UPPER AIREDALE U-11 REPRESENTATIVE TEAM

The curtain came down on UAJCA’s journey in the 2023 Yorkshire Junior Cricket Festival.

On a cold and windy afternoon in Haworth, Huddersfield won the toss and elected to bowl first in overcast conditions in a winner takes all for group B. John North and Muhammad Rizwan opened the batting and Rizwan was run out for 3 with the score at 3-1 inside the 3^rd over, and in came Max Wareing against his regional counterparts. John North departed shortly after for 2. The score was soon 36-4 when Max was brilliantly bowled by S Hall for 8 who finished with figures of 2-9 off his 3 overs.

Jack Godden scored a well made 14 off 17 balls in tricky conditions. Another middle order collapse saw Ammaar Muhammad out for 7, wicket keeper Alf Walker out second ball for 0, Jack Davison 6, and Josh Greene for 1. UAJCA collapsed to 44-8 needing a miracle, up stepped bowlers Seb Oliver and Joe Hodgson who put on a fantastic partnership of 61 with Seb finishing on 32 not out off 51 balls, and Joe 17 off 39 balls, both giving the coach a headache about their place in the batting order. Joe was brilliantly bowled by all rounder S Shelley and in next was Charlie Chew at number 11, having waited an hour to bat scoring 3 not out and taking UAJCA to 111 off their 30 overs.

Over to the bowling and Seb Oliver and Charlie Chew got the boys off to a good start. 11-1 in the 4^th over S Shelley brilliantly caught by Josh Greene off Charlie Chew. Next batter was Huddersfield star player and captain A Howson who hit consecutive sixes on his way to 45 off 33 balls before being superbly caught by Jack Davison off Ammaar Muhammad. Jack Godden was brought into the attack and sent W Goldthorpe wickets cartwheeling first ball and the noise started to lift in the field with a couple of quick wickets, Jack finishing with figures of 1-4 off his 3 overs.

Teddy Daly hit the winnings runs and finished on 51 not out off 73 balls for Huddersfield, sending them through to the semi final and winning by 7 wickets.

The 2023 Yorkshire Junior Cricket Festival at Thirsk got off to a winning start for UAJCA. In the middle of the racecourse the 2022 under 10s opening bowlers Joe Hodgson & Seb Oliver started proceedings and the first wicket falling on 10-1 Joe Hodgson bowling Hambleton captain Elijah Standing for 2, Hambleton put on a spirited batting partnership of 23 for the second wicket before Joe Hodgson grabbed his second wicket of the game bowling Hambletons regional player and star man Sam Fudali

Under 10s player Henry Rayner came on to bowl and picked up 2 wickets in his spell which included a fantastic catch from Settle player Jack Davison. An inspired bowling change brought Blake Holme on to bowl from the pavilion end and picked a wicket up first ball (all hail the coach) to leave the home team at 37-4 before trapping Ethan Durham for 0 LBW. The heat started to get better of the UAJCA boys in the field as Hambleton put on a 45 run stand before Matthew Pothecary had come into the attack and got a wicket (another catch for Jack Davison). Blake finishing with figures 2-6 off 3 overs bowling 1 maiden. Fantastic!

The drinks break came and Charlie Chew went through the tail order finishing with 3-7 off his 2 overs, again fantastic! With all the friendlies played this year also, Charlie is now at 9 wickets for UAJCA, a super addition to the squad for 2023. Hambleton bowled out for 101 with 5 overs left.

Onto the batting -

John North of Settle and Jack Godden of Oakworth got the boys off to a good start before Jack chipping back to the bowler for 12. Charlie couldn't carry on his form from Saturday's in-house match where he scored 66 off 40 balls as he was dismissed for 1 bowled by Hambletons star man Fudali. Sam Charmbury came in at 4 and had a fantastic partnership of 69 with John North who hit a flurry of boundaries for a fantastic 41 and got applauded from all sides of the ground as he was dismissed with the score on 87. Sam Charmbury of Oakworth was then dismissed for a brilliant 26 off 43, the mainstay of the batting order, 97-3. Jack Davison came in and played a couple of nice shots but unfortunately picked the fielder out on this occasion and needing 5 to win the UAJCA crowd began to go quiet. The only regional player on the day for Upper Airedale Alf Walker came to the crease and hit the winning runs with Josh Greene not out at the other end winning by 5 wickets with over 8 overs to spare.

