AFTER a famous Twenty/20 win over Division One Cleckheaton, the firsts came back down to earth on Saturday with a nine wicket defeat against Bankfoot.
A combination of fine fielding, accurate bowling and brutal batting were the key to Lightcliffe CC's Twenty/20 win over top flight opposition.
On a sun kissed evening every Lightcliffe player wore the shirt with pride to record a famous win in fr
ont of a packed crowd, swelled by the added excitement of a Yorkshire Cup crown green bowls match taking place on the adjoining green.
Cleckheaton were restricted to 154 all out thanks to fine seam and spin bowling, in particular from the guile of Tom Powe who made a welcome return to form with four fine overs. James Horne also picked up a couple of wickets with some well flighted spinners.
The Lightcliffe reply got off to a flyer with Tahir Khan and Simon Black looking in good nick. Their opening partnership set the foundation for the innings.
With less than one a ball needed they were coasting. However, panic spread through the team with the winning post in sight.
Jocky Wilson (30), Khan (54), Black (36), Rick Powe and James Horne all fell looking to strike one on to the M62.
With seven needed from three overs it was left to the calm head of Mark Horne to guide the Wakefield Roaders home and spark wild celebrations. The only downer on a night of glory was a worrying injury to in-form skipper Richard Nichols. He was waiting for results on an x-ray to a leg injury.
After the game Wilson said: "Brilliant, loved every minute of it.
"We made it hard work but it was a good all round team display and we are now back in the mix in our group."
l On Saturday against Bankfoot, Lightcliffe were given first use of another good Rod Heyhoe wicket which had survived the overnight downpour.
With in-form skipper Nichols out injured – and possibly out for six weeks – Michael Brooke opened up with Umar Salim.
After a steady start, the departure of both the openers along with run out victims Tahir Khan and James Horne, Lightcliffe were left with an uphill task to post a decent total. However, a fine knock by Wilson sprinkled with attacking menace and defensive prods provided the platform for a useful total. The vice captain ended on a impressive 76 not out.
There was another useful late contribution by Horne.
The Lightcliffe bowling never really got in a rhythm. Simon Black – watched by a posse of relatives from down under – found some bounce and swing but was without luck. Dan Keighley toiled away in the late evening sunshine but went without reward. Adil Ladak found some lift and movement but couldn't remove the imposing figure of 'The General', Simon Curry.
Joe Duffy was unlucky to see one go down at slip. The only success was for Ladak, cleaning up Warmsley.
Much credit should go to Heyhoe and his hard working team for ensuring a prompt start.
