Lewis Hopkinson of Oxenhope came to the crease to support Luke to a fine 50. On 53 with exactly 100 on the board Luke (pictured left) was bowled by Braham. His replacement Joseph Metcalfe (Gargrave) sadly was out the next ball leaving Oakworth's Oliver Huck to stave off the hat-trick ball. He did that and then smashed the last ball of the innings for 4 and a tantalising UAJCL total of 104-7

The AJCL visitors bowling had restricted well towards the end and the impressive spin of Dixon delivered 3 for 21. The 105 target was perhaps slightly lower than had looked likely when Hipgrave was in full flow but the challenge was for our bowlers to emulate the visitors frugality. They never got the chance as the tea interval was greeted with increasingly heavy rain and the match was abandoned soon after 5:00pm.

The next 'Test' for our young hopefuls is on Sunday 14th June at Malsis School against the Bradford JCL, who also will be seeking a win after our success at the same ground in 2008.

Last season has gone and a new batch of UAJCL u12s is now seeking to emulate the 2008 squad, who performed so well. The traditional First Test is against the always high quality Airedale Junior League (Aire-Wharfe). The players once again will enjoy the hospitality on Sunday 17th May of the Oxenhope club for the fourth year. The visitors will be revved up for the match seeking to set last season's defeat aside.

Our team for the 30-over opener is well balanced and is capable of a repeat if it can play to its obvious potential. Oxenhope interest will centre on Josh Ferguson and Lewis Hopkinson on their home soil whilst batting-keeper George Sutcliffe of Skipton will captain the side with enthusiasm.

Fixtures Secretary Terry Thompson said "Whilst not selected for the first match Georgie Smith has deserved her place as she has competed well with the boys over the last 2 or 3 years. The team is a strong as we can find and I expect a close, highly competitive match. Hopefully we will build further on our successes of last year"

Four fixtures are currently confirmed: On 17th May Oxenhope CC will again host our regular foes the Airedale Junior League for the first encounter of the summer. After our victory last year they will no doubt be very keen on revenge so our squad will need to be on top form.

The Bradford Junior League enjoyed their albeit losing trip to Malsis School last year and will return there on 14th June.

The away fixture with the Airedale Junior League is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon 5th August.

A date of Sunday 2nd August has been provisionally accepted for a return away match with the Bradford Junior League at Idle CC.

 

date	venue	opponents
17th May 2009	Oxenhope	AJCL (Aire-Wharfe)
14th June 2009	Malsis School	Bradford JCL
2nd August 2009	Idle	Bradford JCL
5th August 2009	TBC	AJCL (Aire-Wharfe)

UAJCL formally announces its 2009 18-player under-12squad which includes many of last years top performing under-11s from the CartaSport League. Georgina Smith (Gargrave), 2008 Girl Cricketer of the Year is included along with 17 boys, who have all made themselves available for selection:

George Sutcliffe, 2008 u-11 Cricketer-of-the-Year, from the Skipton Club will Captain the 2009 side.

The team for the first match on 17th May vs the AJCL (Aire-Wharfe) will be announced within the next 10 days.

The Squad is Pat Lee & Alex Horsfield (both Glusburn), George Sutcliffe (Capt & w-k) & Angus McCabe (both Skipton), Jack Keighley, Oliver Huck, Ben Howell, Sam Nettleton & Nicholas Sharples (all Oakworth), Luke Hipgrave (Earby), Joseph Metcalfe, Jonah Smith, Georgina Smith, Joe Wood & Thomas Storr (all Gargrave), Josh Ferguson & Lewis Hopkinson (both Oxenhope). Charlie Shimmin (Haworth WE) has yet to confirm availability.

Wonderful English summer rain finally ruined the third and final u-12s Test of 2008. Our boys visited Hall Park CC to try and complete a hat-trick of wins. The Airedale JCL opponents though were in no mood for generosity as they were keen to avenge our win earlier in the year at Oxenhope.

The match was abandoned with the wicket soaked and puddling only 5 balls into the AJCL innings after our boys endured an uncomfortable 30 overs of variable bounce engineered by the AJCL bowlers on the unpredictable strip. We made just 77-6 but had no understanding of whether that was good or bad!

The innings got off to a bad start as openers Shane Taylforth and Macauley Cunningham were late to arrive and George Ingham (pictured middle) and Sam Phillips stepped into the breach. The pair were pinned down and George failed to dig out an off-stick Yorker from Lester and was out for 1. Sam too encountered a sharp rising ball and fended off to square leg to be caught off Chana at 3 for 2. The two Earby openers had by now arrived and their experience was no different facing a variety of bounce. Macauley looked in fine nick despite his surprising indifferent league form. Shane was his usual aggressive self and had no difficulty counting to six as he hogged the strike. Macauley was out for 6 as a hefty blow to our hopes in view of his earlier amazing contributions. He was caught by Inglis off Gill.

