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 matches 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 o