THE UAJCA FESTIVAL !!

[Click for past results]

The 20th Annual UAJCA Festivals on 9th June [Girls] 16th June [mixed] 

12 weeks after the Under-13 Festival was curtailed in horrendously heavy rain, the Harden club staged the un-played semi-finals and the Final to complete the UAJCA prestigious event. In the first semi-final, a Worth Valley derby, Haworth posted an excellent 34 score thanks to boundaries from Max Wareing. The Oakworth bowlers had failed to dislodge the young all-rounder and with fielding lapses had helped the Haworth boys into pole position. The Oakworth batting line-up looked strong enough to chase down the total but a lack-lustre approach with too many ot balls and poor running filed to inspire and Haworth deservedly reached the final by a 3-run margin. Alwoodley batting too was somewhat restricted partly by good Steeton bowling, particularly from Finlay Hampson,  and a similar inability to turn ones into twos and to strike the boundary. The 29 total was though shy of the first semi-final and the Steeton side would find their passage to the final surprisingly easier.

In the Final Haworth [pictured right] again batted first and once more young Wareing was the mainstay of the attack but he had plenty of help and with 14 runs from the fourth over, a highest yet total of 37 was posted.  Steeton would now face much more pressure to take the Trophy. That pressure was increased by the loss of a wicket in the first over, which left them requiring 35 runs in the remaining four overs. But the target proved within their reach with Archie Cox showing superb batting skills scoring sufficient boundaries to propel Steeton [above] to the win with four balls to spare.

The progress of the Festival though was again interrupted by heavy rain but after heroic efforts form the Harden ground-staff with assistance form the participants, the final match was played. Huge thanks are due to the Harden club for its magnificent efforts with thee entire day for a substantial crowd of onlookers.

A lovely warm and sunny day on Father's day 18th June attracted around 6-700 people to the vast Sandylands grounds for the 2023 Black Rat Infestival. A record 25 teams were to take part with a five-team group of under-11 girls having their own competition for a new trophy.

The under-9s mixed softball competition organised as usual in two groups showcased the youngest recruits to UAJCA in a real 'boom' year for young people's cricket. The Trent Bridge group provided Oakworth with four comfortable victories to top that table whilst Settle concluded with a 3-1 return to take the 2nd spot ahead of Wharfedale, Bingley Congs and Crossflatts, all of whom were eliminated from the competition. The Edgbaston ground followed a similar path with Gt Horton Church also recording a 4-0 outcome on their return to the Festival. Surprise runners-up Barnoldswick really showed their mettle with a 3-1 outcome defeating holders Skipton, Cullingworth and NWCL compatriots Earby. So the semi-final line up was Gt Horton Church vs Settle and Oakworth vs Barnoldswick. Settle were comfortably defeated by Gt Horton Church whilst Oakworth fell 5 runs short of the 37 runs posted by the Barlick team. So it was to be a first Final for Barnoldwick whilst Gt Horton Church were returning to the competition after a few years absence. But first the 3rd-4th place play-off provided Oakworth with a second win against Settle. The 2nd match between the finalists went the same way as their earlier group fixture but proved a close encounter before the Bradford side ran out winners 48-1 vs 43-1 to take the trophy for a second time, the previous occasion nine years ago in 2013.

The inaugural Girls Festival Group brought together the four girls teams from 2022 along with 2023 addition Oakworth, who had settled well into their league campaign. Skipton and Crossflatts battled to avoid the wooden spoon but which fell to Crossflatts after their loss to Skipton. The Great Horton Church team provided the section's highest scores and reversed their two recent league defeats to Oakworh, who were otherwise unbeaten. The 3rd-4th place game between Skipton and Settle went the way of the hosts with a 17-run margin. The Oakworth vs Gt Horton Church Final was a clear cut win for the Allerton Road girls, who posted 45-1 which proved too many for the Worth Valley girls who reponded with 25-1. So GHC picked up their second trophy for their day's work whilst first year team Oakworth could feel very proud to have reached the Final.