Shane went on to make 19 before he too fell sweeping the spinner Reeve at 29 for 4. Haworth West End pair Liam Chipman (pictured below) and Joshua Holt were called on to re-build and create a stand but the bosom-buddies crafted a run-out for Josh at 30-5. Oxenhope Keeper Liam Humphreys proved though a little more resilient helping t'other Liam to display a fine array of strokes. The young glove-man rode his luck and nurdled well making only 8 in a 35 stand. He was eventually caught at 65-6. Number 8 was Sutton's Ben Whitfield making his second appearance and he tried to take the attack to the AJCL as the overs ran out. Chipman was unbowed on a well crafted 30 with Ben on 3.

The weather changed almost on cue and only 5 balls from Jack Shepherd were managed before the end came and despite a 30 minute wait the conditions were just too bad so the match was abandoned.

So the Year ended with our lads unbeaten (just) and all expressing absolute delight at their enjoyment.

After the success in our first meeting at under-12 with the Bradford Junior League, UAJCL has selected and invited the following players for Wednesday 6th August (2:00pm) at Hall Park CC, Horsforth to play the Aire-Wharfe u12s.

In an attempt to complete a clean sweep of the 2008 'Test' matches, UAJCL makes six changes from the successful team which overcame Bradford at Malsis. Into the team come Ben Whitfield (Sutton), Liam Humphreys (Oxenhope), Joshua Holt (Haworth West End), Jack Shepherd (Wharfedale) and cousins James and John Stephenson (Wharfedale). Our Captain will again be Shane Taylforth of Earby.

Fixtures Secretary Terry Thompson said "Without doubt the squad we have available this year is probably our best ever and it would be fantastic to complete an unbeaten season. But the Aire-Wharfe side are excellent cricketers and our win over them at Oxenhope will count for nothing. It will be another tough challenge for the boys"

Ben Addison in action at Malsis vs Braford

Callum Lockett (Wharfedale Rams) in full flow

The idyllic setting of Malsis School provided a wonderful backdrop for our first ever meeting with the Bradford Junior League at under-12 level. Hosting a UAJCL 'Test Match' for the first time the School did UAJCL proud with smoothly executed arrangements. Then there was the cricket; the fabulous cricket! Over 330 runs, a last over result, broken windows and stunning quality cricket from two well matched Area teams.

As in the first Test UAJCL was asked to field and so Oxenhope's Ben Addison and Wharfedale Rams Callum Lockett were first up to bowl at Sharp and Richardson the Bradford League openers. Ben's first over radar was slightly off beam but Callum was bang on the money with the wicket of Sharp in his first over. Liam Chipman (Haworth WE) took the excellent catch at 9 for 1. No 3 Murgatroyd got straight after Ben with consecutive fours to kick start the Bradford momentum. After six overs the board read 32-1 as the bowlers re-assumed a little control. Leg spinner Charlie Slater, a late replacement for Wharfedale team mate Jack Shepherd, was introduced early along with home boy Sam Phillipson of Malsis School. The pair couldn't break the growing Bradford partnership but Charlie put in 15 dot balls in his 0-9 in 3 overs. Sam's spell included 3 wides but 0-14 was Ok in the context of a lightening fast outfield and glorious sunshine and Bradford on 57-1.

The two batsmen seemed to have seen through their sticky spell and both resumed their acquaintance with the boundary. The half way mark of the innings was passed with drizzle becoming heavier just before Oakworth's George Ingham got the nod for an lbw against Murgatroyd who had eight 4s in his smartly crafted 40. The partnership had been 69 runs in 13 overs of entertaining cricket. There was a short 5 minute interval for the conditions as no 5 Devonshire also made his intentions very clear. Captain Shane Taylforth conceded 22 including five 4s whilst George went for 15 in his 3. Opener Richardson was still there seemingly set for a half-century but Jamaal Knowles induced a difficult low down catch from Sam Phillipson prowling at extra cover. Richardson made 42 (six 4s) and had set up a likely decent total for his side. With five overs remaining the Bradford tally was 132-4. Devonshire was well in and the lanky Keelan soon settled to a brisk scoring routine. The pair added 33 before opening bowler Lockett returned to bowl Keelan for 29. The innings closed soon after at 167-4 with Devonshire on 33 not out after a demonstration of wonderful timing and shot selection.