A fantastic day had by all and a great win for the lads. Onto the next game against Bradford on June 25th. Come and support the lads

The 2023 Yorkshire Festival fixtures are shown in the panel opposite.

Ian and Chris announce the following squad for 2023:

Sam Charmbury [Oakworth], Charlie Chew [Barnoldswick], Jack Davison [Settle], Jack Godden [Oakworth], Josh Greene [U Wharfedale], Joe Hodgson [Settle], Blake Holme [Earby], Ammaar Muhammad [GHC], Harry Newhouse [Skipton], John North [Settle], Sebastian Oliver [Skipton], Matthew Pothecary [Steeton], Muhammad Rizwan [Crossflatts], Alfred Walker [Settle] & Max Wareing [Haworth].

A tremendous partnership of 80 between Elliot Howarth Steeton] and Sulaiman Mahmood [Harden] enabled UAJCA top post a very creditable 140-4against a strong Huddersfield side. The problem was that Huddersfield had batted first and posted 141-2. Sulaiman went on to arry his bat for a superb 65 with Elliot adding 28 before being bowled at 118-3. The earlier Huddersfield innings had featured 53 no from Tom Frankland and 47 from Rory McLaughlin. Our one wicket-taker was Harrison Butterfield [Steeton].

The real tragedy was that one more run would have produced a Tied match and with the extra 5 points UAJCA would have qualified for the semi-finals. Tough to swallow.

UAJCA AGAIN DEFEAT BRADFORD LEAGUE

Alex Howarth's under-11s have continued their own  winning streak and for a second time this season UAJCA have emerged the victors over neighbours The Bradford League. Alex' fast improving team edged the points by 10 runs, having posted 133 in the allotted 30 overs. The Bradford League chase was ended on 123-9 after their 30 overs. So another 18 points were added to our total which now stands at 36, 10 ahead of our other groups members.

Batting first proved precarious with only skipper Will McPherson making double figures [11]. But all-rounder at no 7 Sulaiman Mahmood rode the white charger and he compiled a superb half-century, going on to 56. Taking the team total forward Sulaiman was aided superbly by Frank Binns [8] Hamza Mahmood [11] and last man Elliot Howarth [11].  26 extras were also valuable. When bowling the side was indebted to Elliot and Hamza who each grabbed a trio of wickets after the Bradford top order fired well, particularly no 5 Gillgrass who chipped in a cracking 33. Two run outs helped our cause but we did give up 27 extras. But the Bradford tail couldn't match that of UAJCA and their last pair could not sufficiently bridge the gap, ending 9 runs adrift.

The team was: Will McPherson [Capt, Crossflatts], Freddie Padget [wk, Harden], Finley Cross [Settle], Ed Swallow [Skipton], Hashim Hussain [GHC], Stan Kitching [Sutton], Sulaiman Magmood [Harden], Frank Binns [Wharfeale], Hamza Mahmood [GHC], Oliver White [Steeton], Elliott Howarth [Steeton].

Following on from our stunning turnaround victory over Nidderdale Alex Howarth and the under-11s made the long journey for a prestigious fixture with the Cumbria County side. The picturesque backdrop of Skiddaw to the Braithwaite ground was though obliterated by the rain. A start was made and our bowlers were in fine fettle amongst the showers. Cumbria were reeling at 17 for 5 when the rain finally won the day. Well done lads. Now for the Yorkshire Festival against Hambleton at Upper Wharfedale CC on 12th June.