Holders of the under-11 trophy, Alwoodley found the 2023 competition again to their liking but did lose to a strong Oakworth team on the Headingley pitch. Oakworth too lost their match up with debutants Addingham. To raise the tempo yet higher Alwoodley lowered their Aire-Wharfe fellow members colours to leave a 3 way bowl off to determine who would progress and into which semi-final slot. The bowl off eliminated Alwoodley with Addingham winning the group, Oakworth would face the winners of the Old Trafford section. That group was headed by Settle on the way to elimination for Crossflatts, Bingley Congs and Wharfedale. Settle would therefore face Oakworth in the semi-final. At this point the rains arrived and the competiion was foreshortened to a bowl-off basis as the weather looked fierce and likely long-lasting. It was not of course the ideal manner to determine finalists and ultimate winners but one that would allow the competition to conclude. Unbeaten Settle succumbed to the accuracy of the Oakworth bowlers who hit the timbers three times, whilst Addingham edged out Old Trafford runners-up Skipton by 2-1. The 3rd-4th play-off match was scrapped and then Addingham kept the trophy in Aire-Wharfe hands by defeating Oakworth 2-0.

Finally the eagerly awaited under-13 competition began with a posting of intent from Haworth with 92-2 against Crossflatts. Their progress was halted a little with a stunning Tied match of 71 runs each with Harden but a second win against Settle would ensure their place in the semi-finals. Tantalisingly three teams finished on 2 wins & 2 defeats to generate a 2nd place Play-off. Holders Alwoodley were the only ones to find the timber and they qualified ahead of Settle and Crossflatts. The bowl off though was conducted in torrential rain as the competition was destined to be curtailed. The Oval pitch competition concluded with Steeton remaining unbeaten ahead of 3-1 tallied Oakworth. Earby, Skipton and Addingham failing to make the semi-finals.

The semi-final line will be Oakworth vs Haworth and Steeton vs Alwoodley on a day to be agreed in an anticipated 2-semi-finals anf final mini-competition, potentially at Skipton CC.

The 19th Annual UAJCA Black Rat Festival on 18th June 2023 will see a record participation with 35 teams taking part. The addition of the Girls Group of five will see seven groupings on seven pitches. The u13s and u11s Sections remain as hardball standard matches with the u9s and Girls Group using the softball standard format. The schedule will include the following teams:

The highly-popular mid-season Cricket Picnic is to be held at Sandylands, as usual, on Sunday 18th June and again will be an all day festival with each 6-player team playing a minimum four games.  The sponsors will again be Black Rat, the on-line cricket clothing & equipment specialist.

Member clubs have been invited to submit their entries at under-9, under-11, under-13 and together with the girls group will bring the total participation to 35 teams, a new record. A crowd of upwards of 500 is expected with hopefully weather on a par with 2022.

The under-13s section started with two wickets for the host side, Skipton in the first two balls, but they still won the match! The 'senior' section included one amazing innings from Skipton's Noah Kennedy of 70 runs in a staggering team total of 102-0. The Lord's pitch hosted Skipton, Sutton, Oakworth, Oxenhope & Haworth 'B'. Skipton ran out winners of all 4 matches end reached the semi-final having scored 286 runs in their 4 matches. The runners-up spot was decided by a bowl-off after three teams finished with two wins each. Only 1 lad hit the stumps and he was from Sutton, who would play the winner of the Oval pitch group. On the Oval pitch it was the first match for guest club Alwoodley against Earby that determined the outcome of places with the Leeds team winning all four of their matches ahead of Earby with three wins against Steeton, Haworth & Crossflatts.

So the semi-final line up was Skipton vs Earby and Alwoodley vs Sutton. The winners were Earby and Alwoodley, who went on to win the trophy against the Ribblesdale team. Alwoodley posted a daunting 84-2 in their five overs, the second highest score of the day. Earby battled hard to not lose a wicket whilst totalling 53-0 in a quality final.

The under-11 section also featured guest club Alwoodley on the Headingley pitch along with Barnoldswick, Earby, Settle and Skipton. The front runners were again Alwoodley and Settle and their pivotal match was a cracker, won by Alwoodley with 43-2 just ahead of Settle 39-1. Across at the Old Trafford arena Upper Wharfedale set the early pace but were defeated by Oakworth and Steeton who both finished at the head of the group. Oakworth with 45-0 won the encounter with Steeton 44-1. Oakworth remarkably never lost a wicket in their four group games.