Action from the Test vs Bradford. George Ingham of Oakworth bowls

After a magnificent tea from Mrs Lush the challenge for our batsmen unfolded with the Earby pairing of Shane Taylforth and Macauley Cunningham taking guard against Robinson and Wright for Bradford. The start was rightly cautious as the pair sensibly got used the slightly faded light and slower outfield after the drizzle. The first 6 overs brought 16 runs and the next six 38 as the pair began to accelerate with bowler Clough particularly under pressure. The confidence coming from opening together for their clubs had again paid dividends but just as their stride was lengthening Shane allowed one from A Leather through his defence and onto his timbers and he was back in the pavilion for 23. Number 3 George Ingham seemed nervous at first but his first cut for 4 settled any inner collywobbles he might have had. But at the other end Macauley really took the reins and spin bowler Smith was catapulted at the magnificent school building facade with invisible power. Consecutive sixes brought gasps from the absorbed crowd, the second shattering a special glass window as the youngster approached his second consecutive fifty. It arrived shortly after to rapturous applause from his team mates on the boundary. It was another exhibition of maturely controlled batsmanship not often seen at such a tender age. The return of Opening bowler Robinson was a masterstroke and a peach of a ball took the off stump bails and the glorious knock was over for a stunning 65. The reply stood at 101-2 in the 19th over so the game was still well and truly on provided the run rate could be maintained. Sam Phillipson clearly knew the wicket well and he rightly took time to play himself in, whilst George stroked his fourth boundary as he too was now in flowing mode.

As at Oxenhope the timing was nigh on perfect with the winning runs coming from Callum with 2 balls unbowled.

So there it was amid the handshakes and backslaps, a second successive win against quality opposition in a hugely entertaining game played in the finest spirit by two teams full of massive promise. As always it can be a shame that there is a loser in a close game but UAJCL can draw immense pride from not only their technical performance but their cool headedness under heavy pressure at the culmination of the match. Sam Phillipson's intervention was significant with 30 not out whilst Macauley Cunningham showed still developing class, above anyone else on show today. Lockett's all-round contribution was also telling but the whole team confidence was visible for miles.

For Bradford, Robinson's bowling was always a handful and 2 for 24 from his 6 overs was just reward. Dowling's introduction brought him 2 for 13 albeit it perhaps too little too late.

For our first meeting at under-12 with the Bradford League, UAJCL has selected and invited the following players for 15th May (2:00pm) at Malsis School, Glusburn.

UAJCL makes five changes from the successful team which overcame Aire-Wharfe at Oxenhope to cover unavailabilities and give more players from the squad their opportunity to excel. Into the team come Jamaal Allcock-Knowles (Earby), James Lee (Oakworth), Joe Holt (Embsay), Sam Phillipson (Malsis), Jack Shepherd (Wharfedale) and Callum Lockett (Wharfedale). Our Captain will again be Shane Taylforth of Earby.

Fixtures Secretary Terry Thompson said "Now we've made our maiden win, we can go on and demonstrate that we do have talent in our little backwater. Maybe we might even make the YCB sit up and take some notice and consider some of our boys for the County."

Other squad members not selected above will be considered for the Aire-Wharfe match on 6th August.

More action from the Test with Ben Addison of Oxenhope showing his paces on his home ground.

The rain relented and a sunny if not warm afternoon greeted the third home 'Test' in 3 years against Aire-Wharfe (AJCL) with UAJCL yet to win. The visitors openers Harrison and Heslop started with natural caution facing Izaak Beck and local lad Ben Addison. After their 3-over spells the score stood at 30-0 as the singles were replaced by boundaries. George Ingham too was replaced by 12th man James Lee after he took a knock to his finger. After a wayward first over Jake Parkinson and Matthew Price applied the brakes with admirable accuracy. After 12 overs Aire-Wharfe tallied 48 perhaps only par for the wicket. The pressure was released with boundaries off Joshua Holt but Ben Whitfield  continued a tight rein. Holt took revenge with our first wicket at 69 in the 17th over. It was a neat caught and bowled to dismiss Harrison for a fluent 41 (seven 4s).

Number 3 Woodward soon settled but the scoring rate continued to hover around the 4 mark. Skipper Shane Taylforth took off fellow Earby team mate Macauley Cunningham after a little tap and the introduction of Liam Chipman brought a second wicket at 108. It was Heslop who departed clean bowled for a fine 40 (five 4s) in the 24th over.  Next over Jake Parkinson got considerable reward for exemplary bowling with a catch from Cunningham to dismiss Woodward for 23 at 111-3. The last 5 overs brought 29 runs as Goldthorpe and Gill pushed on making 9 and 18 respectively to post 140-3 for their boys.

The pick of the bowlers was undoubtedly the 5 overs of off-spin from Matthew Price whilst Jake Parkinson and Ben Whitfield were particularly frugal.

Our two openers from Earby stepped out as at the Barritt-Stephenson Cup Final last year and they teed off in similar style. Skipper Taylforth was not surprisingly the more ebullient and the required run rate of 4.7 was exceeded early in the piece. After six overs we had 28-0 with the two Lancashire trialists showing a mature approach to attacking the rate. Shane provided the power and Macauley the classic stroke play. At 12 overs the pair were still together with the tins showing 53-0. One over later the skipper cover drove uppishly and the well positioned Gill took a fine catch to have him headed to the hut for 31 at 55-1 and a wicket for bowler Mason with his fourth ball. It had been the innings we expected including five snappy boundaries off all the AJCL bowlers.  