NIDDERDALE TURN IT ROUND

At 53-7 Nidderdale u11s were looking down the barrel in the wake of good bowling from UAJCA, particularly Steeton CC duo Archie Cox [3-11] and Josh Barton [3-12]. But number 9 Toby Wieland had other ideas and with help from his partners carried his team on to 160-9 with a 43-ball innings of 51 not out. With the bat UAJCA got off to decent start with stands of 29 and 35 and at 64-2 a good contest seemed on the cards. The remaining 8 wickets added just 37 runs as no-one was able to forge a partnership after Archie [13] and a superb James Galley [59] had departed.

Our final match of 2017 at overcast Skipton CC with N Yorks District u-10s proved a low scoring but interesting game with lots happening. Skipper James Powell won the toss and opted to bat. Our two wicket-keepers Leo Garner and Jacob Stephens opened up and found the opening salvoes difficult to score fro, such that after 5 overs we had just 4 on the board. Jacob found the middle and three cracking fours crossed the rope before he was run out by a direct hot from behind the stumps for 14. Leo took a boundary but was out for a patient 6 also run out with Charlie Jackson at t'other end. The score was 32-2 after 13 overs. The skipper soon settled but 3 overs later Charlie was stumped by the live -wire NY keeper Freddie B for just 3. James was joined by club-mate Jacob Davies at 39-3. Jacob was unfortunate to receive the ball of the match with a superb late swing from leg to off by Leo W which knocked over his pole for 2 at 41-4. Lucas Lockley overcame his nerves but missed out on some leg-side deliveries and also made 2 before being bowled by the leg-spin of Louie Wilson. Meanwhile James was finding his middle to good effect but not always the gaps in the field. Henry Meynell joined the battle and helped carry our total on to 55 before he was a first victim for Matty F, coming round the wicket after a wayward spell over it. Dan Grimmitt was the man to really partner James aand they another 10, 6 to Dan caught off the same bowler. James was now in full flow but a full-bloodied drive was caught by the bowler for his 3rd wicket at 74-8. Thd einnings subsided with Matty F picking up the last 2 scalps before Richard Bradley could face a ball. Matty F's introduction snuffed out any semblance of turning defence into attack with an eventful spell of 5-16 including the key wicket of James Powell who made 17. 74 all out in 28 overs was not brilliant but it was a difficult low wicket and maybe could be defended.

Openers Matty F and Joe H added 15 before the latter was smartly caught for 2 by keeper Leo Garner for a deserved wicket for the troublesome Stan Lloyd. By the 10th over North Yorks had also found scoring hard to come by and stood at 24-1. Number 3 and keeper Freddie B had his stump lknocked out of the ground, yorked by a speedy Henry Meynell for 5. After 15 overs N Yorks had 35-2, not yet at half our total and when Joe Birks was run out by James Powell for 1 and then Matty F followed for 10 bowled by Dan Grimmitt suddenly 44-4 gave UAJCA a sniff of victory. But our 'own' Archie Phillipson and Jack R steered the NY boys over the line with 77-5 in the 21st over.

Well done to NY, we'll be taking you again on next year in your midden!!

CUMBRIA MATCH ALSO OFF

The much awaited return visit by Cumbria for the u-11s at Settle CC on Sunday [13th Aug] has been called off by the Cumbria management, due to shortage of players.

The much awaited return visit to Cumbria for the u-11s was cancelled to to a waterlogged pitch at Milnthorpe CC. Maybe next year boys.

The Yorkshire Festival semi-final at Ossett CC was handed to the Heavy Woollen District by their umpire, who adjudged UAJCA to be run out off the last ball. A tied match would have seen UAJCA progress to the final having lost fewer wickets than Heavy Woollen. Earlier at 80-7 chasing 120, UAJCA seemed out for the count but Henry Meynell [Bradley] and Jacob Davies [Oakworth] forged a superb partnership to take us to the brink, only to be denied by the umpire's finger.

Next week UAJCA u11s will take on Cumbria at Milnthorpe, hoping to make up for the disappointment.