The semi-finals were Oakworth vs Settle and Alwoodley vs Steeton. This time Oakworth lost 1 wicket but scored just 33 in the face of top bowling from Settle, who edged out the Craven League side with 34-1. Alwoodley won more comfortably against Steeton who tallied 24-5 in response to the guests' 47-4. The Final was to be an amazing match between Settle and Alwoodley, who had won their earlier group encounter. Alwoodley posted 51-3 and Settle matched it with 51-2 in a scintillating tied match that was decided by a bowl-out which supplied Alwoodley with their second trophy of the day.

The under-9 section playing on the Rugby field, aka Trent Bridge and Edgbaston ovals. Two boys teams from each group would also play against Skipton Girls, as a first introduction to 6-aside cricket for the new Girls' league leaders. At Trent Bridge the Skipton boys proved top dogs winning all for of their matches against debutants Bingley Congs and Barnoldswick along with Earby and Cullingworth, to go directly into the 3-team round-robin final alongside the fast-tracked girls. The Edgbaston group produced four wins for Crossflatts who topped the pile ahead of Settle, Oakworth & Cullingworth, each of whom had 2-2 records. In the round robin the girls lost both matches but performed well losing by just 7 runs to their boys team and by 15 runs to Crossflatts. The decider was won by Skipton who contained a strong Crossflatts team to 25-5 and made 27-2 to take the Cup

UAJCA is as always extremely grateful to Skipton CC and its hard-working team of volunteers, and who this year brought in their sponsors Keelham Farm with free fruit for all the participants. The principal sponsor Black Rat Cricket remain one of our valued supporters who now sell cricket equipment and clothing on line.

CLASSY FESTIVAL

INFESTIVAL

20th April 2017

PM rain dampens another great Festival

The 28 teams were initially greeted with sunshine, which became cloud and later rain. Thankfully all matches were completed without mishap. The under-9s competition had 8 teams with 2 groups and play off for all 8 places. The 'Trent Bridge' Flicx pitch hosted Steeton, Bradford & Bingley, Oakworth and Earby B with Bradford & Bingley coming pout on top with 3 wins ahead of Oakworth with 2. The adjacent 'Edgbaston' pitch had Wharfedale, Earby, First Cricket and Skipton. Our visitors from Lincolnshire performed well winning their 3 matches ahead of Skipton [2]. The semi-finals resulted in wins for the two 'Edgbaston' teams, who would meet again in the Final. This time Skipton had the upper hand, overturning their group result to take the Trophy for a second time having won it in 2011. For First Cricket it was a successful 'return' to UAJCA for Arran Brindle, herself a Hargreaves Cup winner in 1995. The 3rd-4th play-off was won by Bradford & Bingley over Oakworth. 5th was Earby, 6th Steeton, 7th Wharfedale, 8th Earby B.

At 'Headingley' and 'Old Trafford' the under-11s groups camped for combat. At 'Headingley' Oakworth B played with smiling faces despite not winning a group match and 4th place went to Cullingworth with 1 win. Embsay were third with Steeton runners-up, losing only to unbeaten Earby, who qualified directly for the Final. The 'Old Trafford' grouping was headed by holders Oakworth who also won their 4 matches, edging out Skipton. 3rd came Wharfedale, 4th was Bradford & Bingley with winless Oxenhope in 5th. The Final was won comfortably by Earby who added a first u11 Cup to the u13 Cup won in 2009.