A similarly aggressive attitude by Liam Chipman signalled a step up in pace from Cunningham who began to show the highest quality technique already evidenced in last year's Cup Final. He began to dominate the bowlers, driving, pulling, glancing; the full monty. Chipman too played a great part not giving respite to any of the 10 bowlers the AJCL employed. After 18 overs the board had moved on to 82-1, fractionally behind the posted run rate. Four overs on Cunningham was in flow with Chipman joining in the growing confidence that the target could be reached for our first ever win over AJCL. At 94 Liam was bowled by Robinson for a sparkling 20, a fine input from the 2007 u13 UAJCL Cricketer of the Year. So 47 were needed from what promised to be 8 very interesting overs.

The diminutive Ben Whitfield was anxious to get into the action but Cunningham cornered the strike splaying runs all around the resplendent Oxenhope greensward. His fifty came with his 8th four in an innings drawing warm applause from a healthy crowd. Ben departed for 5 trying to pull Jones but was snaffled by a grateful Goldthorpe. All-rounder Matthew Price joined the fray at 121-3 with 22 balls left to make 20 runs. What a a finale! True to his instructions he played himself in and allowed Macauley to continue his assault on the bowlers.

There was no panic just excellent youthful batsmanship from both youngsters. Macauley showed maturity in bucket loads as he timed it to perfection and the last over was reached with just 3 needed. It needed two balls and at the fifth attempt we had beaten a gallant AJCL. If there is a better prospect in UAJCL he will need to be good for Macauley Cunningham with 67no showed all concerned that we have the talent within our area and we can compete with the best and make no mistake this was a fine AJCL side we had just overcome.

Above: Matthew Price kept AJCL under a tight rein with his off-spin

Batting hero Macauley Cunningham who hit a superb 67 no for UAJCL

It was a deserved success with all three disciplines in working order and the scene is now set to take on the Bradford Junior League at Malsis School on June 15th. Don't miss it!!

The under-12s Test match versus the Bradford League on 15th June is to be played at Malsis School at Glusburn, further cementing relations with UAJCL. The match will be a 2:00pm start over 30 overs. There is ample car parking and Refreshments will be available throughout the afternoon.

This Sunday 18th May sees the first Test of the summer against regular opponents Aire-Wharfe at Oxenhope CC. Max Davidson, the Taverners manager is expected to attend to see the young prospects in action.

Come along and give our young lads your support and try the famous Oxenhope teas .. delissssh

Upper Wharfedale's Callum Lockett has been selected to represent his club Ben Rhydding in the National Hockey Finals in Nottingham. His dilemma is that it clashes with the Test Match vs Aire-Wharfe this week. UAJCL fully understand his decision to opt for the Hockey and we wish him well.

Callum's place in the u12 side will be taken by all-rounder George Ingham of Oakworth. His team mate James Lee comes in as 12th man for the match at Oxenhope this Sunday at 2:00pm

The home fixture with the Bradford Junior League will now beheld on the afternoon (2:00pm)  Sunday 15th June, one week later than originally scheduled. This will avoid any clash with Senior Cup Rounds. The venue will be confirmed shortly.

The UAJCL team selected to tackle Aire-Wharfe League on 18th May (2:00pm) at Oxenhope has been chosen as below. One or two changes to the squad are necessary due to unavailability. Captain of our third attempt to overcome our nearest neighbours will be Shane Taylforth of Earby.

Other squad members not selected above will be considered for the Bradford match on 15th June.

After last year's narrow 5-run defeat to the Sheffield League, our conquerors are seeking a match in the South potentially a Sunday in August. More soon.

This year UAJCL u-12s Test team will again face the Airedale Junior League, home and away, still seeking their first win in the 3-year series. The home match will be on Sunday 18th May once again at Oxenhope Cricket Club. A 22-player provisional squad has been selected:

Shane Taylforth, Macauley Cunningham, Jake Ellis & Jamaal Knowles (all Earby), Jack Shepherd, Callum Lockett, James Stephenson, Charlie Slater & Jake Parkinson (all Wharfedale), Liam Humphreys (Oxenhope), George Ingham & James Lee (Oakworth), Jack Roberts & Ryan Narey (Silsden), Ben Whitfield (Keighley), Matthew Price (Bradley), Liam Chipman & Joshua Holt (Haworth WE), Joe Holt, Nick Woodhead & Izaak Beck (all Skipton), Sam Ridding (Gargrave)

A second fixture with the might of the Bradford League has now been arranged for Sunday June 8th at a venue to be determined. The challenges get tougher!!

Action from the 2007 match vs Sheffield at Denholme CC

After the Huddersfield JCL Test was rained off, our boys now head for Hall Park Cricket Club on 8th August (Wednesday 2:00pm) to again take on the very strong Aire-Wharfe based Airedale JCL.