Team Manager Richard has selected the following team to take on Heavy Woollen District at Ossett CC on Sunday 23rd July in the semi-final of the Yorkshire Festival.

James Powell [Oakworth, Capt], Jacob Stephens [Cullingworth], Jacob Davies [Oakworth], Henry Meynell [Bradley], Declan Harrison [Earby], Parth Sunil [Cullingworth], Stan Lloyd [Cononley], Charlie Jackson [Cullingworth], Leo Garner [Earby], Ben Hall [Earby], Daniel Grimmit [Cullingworth], Ed Whitlam [Skipton].

UAJCA fabulous under-11s won for a third time in the Yorkshire Festival and have qualified for the semi-finals for the second time in 2 years, where they will meet Heavy Woollen District at Ossett CC next Sunday [23rd July].

On 16th July UAJCA hosted Wetherby League at a very hot & sunny Oxenhope CC. UAJCA won the toss and elected to bat and totalled 138-6. All our batsmen contributed with Charlie Jackson [22] and keeper Leo Garner [21no] the two highest. Ed Whitlam added 13 from just 6 balls to boost our total towards the end.

The opposition was though strong and our total was always in their sights. That they ended their 30 overs on 130-6 shows the closeness of the contest. Their leading light was Haider Ali who retired on 52 no. UAJCA bowlers were well led by Declan Harrison whose 5 overs cost just 9 runs, although wicket-less. His opening partner Stan Lloyd was in top nick taking 3-20 in his 6 overs. Leo Garner was also a live-wire behind the stumps. It was a thoroughly professional performance from a team now growing in confidence.

Oakworth CC was a gloriously sunny setting for a tremendous UAJCA u-11 performance. Having defeated Aire-Wharfe the previous week, the batsmen set about the Huddersfield bowlers from the off. The losses of Parth and Jacob with the score at 20 wasn't seemingly a hindrance as Ben Hall and skipper James Powell took charge. The added 63 runs in 18 overs before Ben was out for a dominant 36. James combined with Charlie Jackson to continue the attack. 6 runs on James too was out for 35. Charlie shared good late order stands with Henry Meynell and Leo Garner in total amounting to 36 runs. Charlie was not out 14 and Leo not out 10. Henry was run out for 12. 125-5 gave us maximum batting points.

But Declan Harrison really started the ball rolling towards victory with 3 wickets in 4 scintillating overs to leave Huddersfield at 19 for 4. None of the Huddersfield batsmen got a hold of any of our bowlers and 1st change Luke Spragg, now back in harness, whipped out 2 more to add to a couple of run outs from Henry and himself. The Huddersfield innings was finally brought to an end after 15.3 overs at 40 all out.

UAJCA now sits at the top of the group and after Aire-Wharfe defeated Wetherby it is clear only a disaster can stop us reaching the semi-finals, where we would likely meet Heavy Woollen.

At Alwoodley CC UAJCA u-11s took a great step towards a second successive Taverners' Final with a 3 wicket win over Aire-Wharfe.

Cullingworth's Charlie Jackson led our bowlers in style, taking 3-16 in his 6 overs. But it was far from a one-man show as opening bowlers Stan Lloyd [Cononley] [2-7] & Declan Harrison [Earby] [0-11] set the early tone. Jacob Davies [Oakworth] cleaned up the lower order with 2-11. The Aire-Wharfe total of 102-8 was boosted by 24 from Ishu Roy and 18 to no 7, JJ Aldred.

Our batsmen started poorly with cheap losses of Ed Whitlam and James Powell but opener Parth Sunil [12] combined with Jacob Davies [15] to move the scoreboard forward. But at 36-3 after 15 overs our position still wasn't healthy. Our middle order really came to the party with 18 from Henry Meynell [Bradley] and 21no from Ben Hall [Earby]. Leo Garner added 10 and the target was reached with 7 wickets down with 10 balls remaining.

It was a great result and with 2 Home games left we have every chance of progress to the semi-finals. The next match is at Oakworth on 9th July against Huddersfield.