11th June 2016

FANTASTIVAL 2015

The 2014 Festival was the first to start with rain falling as the weather forecasters  got it completely wrong. But the early morning rain fizzled out by 9:30am and the Festival assumed its usual course.
	The draw for the u-13 competition showed Group A very strong and soon enthralling quality cricket ensued. Malsis School team proved one of their weaker year groups and surprisingly failed to win a group match. Upper Wharfedale by contrast were early leaders defeating Great Horton Church and Skipton as well as the School. Skipton also upset Cullingworth and the prospect of a 3-way bowl-out loomed. Cullingworth needed to defeat Upper Wharfedale to set that up but they failed as the Dales boys passed their 42-2 tally. In group B, Steeton were off to a flier and a Tied match between Wilsden and Oakworth promised an intriguing calculation. The final group match between Earby and Steeton would decide the finalists and Steeton accomplished that by limiting Earby to 18 and winning with 1 wicket down. Oakworth and Oxenhope finished joint third with Wilsden on 4 points after a second Tie with Oxenhope. So the Final was to be Upper Wharfedale vs Steeton. A posting of 58 from the Dales boys was the highest on the main pitch and their bowlers proved far too restrictive for Steeton who managed just 20 in reply. Upper Wharfedale were very worthy winners.
	The under-11 Cup commenced with first up wins for Cullingworth and Wilsden. Whilst the former continued to flourish the latter found the going much harder. Cullingworth headed their group without losing a game with Steeton as runners-up whilst clear losers by 19 runs to Cullingworth. The Group B leaders proved to be Oakworth who also remained unbeaten. The Final was to be a repeat of the 2013 Final but this year Cullingworth ran out winners after an aggressive finish from Kyle Welsh brought them the silverware with just 3 balls to spare.
	On the Tennis Court the u-9s groupings went to the wire with Oakworth heavy scoring winners of their 3 matches. Lewis Brown was a revelation scoring 45 and 53 in his first two innings. Earby proved best of the rest and qualified to meet winners of Group A. That group proved topsy-turvey and 3 teams Cullingworth, Malsis and Great Horton all finished on 6 points. A 3-way bowl off brought group winning to Malsis School whilst the sudden death went to Great Horton Church. Oakworth again in high-scoring mode posted 50 runs which was 15 too many for the Great Horton boys. The 32 from the Malsis School was surpassed by Earby with Adam Hodge again showing fine batsman-ship. So the Final was to be Oakworth vs Earby, both from Group B. Oakworth posted 45-3 with Lewis Brown again featuring prominently with 20. Adam Hodge opened for Earby with a first ball boundary and with 4 byes from the next ball their challenge was posted. A remarkable catch from Ben Hawkes proved a pivotal moment as his victim was the free-scoring Hodge. The next over saw 3 wickets fall as Oakworth asserted their ascendancy. The Earby innings petered out to 26 and the Cup went to Oakworth.

2014 Festival New

Entries for the 2014 Festival were sought at the UAJCA AGM and defending winners from 2013, Cullingworth [u13], Oakworth [u11] and Gt Horton Church [u9] are all in the entry list [see below] fallowing the AGM. The competition line-up is now complete.

under-13	under-11	under-9
Cullingworth CC	Oakworth CC	Great Horton Church CC

Whilst the 2013 weather wasn't as forecast, the rain stayed away, the temperatures rose whilst the cloud hung around. The Competitions were again fully booked and all arrived on time and maintained due diligence in keeping to the time-table. In the under-13 competition the two groups were equally strong and Cullingworth and Silsden seemed likely qualifiers from the Yellow Group. The final group game settled things as Silsden' 24-4 proved insufficient to overcome Cullingworth. An earlier Tie between U Wharfedale and Silsden had opened up numerous possible combinations. In the blue group Oakworth ran Malsis School close in the first match, losing by just 6 runs. Oxenhope lost to Wilsden, who in turn lost to the School team. Skipton were unable to register a win but all their matches were close. Oxenhope out-gunned Oakworth and then took on Malsis. It was a cracking match. If Oxenhope had won, there was a strong possibility of a three-way bowl off with Wilsden. However their exciting encounter ended in a Tie at 42 runs each. So Malsis School qualified outright with 3 wins and the Tie. The Group positions were:

The Final was an intriguing affair and settled by the better bowling side. the overall strength of the Cullingworth attack proved more able to restrict than did that of the School. The Cullingworth total of 46 was only marginally above par but their bowlers contained the School lads to 32 and took the Trophy for the first time.

The under-11 competition also provided some entertaining cricket with the two Oakworth teams prominent in both groups. Their A team chased down a good score of 46 by Skipton. The Aire Valley Angels struggled to cope with energetic new format and found scoring difficult. Cullingworth emerged as the team to beat but they still had the Oakworth B team encounter and they had 3 wins to their credit. Meanwhile in the Pink group The Aire Valley Angels battled hard but found the new format difficult and were unable to break their duck. Cullingworth proved strong candidates to qualify whilst Oakworth B also won their first 3 matches to challenge the Bingley area side. Cullingworth took that match and qualified for the final against the Oakworth A team. It was watched by a large contingent from both clubs who witnessed some high quality cricket. Oakworth batted first and scored a solid 41 thanks to some lusty blows from Matt Corkindale and Corey Green.  Both sides had adopted a policy of fielders on the boundary and it remained to be seen who could cross the whitewash the most often. For Cullingworth Joe Hall had huge expectation and he did hit one six but he and his team mates were well marshalled by accurate bowling and top-notch fielding and a direct run-out with Joel Oxford excelling in the deep. Cullingworth soon fell behind the rate and finally tallied 31 to leave Oakworth winners of the u-11 competition for the first time.