After the week's horrendous downpours it was welcome relief to get the UAJCL u12s Test against Sheffield under way, albeit in overcast conditions. Skipper Jack Davison won the toss and put the visitors in on the drying Denholme strip. Openers William Hale and Jordan Bethel, fresh from massive Sheffield success against North Yorkshire faced up to UAJCL bowlers Ellis Atha (Oxenhope) and Lewis Wrathall (Oakworth). And the young Oaks all-rounder again came up trumps with perhaps the vital scalp of County lad Bethel for a duck, clean bowled off his fifth ball. The start was vital and Atha too got in on the act in his second over to also clean bowl Hale for 2 and amazingly Sheffield stood at 3-2. Joe Marven and Jack Myers had to start afresh with our boys tails well in the air. Twin bowling changes after the sixth over at 12-2 introduced Upper Wharfedale's Sam Shepherd (pictured) and Bradley's Jack Beetham. Shepherd settled well but Jack allowed Myers a couple of boundaries to ease the pressure. But he had sweet revenge inducing the catch from Marven 7 to Embsay keeper Daniel Ridehalgh. If that brought the sun out it decided to stay out one over later when the immaculate Shepherd had Ellis Atha in the right place to take out Myers for 14 at an incredible Sheffield 25-4. Now it was really game on as the crowd murmour switched to the possibility of a first UAJCL win. South Yorkshire lads Jack Simmonite and Joe Tetley now had to face a double threat from two lads on their home pitch in leg-spinner Andrew Wear and the 'tartan twin' Alasdair Gerrard. The ploy worked a treat with a catch from Jack Beetham for the blond-haired Wear and Tetley (1) too was ready for his tea at 35-5 in the 15th over. The welcome warmth of the sun seemed to swell the crowd or perhaps it was the news of UAJCL's fantastic start to the game. It got still better. Sheffield Number 7 AJ Hale fell under the Denholme spell and Andy Wear had his second after a catch from Max Bell (U Wharfedale). The gods were certainly smiling as were most West Yorkshire watchers with the Sheffield League now on a ponderous 37-6 in the 17th over. The diminutive Mattie Lee (Oakworth) pitched in but proved a little wayward and then his club mate and skipper Jack Davison brought his brand of leg spin into the battle. But he too was out of sorts and Simmonite and number 8 Jack Anderson began to fashion a stand. The re-introductions of Shepherd, Wrathall and Atha helped keep the run rate in check but the Sheffield pairing could not be parted. The seventh wicket stand remained unbroken at 46 runs in 13 overs and the final Sheffield tally 83-6.

Both the batsmen were not out 26 and top bowlers Andy Wear had 6-2-10-2, Sam Shepherd 5-2-4-1 and Ellis Atha 6-1-12-1. UAJCL lads probably enjoyed their tea slightly the better but they still had to bat.

A new UAJCL opening pair right-hander Max Bell and left-hander Jack Beetham took guard against Sheffield bowler Saqib Hussain paired with Lewis Hobbs. Hussain bowled very accurately but it was Hobbs who struck the first blow with Max bowled for 5. Beetham was very watchful and Andrew Wear also built steadily. They took UAJCL on to 15 with Marven and Woods now the bowlers. Woods firstly bowled Jack for a patient 2 and then namesake Jack Davison collected his second UAJCL zero, cutting and knicking to keeper Tetley to plunge the score-board to 17-3. The run rate presented no problems at 2.5 but the loss of Wear for 8, bowled by Marven was a hammer blow at 23-4 in the 11th over. New caps Matthew Lee and Daniel Ridehalgh were up against it from the start of their knocks but they added 11 in 3 overs until Lee (4) tried to pull the leg-spin of Anderson and found Hale waiting without moving at square leg. The UAJCL score line now at 34-5 resembled that of the Sheffield innings but there were still sixteen overs left to fathom the 50 to win. Another Daniel came into the lion's den in Ellison-Bates from Upper Wharfedale, our top scorer in the last match. The two Dans manly picked away at all the bowlers and kept the score-board rolling at or near the requisite rate. Ridehalgh had more of the strike and with two boundaries he tallied 21 in a 12-over re-trenchment. It was much needed, at times fortunate but it definitely put UAJCL on track for that first victory. He fell caught behind to give the admirably straight Hussain a wicket in his fourth over. Now the box showed 66-6, 18 required 7 overs in which to do it and four wickets in hand. Lay your money and place your bets! T'other Daniel was now joined by Lewis Wrathall who had batted with aplomb against the Aire-Wharfe at Oxenhope. It was his boundary off Myers which set the hearts pounding with 76 already scored and wanting 8 for victory and 23 balls in hand.