Bradshaw CC was the venue for UAJCA u-11s without our 4 District players, to bat first but with a run out for Ben Hall [0] and the loss of Parth Sunil [4] it may not have been the wisest option! It got worse with the loss of Lucas Lockley also for a duck at 16-3. The fight-back came from Cullingworth pair Charlie Jackson [14] and Dan Grimmitt [18]. Charlie was bowled at 39-4 after 17 overs. That brought Leo Garner [Earby] to the crease and firstly with Dan added 33 to the total including a bevvy of extras. On Dan's loss, also bowled, Ifzaan Shafique [GHC] joined the fray and helped Leo add another 50 runs with continued wayward Halifax bowling. Leo remained 35no whilst Ifzaan made a useful 10 in our final score of 123-6 in 30 overs which included 41 extras!!

As in our innings Halifax lost an opener to a run-out but recovered to 31 before the 2nd wicket fell lbw to Charlie to be quickly followed by a 3rd from Elliot Ashley [Skipton]. Halifax no 5 Dimbleby held their innings together with a fine 30. From 70-5, threatening our total, our bowlers knuckled down to enable Ben Hall [Earby] to clean up the tail with 3-8. Halifax were all out for 98 in 21 overs. Charlie returned 2-7, Elliot 2-25. Another useful preparation for the forthcoming Festival match on 2nd July at Alwoodley.

NIDDERDALE PROVIDE USEFUL WARM-UP

UAJCA is grateful to Stuart Jackson [Cullingworth CC] for stepping up at Pateley Bridge CC to lead the boys in the absence of both Andrew & Richard with the District side. The team was minus 6 boys, several on District duty, but provided a great opportunity for others to show their mettle.  Score-card on right.

UNDER 11s TO FACE N YORKSHIRE DISTRICT U10s

Bank Holiday week in August will see a fixture for our u11s against a District u10s side from North Yorkshire on Tuesday 29th August. More info shortly.

UNDER 10s vs U11s OUTDOORS TRIAL

A resplendent Cononley CC was the setting for a first outdoor trial for two of our representative teams. As expected perhaps, the under-11s were comfortable winners, tallying 160-4. The under-10s were all out for 80. Elliot Robinson shone with the bat making 43 before a run-out and fellow opener Ben Hall added a steady 26. For the under-10s their skipper Archie Phillipson led the way with an excellent 33 whilst u11 bowler Ed Whitlam came up trumps with 3 wickets. All-in-all it proved a useful day for the coaches who had a first look at players outdoors with the larger leather ball. UAJCA intends to include this fixture in future years. Thanks are extended to Cononley CC for making their ground available and their provision of liquid refreshment.

A gloomy misty day was the backdrop for an enthralling 35-over match at Oakworth CC between UAJCA u11s and Cumbria u11s. Cumbria won the toss and opted to bat first.

With just 6 on the board Cumbria lost opener Rose for 5, caught behind by keeper Max Hibbert for Lewis Brown. It was a great start for UAJCA and 11 runs later fellow opener Sawden was also back in the pavilion for 4 at 17-2 in the 7th over. Hansford & Wilford settled the visitors' nerves and doubled the score, but chief protagonist Hansford was caught by [2nd] keeper Ethan Wilson for 15 for u-9 Thomas Rowell, making his UAJCA u-11 debut. 34-3 in the 11th over was perhaps beyond expectations for UAJCA and Welford's new partner Vasey helped a recovery. Charlie Mitchell bowled tightly and Thomas recovered from a nervy first over. Leg-spin from Charlie Raby was introduced with mixed results as the two young Cumbrians built a 63-run partnership in 12 overs.  The bulk of the scoring had come from Welford but it was partner Vasey who was run-out by live-wire Charlie Mitchell at 97-4. There remained 12 overs to bowl but it was cue for Jake Keslinke to enter the fray and he removed Welford for a well-crafted 51 [5 fours] at 107-5. Big hitter Winter joined the stubborn Vasey and he added a quick-fire 14 before he too succumbed to Jake's accuracy at 122-6. 8 runs later Jake added the scalp of no 6 Holt, also bowled for 5 in the 30th over. Jake came off with 3-13 in 4 overs of class bowling.. Skipper Lewis returned to pick up the wicket of O Yarker for 2 to leave Cumbria at 133-8 in the 32nd over. The Cumbria total settled at 139-8.