A well supported under-9 competition again had 2 groups with each team having 3 fixtures, the top two in each qualifying for semi-finals. In the Red Group Oakworth were unbeaten with Steeon as runners-up. The Orange Group had a similar finish with Great Horton emerging unbeaten and Malsis School the runners-up. In the first semi-final Malsis School got off to a real flyer with opener Tom Bailey racking up 37 on his own. Their 58 score was to prove beyond Oakworth's efforts in reaching 39-2. The second semi-final had Steeton in deep trouble against the GHC bowlers. They scored just 12-5 and the Bradford side knocked them off with 1 wicket down. So the Orange group provided both finalists and the GHC team repeated their group win over the School. Malsis School tallied 30-5 with Great Horton Church making 34-1. So in their first ever entry the league new boys came away with silverware.

2013 Festival

The 2013 Malsis Festival will unfold a week earlier than usual , on Sunday 16th June. The format reverts to one which includes playing of age-group finals on the age-group pitches rather than all on the main pitch, which led to extended delays in 2011. After the 2012 wash-out the School and UAJCA are looking forward to a return to the excellent sunshine enjoyed in 2010-2011.

The competition is again open to 10 teams at under-13, 10 teams at under-11 and 8 at under-9. Team entries were offered at the AGM in January 2013 and currently stand as below: FULLY BOOKED

2012 Festival CANCELLE The weather has finally got the better of the Malsis School pitches and sadly this year's Festival is now CANCELLED

The 2012 Malsis Festival will unfold a week earlier than usual in 2012, on Sunday 17th June. The format will revert to one which includes playing of age-group finals on the age-group pitches rather than all on the main pitch, which led to extended delays in 2011.

Provisional entries are currently 9 teams at under-13 (1 vacancy), 7 teams at under-11 (3 vacancies whilst the under-9 competition is complete with 8 entries. All three 2011 winners will be defending their hard-won trophies whilst new club Great Horton Church have entered the day-long under-13 competition. Wilsden u-11 too are first time entrants as are Haworth in the u-9 tournament.

The provisional entries are: Under-13: Upper Wharfedale (2011 winners), Malsis School, Silsden, Skipton, Steeton, Cullingworth, Earby, Great Horton Church & Oxenhope. The under-11 competition entrants are: Malsis School (2011 winners), Skipton, Earby, Steeton, Wiulsden, Cullingworth & Oxenhope. the 8 teams at under-9 are Skipton (2011 winners), Malsis School, Earby, Steeton, Cullingworth, Oxenhope, Haworth, Wilsden.

Any club wishing to take up any of the declared vacancies, please contact teh Competitions Secretary

The draw will be announced in May.

The under-11 contests found scoring difficult and the highest score of the day was just 31. In group A three teams Malsis School, Earby and Silsden finished their group with 3 wins so a three-way bowl out was invoked. After six balls each, Earby dropped out with no hits whilst Malsis and Silsden went into a sudden-death bowl-off. It was the School's Waseem Qureshi who made the breakthrough, following up his first 'hit' with a second to claim a place in the Final. Group B saw Oxenhope complete an unbeaten four games ahead of Oakworth who lost just the once. So Oxenhope progressed to the Final with holders, Malsis School.

The first Final was for the u-11s Cup and the Final went to the last over and Oxenhope needing a tall order 14 to win. They scored nine to take their total to 27, five less than the jubilant Malsis School team, who took the Cup for a second year.

The competition for under-13s was as tense as ever with Group A Malsis School, the holders, showing excellent form. The other teams continued to beat each other and the School progressed to their successive Final. In Group B competition was as keen as ever and Upper Wharfedale, Ingrow and Earby were the pace-setters. The Dales side went through the group unbeaten, their first match victory over Ingrow proving vital.