The wheels then came off the bus. Lewis will no doubt later reflect on his attempted drive to the perfectly straight one from Hussain, and on his peg out of the ground for 5. But the young Dales lad Daniel was settled and into double figures. The fifth over from returning bowler Hobbs turned out the hardest to take. His third ball reared up off the pitch striking Daniel on the wrist. No worries though he wasn't injured (calm down dear!). But the next ball kept fiendishly low as Daniel played correctly with the ball going under his shot and into the stumps. His stand with Ridehalgh and his innings of 14 had once again shown what a fine prospect he is. It was 78-8 and the Sheffield boys now sensed they could rescue the match from the UAJCL grasp. Alasdair Gerrard, the home lad and Sam Shepherd were under enormous stress still needing 6 to win. Hobbs made that yet more arduous as the next ball had Shepherd walking disconsolately back without scoring. 78-9 and last man left hander Ellis Atha joined the young Denholme player with the Sheffield fielders looming and the bowlers on fire. The next over, the 29th was two balls old and Merven bowled Gerrard for 2 and UAJCL were all out for 78.

With typical guts all the UAJCL boys creditably came out to shake the hands of their conquerors by 5 runs despite obvious desperate disappointment at the result.

The Sheffield bowlers had like UAJCL allowed only one real stand of substance and thereafter tightened the noose. Hobbs was the main striker with 5-1-9-3 and Marven, Hussain and Woods all had braces.

What a match and any neutrals at Denholme could not have wished for a more enthralling afternoon's entertainment. Well done to Sheffield and UAJCL will try again in August.

The UAJCL band of 2007 under-12 hopefuls found the going distinctly hard at Oxenhope against last years u-11 Lords Taverners Yorkshire Champions, the Airedale Junior Cricket League.

AJCL batted first with Openers Mountain and Read respectful of the bowling from UAJCL Ellis Atha and Sam Smith (U Wharfedale). Atha on his home ground clean bowled Read (4) in his second over at 8-1. A great start which needed early follow up from the bowlers to create pressure for the visitors. Mountain and AJCL Captain Inglis, both highly regarded at County level, combined to keep scoring at around 3 per over. Inglis in particular rode his luck, being dropped twice with numerous lofted shots just failing to go to hand. Left arm Sam Shephard also from Upper Wharfedale and Lewis Wrathall (Oakworth) continued to restrict scoring opportunities but without further break-through; until the 15th over. It was the introduction of leg-spin from Denholme's Andrew Wear which halted their progress at 55-2 after they had added 47 runs in 11 overs. Inglis on 26 was the man to go, smartly stumped by Settle keeper Robbie Davidson. He had been the more free scoring of the two with Mountain still solid on 20. Two overs later the blond bowler had his second with a catch off his own bowling, skied by no 4 Atkins (1). The 62-3 soon became 72-4 with another caught and bowled from Robert Beresford (Bradley) as no 5 Doidge departed for 5. With new partner Hurford, Mountain accelerated taking successive boundaries off Sam Shepherd's second spell. But the bowler took sweet revenge rearranging the batsman's stumps for 42 at 95-5. Two balls on Shepherd sent partner Hurford back also clean bowled for 7 at 96-6. If the last six overs could be contained UAJCL might have an attainable target to go at. In fact 22 runs came with the additional scalp of Myers for 4, a first wicket for Lewis Wrathall. So the AJCL final tally was 118-7, a target set at a tad under 4 per over. UAJCL bowling had been as the curate's egg, good in parts, but with 11 wides conceded, often wayward. Andrew Wear had 3-0-12-2 and Sam Shepherd 6-1-26-2 as leading bowlers with one wicket each for Atha, Wrathall and Beresford.

Ben Schindler (U Wharfedale) and Andrew Wear opened steadily in the face of highly accurate left arm bowling from Broadley, clearly a cut above the rest. Partner Pratt too was tidy as the UAJCL lads settled. With the score on 8-0 Broadley's third over brought the downfall of first of all Wear 6 caught by Inglis and then home skipper Jack Davison (Oakworth) was bowled first ball. To hammer home the incision Pratt got in on the act bowling Schindler on 3 to leave UAJCL in deep trouble at 9-3. First change Read struck the hammer blow with a first ball dismissal of Robbie Davidson for 0 and at 9-4 any hope of an upset by UAJCL was laid to rest. Ben Fothergill (Oakworth) and Daniel Ellison-Bates (U Wharfedale) began the belated repair job in the seventh over with the latter showing attacking intention from the moment he made the crease. The pair stuck together for 7 overs adding 24 runs until another new bowler, Mountain, also struck with his first ball to have the Dales lad bowled for 17.

The be-spattered scoreboard showed 33-5 and the left arm accuracy of Mountain then too the game by the scruff to all but snuff out the home side completely. The talented young bowler took out Fothergill 9, Atha 0 and Beresford 0 without a run being added and the sorry board then read 33-8. Number 8 Lewis Wrathall had little option and put bat firmly to ball and with a little help from Sam Smith and Sam Shepherd the score crept to 55 all out.

Wrathall remained unbowed on 13 whilst Mountain could bathe in the 4-4-0-4 figures achieved only rarely in a bowler's career, whilst his companion leftie Broadley with 3-2-1-2 looked a very fine prospect indeed.

