Hfx U13s lost by 4 runs

The Halifax u13s one boundary short at Booth

The Halifax u13s team came up just one mighty heave short in a game dominated by boundaries and byes in another close contest at Booth. Booth batting first, made first use of the short boundaries on both sides and rattled away, putting 68 on the board in the 1st 7 overs despite Christian Cullerton bowling an excellent maiden and bowling one of the Booth openers. Following 2 retirements the Booth batsmen continued to swing hard and once too often as James Bancroft completed a smart stumping off Danny Grayshon. Lightcliffe's fielding now improved significantly with Henry Bancroft's accurate throw from point bringing a run out and Joel Holmes then taking a catch at mid wicket off Henry Bancroft's bowling, Ryan McConnell also worked hard at fine leg. Accurate bowling from Jack Drakeford , Ethan Dyson and Callum Barlow, who picked up 2 wickets, the 1st a skier well caught by Joel Holmes and the 2nd a very smart caught and bowled, restricted Booth to 1 run off the last 4 overs as they closed at 130 for 6.

Chasing Lightcliffe lost new opener Ryan McConnell to Booths pacey opener H.Wajid in the 2nd over but a combination of boundaries and extras kept the scoreboard moving and Lightcliffe has reached 63 in 10 overs when James Bancroft was bowled for 10. Connor Robinson made a quick fire start and initially with Joel Holme, who retired for 26 (reached with a 6) his 3rd retirement in a row, and then Christian Cullerton the score had reached106 after 15 before he was caught for 15. Booth recalled their main bowlers and with only 4 scored off the next 2 overs for the loss of Henry Bancroft boundaries were again needed. Christian Cullerton suppled a couple and with Jack Drakeford also finding the boundary it came down to 12 needed off the last with Wajid steaming in. Christian Cullerton with a square drive for 4, his 6th, reached a well played retirement and Ben Newton was run out by a direct hit from fine leg as Lightcliffe ran for everything. With the last ball requiring 6 for a tie Danny Grayshon swung hard and ran for 2 to leave Lightcliffe just a boundary short in what had again been a very enjoyable game with everyone displaying an increasing awareness of how to try and chase down a score and play for the team.