The under-13s Final proved as attractive as ever. The cricket was high quality with boundaries in copious amounts. Holders Malsis School on this occasion finished second best and the Upper Wharfedale team took the Cup back to Grassington

The 8-team under-9s competition wasn't of course affected on the all-weather surface and a well-contested competition unfolded from the two groups. Group A boiled down to a deciding match between Steeton and Oxenhope with the Worth Valley side emerging victorious. Oakworth B team were very competitive in the group which also included Earby. The Group B produced an unbeaten record for Oakworth with Skipton taking the runners-up spot after a win over Wharfedale. Malsis School, in their first entry at under-9 level, found the going tough and failed to win a match. The semi-final line up was Oakworth vs Steeton and Oxenhope vs Skipton. Naturally the two unbeaten teams Oakworth and Oxenhope anticipated an all-Worth Valley final but Skipton had other ideas and spoiled the party with a win whilst Oakworth did overcome Steeton. The Final would be a Group B affair with Oakworth starting favourites in view of their group win.

Finally Oakworth and Skipton contested a superb final bearing in mind the tender years of the participants. Oakworth contained Skipton to 32 runs and began their innings with some confidence since they had defeated Skipton in the earlier Group stage. Indeed opener Harry Hollingsworth could look back on a 47 score in one match. But the Final proved a different ball game and Skipton were able to turn the tables with top notch bowling and fielding as the Oakworth openers whilst retaining their wickets could not score fast enough, ending on 22. So the Cup went for a first time to Skipton

Once again UAJCA are indebted to the School for its unwavering support of local Festival cricket. Clearly the Association will have to look again at the structure as the increased attendance was at the expense of a very late finish after 6:30pm, over an hour later than expected. The crowd enjoyed the best weather of the year to date and some 'champagne ' cricket, spoiled only by one incident in the under-13 competition.

MALSIS SCHOOL TO CONTEST U-9 CUP

Malsis School will for the first time enter the under-9s Malsis Cup competition at this year's Festival. They will join Steeton (holders), Oakworth, Upper Wharfedale, Skipton and Earby in pursuit of the silverware.

Oxenhope u11, defending CartaSort League Champions for the last 3 years, will complete the line-up for the 2011 Malsis Festival. All age-groups are now full for 2011.

At the UAJCL AGM, provisional entries were received for the 2011 Festival, now in its 6th year. The Festival in 2011 will be held on 26th June. This season the School will be defending two age group trophies, won in 2010. Steeton CC will be hoping to hang on to their u-9 title, picked up last year. The Festival 'picnic' is a s popular as ever and Clubs were very keen to get their entries in and the u-13 and u-9 competitions were 'fully booked' on 20th January. There currently remains one place in the under-11 tournament.

The under-13 competition will once again feature ten teams, organised into 2 groups of 5. The teams are Malsis School (holders), Upper Wharfedale, Skipton, Oakworth, Steeton, Silsden, Cullingworth, Ingrow, Settle and Earby. At under-11 the current entrants are Malsis School (holders), Upper Wharfedale, Skipton, Oakworth, Steeton, Cullingworth, Silsden, Earby and Cowling. The youngsters at under-9 will be Steeton (holders), Oakworth, Upper Wharfedale, Skipton and Earby. There is a possibility that the School may also enter for the first time.

Entrants will be circulated with the organisation and playing rules nearer the date.

On a day when the temperature touched 26 degrees, the Malsis Festival was magnificently supported by 24 of our teams. England were playing Australia at Old Trafford and oh I think there was a football match on the Telly. But our clubs and boys, their parents and friends all turned out with gazebos, tents, camping chairs and all manner of out-door gear. The crowd was estimated as our highest yet at around 600 with the School completely selling out of canned drinks and sweets! The cricket matched the weather, it was glorious! The Malsis School u-13s kicked the tournament off in impressive style with an 86 score against Silsden including 55 for Will Greenwood.

The u13 competition

was disrupted slightly by the Friday withdrawal of Steeton and the Malsis, Oakworth, Earby, Silsden group was a tough one to come through. Malsis and Oakworth emerged un scathed and their semi-final was keenly contested with pupils playing for Oakworth and vive-versa. The School's 56 was marginally above par and despite an early wicket loss Jack Keighley kept them in the hunt. They made 40 after the School fielding excelled to support their accurate bowling.