Whilst the match was the clearest victory for AJCL both sides struck just six boundaries each. UAJCL can take positives from much of the bowling and the batting of Daniel Ellison-Bates and Lewis Wrathall despite the overall disappointment at batting for only 21 of the allotted 30 overs. The fielding was generally lack-lustre and contrasted deeply with the sharp responsive attitude in the field of the AJCL team. The return match is to be held on Wednesday 8th August in the Aire-Wharfe area at a ground to be decided. There will almost certainly be changes as the managers have a large squad at their disposal and as in 2006 a second time around improved performance can hopefully be achieved. But before the return with AJCL a match at Denholme against the Sheffield JCL takes centre stage on 17th June.

20th May is the date for UAJCL's young under 12s to again take on their counterparts from the AJC League, who overcame our boys home and away in 2006. The match is again to be staged at Oxenhope Cricket Club at 2:00pm. A squad of around 20 young players was created as perceptibly capable of matching the Airedale Junior Cricket League and the final team is named in full below. All the players clearly demonstrated above average cricket abilities throughout season 2006 as under-11s and as such their selection is specifically designed to provide continuity of experience in Representative Level cricket in advance of potential selection for the Craven Area Lords Taverners’ u13 XIs, later in 2007 or more likely in 2008.

The 2007 team comprises: Robbie Davidson (Settle), wk, Ellis Atha (Oxenhope), Andrew Wear (Denholme), Ben Fothergill, Jack Davison & Lewis Wrathall, (all Oakworth), Daniel Ellison-Bates, Ben Schindler, Sam Smith & Sam Shepard (all Upper Wharfedale), Robert Beresford, (Bradley). Reserve is Daniel Ridehalgh (Embsay)

The team has been selected entirely from boys and girls aged below 12 years of age at September 1^st 2006. Boys in the squad but not selected on this occasion will of course remain in contention for places in the Second Test against Sheffield in June.

Last year's highly successful introduction by UAJCL of inter-area 'Test' matches for under-12s has seen two approaches to UAJCL for 2007. Last year our boys thoroughly enjoyed home and away matches with neighbours the Airedale Junior Cricket League, drawn mainly from Aire-Wharfe clubs. Agreement has now been reached to again play the AJCL in our patch on 20th May at a venue to be determined. As in 2006 a return match will be arranged for an afternoon, mid-week in August.

Additionally the Sheffield Junior League are also very keen to engage our lads and discussions are continuing about dates, venues etc. It is rumoured that the Leeds League also are seeking fixtures although no formal approach has yet been made.

A review of playing performances from last year's under-11s is underway and the selectors hope to announce a provisional squad very soon. It seems likely to feature a number of players from Oakworth, Upper Wharfedale and Settle (pictured), who dominated last year's CartaSport u-11 league and cup competitions.

Hopes are high that after last year's two defeats, the second only narrow, 2007 might see UAJCL break its 'duck'.

UAJCL's under-12s team did the Area proud taking the AJCL boys to a narrow 16 run margin. AJCL had once again a strong batting line up with some pedigree but our lads did a great job in taking the result to the last over. So AJCL win the mini-series 2-0 perhaps as expected but UAJCL can take huge encouragement that our lads can and did compete well in all disciplines.

AJCL openers Red Bolton and J Inglis started cautiously with 25 from the first six overs, from Alex Yates (Earby) and Will Smith (Gargrave). Smith in particular had bowled an excellent length giving only 6 runs from his first spell of 3. Bolton, who had taken 71 from UAJCL in the first match at Oxenhope looked in not quite such form and partner Inglis was more dominant.  UAJCL u-13 Cup final bowling hero Owen Palmer and Upper Wharfedale's Ben Davey were pitched in next but the two AJCL boys accelerated taking another 35 and the score to 60 without loss. Each bowler conceded 22 from their 3 overs with Inglis still the major partner. By the 18th over AJCL had reached 87 still without loss in much the same vein, Chris Bowker (Earby) and Jonny Wilkinson (Sutton) bowling in tandem. Captain Ryan Sumner (Earby) changed the bowling plan in an effort to break the burgeoning stand and it came courtesy of a run out for Inglis on 47. The young opener had scored briskly from just 56 balls, stroking 7 boundaries to give his side a great start. Number 3 George Ross picked up Inglis' lead but Bolton remained subdued by much of UAJCL bowling. The persistent and miserly Wilkinson induced a skier from Bolton (30) in the 23rd over and Denholme's Dale Feather snapped up the chance with a nonchalant ease. A great boost for UAJCL, who had failed to dismiss the talented opener at Oxenhope. At 106-2 the run rate had been slowed significantly as Wilkinson then had 1-10 from 3 and Bowker 0-11 from his 3.