The Malsis opponents from the other group were decided only after the last match with Oxenhope defeating Skipton and thus a three-way tie and bowl off was avoided. The qualifier was Gargarve who had defeated Glusburn in their match to progress. The Final had Malsis rattling up 61 with on-form Will Greenwood and James Cutter prominent. The Gargrave reply was always behind the required rate in the face of top notch Malsis outfield cricket. Gargarve finished on 35 and the School reclaimed the Cup they won in the inaugural event. It was also the first time any club or school had won two of the three competition

The under-11 competition

was also a tense affair with Malsis again clear, unbeaten winners of their group. Oakworth and Silsden Eagles were joint second with 3 wins ahead of Skipton and Wharfedale Rams. The other group had sharp competition from Cullingworth, Settle and Earby with the Cobras in their Festival debut the group winners with 3 wins, having lost only to Wharfedale Stags.

The Final was a close affair with Cullingworth making 35 in response to a Malsis 41 posting. The School had now won both it's 2010 competition Finals and are contemplating an under-9 entry in 2011. The Malsis team received their mementoes and Cup during the u-13 Final interval to give their senior colleagues a boost in their quest. 

The under-9 competition

for the first time had six teams, two coming from Oakworth. The group, organised in one round-robin group, was dominated by the Steeton team who comfortably won all five of their matches to signal a challenge for the forthcoming UAJCL Summer Tournament. The runners-up were Skipton with 3 wins.

The round-robin format did not require a Final and the Steeton boys received their Trophy during the u-13 Final interval with much obvious delight.

The Festival is now firmly cemented as part of UAJCL and the School calendar and will take place again in 2011 around the mid-end of June time.

The 2010 Malsis Festival is scheduled for 09:30am on Sunday 27th June 2010 at Malsis School Glusburn. The day will showcase 10 under-13 teams, 8 under-11 teams and 6 under-9 teams drawn from across UAJCL and the School. Current holders of the under-13 title are Earby whilst Oxenhope hold the u-11 trophy. U-9 winners were Upper Wharfedale.

The hugely popular Malsis 6-a-side cricket Festival will be held this year on 27th June. The School and UAJCL will continue their now five year association in presenting the giant cricketing extravaganza and picnic. In 2009 an estimated 400 plus people attended and enjoyed some terrific cricket including a first ever bowl out.

The under-9 competition is fully booked with five teams contesting the trophy won last year by Upper Wharfedale, who will be defending their win. Also contesting will be Skipton, Steeton, Oakworth and Earby.

This year the under-13 entries will be Earby (winners in 2009), Oxenhope, Skipton, Glusburn, Ingrow, Silsden, Oakworth, Gargrave, Steeton and of course the School (runners-up 2009).

The under-11 competition now has 8 entrants with room for two more. Taking part will be the School, Wharfedale, Silsden, Skipton, Earby, Oakworth, Cullingworth and now Settle.

The sun shone and shone, the crowds turned up and a wonderful second tournament was enjoyed by over 150 young cricketers and their families and supporters. The magnificent Malsis School building and grounds were resplendent for our mid-season fun-break. After having a withdrawal from Settle u13 on Wednesday and Denholme u11s on the day, our organisational abilities were tested to the full. The under-13 had none teams and a two-tier arrangement of three groups of three was instituted and worked a treat. The under-11s had seven teams and instead of the planned two sub-groups, one group of 7 produced a non-stop programme of 21 matches each team having six fixtures. That too worked well but what a finish.

Silsden took the honours in a low scoring affair but both teams knew they had qualified already for the Final. The Wharfedale line up was shuffled and Freddy Binns took 32 from the Silsden attack and a daunting 61-0 target was posted. The Silsden lads grouped around Louis Horsfield who plenty of boundaries but couldn't match the Dales boys rate. His side finished on 35-5 in an entertaining final to a great days work out for our youngest players.

The 2009 Malsis Festival is scheduled for 09:30am on Sunday 21st June 2009 at Malsis School Glusburn. The day will showcase 10 under-13 teams, 8 under-11 teams and 5 under-9 teams drawn from across UAJCL. Current holders of the under-13 title are Oakworth whilst Malsis School hold the u-11 trophy. U-9 Summer Tournament winners Silsden also won the under-9 Malsis Cup.