Will Smith was brought back into the attack to try and continue the strangulation of the innings. But this signalled an onslaught from Ross with number 4 R Maver taking little strike. Will shipped 15 runs from his second spell and both Bowker and Wilkinson also found their earlier tightness breached. Ross (five 4s & one 6) had controlled the rate well and he went on to 'retire' at 52 to allow number 5 L Johnson to enter the fray. The last six overs were to ultimately cost UAJCL the match with 60 runs added in the 'charge'. An over from skipper "Pitbull" Sumner was taken for 18  whilst Ben Simons (Cononley) conceded only 9 runs from his two overs. Wilkinson's return to bowl the last over, hopefully tightly, was 'trumped' as the pair took 17 to ruin his figures and the Chris Bowker return two were taken for 15.

So AJCL tallied a challenging 173-2 after some excellent fielding from our boys had curtailed several boundary balls into threes. Our best bowlers turned out again to be openers Will Smith 6-1-21-0 and Alex Yates 6-1-23-0 whilst Tom Marshall again had an impressive day behind the timbers with only five byes.

UAJCL had racked up a hugely satisfying 157-3. albeit 16 short of their opponents, but nevertheless in comparable manner. There was of course disappointment but also masses of pride in a gallant performance. For Chris Bowker his 70 not out was awesome off only 86 balls. For the much less experienced Dale Feather 20 from 24 balls as the AJCL target was under assault. But for hosts AJCL too there was pride in setting the rate and keeping their heads when the chase was fully on. Patel claimed 6-2-21-2 and Inglis 6-1-24-1 as their bowling picks whilst Will Driver shipped 34 from 5 overs, a stunning change from the 4-5 taken at Oxenhope.

The final six overs had brought only 43 not the 60 required but UAJCL and indeed CDJCA Team Manager Colin Ridehalgh now has extensive insight into the potential for the 2007 Taverners XI.

UAJCL were asked to bat first and the two young Skipton left-handers Sam Baldwin and Luke Facey settled nicely before Luke was clean bowled by Redmond Bolton for just 5. Sutton's Jonny Wilkinson started with a smart boundary but was soon given caught behind by keeper Spivey also from the athletic Bolton's third over. It was 20-2 and time for a UAJCL stand and home man Tom Marshall provided the solid company for the young Skipton opener. They took the score on at 4 per over plus although boundaries were scarce on the still damp outfield. It was 49 before the next wicket fell, that of Marshall for 15, caught pulling off George Gamble. Number five Chris Bowker (Earby) had made 5 when he too was taken by the man behind the stumps also off Gamble. At 60-4 the innings was at a cross roads. Oakworth's Joe Hoyle teamed up with the sound and resilient Baldwin and once again the tins began to rotate. The pairing took UAJCL into the eighties with careful but productive batsmanship. At 86, Joe on 10,  dabbed a riser back at the bowler Will Driver who gratefully took the unexpected chance.  A somewhat optimistic dance down the wicket from Michael O'Rourke (Cononley) gave Driver his second and the AJCL lad then also took out Earby's Ryan Sumner and Alex Yates for golden ducks. Drivers' 3 overs had brought him 4-5. Sam Baldwin had tried to push on but he was bowled by George Ross for a patient but gritty 34. With 4 overs left a suicidal single was called by no 9 Will Smith (Gargrave) and no 11 Dale Feather (Denholme) was run out without facing to bring the UAJCL innings to a close at 94. UAJCL batting had been steady and secure without being spectacular but probably 30-40 runs short of a realistic target. The stand by Baldwin and Marshall was the undoubted highlight in the face of generally excellent bowling from the visitors, who did though allow 8 no-balls. In addition to Driver's innings-halting 4-5, Redmond Bolton also returned 2 for 6.

After a sumptuous Oxenhope tea Alex Yates (Earby) and Will Smith (Gargrave) set about an early wicket and Smith found it with his very first ball having Dominic Grimes caught superbly by the prowling Chris Bowker at 7-1. Fellow opener Red Bolton took care to play himself in as Yates and Smith gave up only 17 runs from their first 6 over spell together. No 3 George Ross assumed the second fiddle position allowing Bolton to display a range of strokes not seen in the UAJCL innings. At 58-1 a direct hit from that young man Bowker took out Ross as Bolton was getting into full stride. Skipper Ryan Sumner (Earby) came into the attack but under-pitching took him straight out again with 16 from his one over. Bolton was now free flowing and Cononley's Michael O'Rourke took the full brunt suffering 29 as the classy opener took himself beyond 50 and the AJCL to victory in the 15th over by 8 wickets. Bolton's 71 was head and shoulders above anything else on show and a potentially close contest was foiled by his wonderful all round contribution which included 15 fours and the only six of the match.

For UAJCL there was plenty of positives to take from the defeat. The batting of Baldwin, Marshall and Hoyle as well as very tidy bowling from Yates, Smith and Jonny Wilkinson spring very much to mind. The out-fielding was exemplary and the one catch which went to hand was well taken. Far from being discouraged, in this our first venture of this kind,  the whole team are raring to have another shot at AJCL and it seems likely this will take place at Pool-in-Wharfedale CC on the 9th August.