UAJCA bowling had been exceptionally well controlled with 4-1-16-3 for Jake, 8-1-30-2 for Lewis, 8-1-23-1 for Max Harrison and a superb 6-1-28-1 for young Thomas Rowell.

Embsay lad Archie Phillipson was promoted to open with Ethan Wilson and the pair posted a 33 partnership, aided by some surprisingly wayward bowling from the Cumbrians. The exception was opener Luke Davey, a quality left-armer, who ultimately conceded just 11 runs in 7 overs, Ethan was run out for 14 and Jake Keslinke got off the mark with a boundary. Archie was taken a ill and had to leave the field to allow James Powell onto the turf. Jake was next to fall, stumped off O Yarker for 5 at 40-2 in the 8th over. Ben Slade was next and helped take the tally to 56 but wides and no-balls were the principal scorers before Ben was bowled by Yarker for a lengthy 0. Captain Lewis Brown paired with club-mate James and was soon showing obvious class. James seemed a little under-powered but remained solidly resolute. Eventually James got going and the pairing, led by Lewis propelled the innings forward by a scintillating 61 runs in 8 overs onto 117-4 when James was bowled by the impressive Davey for 12. Only 27 overs had been bowled and Lewis was now in full flow with the pendulum clearly swinging towards UAJCA, Max Hibbert stayed briefly for 1 and Charlie Mitchell chipped in a rapid 3. At 136-6 the match was all but won as Lewis passed the 50 mark and then Max Harrison hit the winning straight drive to the boundary to put up 140-6 as our winning total.

For Cumbria Davey looked a cut above for his 7-2-9-3 whilst Yarker bowled well for 6-1-19-2.

For UAJCA it was a real experience playing a 35-over match against high-level opponents and the learning in how to manage the match was there for all to see. For Cumbria the excellent innings from Welford and fine bowling from Davey was wasted with their donation of 40 extras to UAJCA with wayward bowling and several fielding lapses. For a team to outscore by 126 to 100 from the bat, and then lose the match showed the degree to which they lost their collective way. But what a great match played in fine spirit before a rain-curtailed 10-10 fun bash at the end of the Cumbria visit. UAJCA Manager Alistair Harrison specifically praised his assistants this year in Richard Phillipson, Matt Wilson and Karl Brown, a year with 5 wins and only 2 losses, a major piece of UAJCA history well written and unbelievable progress in 3 months.

Final loss but team is Pride of the Patch

A lovely day at Scotton was a perfect setting for UAJCA first ever Final [against North Yorkshire]. Our opponents won the toss and chose to  bowl. Usual openers Lewis Brown & Ethan Wilson marched proudly out for our historic match. Ethan made just 1 before offering a catch off Ishaq at 3-1 in the 3rd over. And only 4 runs later skipper Lewis Brown was also heading to the pavilion for 6 bowled by an impressive Phillips at 7-2. Ben Slade and Archie Phillipson found themselves at the crease earlier than expected and staged a fight-back which pushed UAJCA on to 25 in the 10th over. Archie copped a ball on his right hip and had to leave the field for a little attention and Jack Midgley took his place alongside Ben. Spinner Knaggs upset our rhythm and Jack fell for 7 ct & b by Miller. Archie bravely returned to join Ben, who was bowled by Knaggs for 9 at 30-5. Archie  was next deceived by the dip from Knaggs for 2 at 32-6 and the innings was in danger of falling apart. Charlie Mitchell and Wilf Roberts began a rebuild and the 50 mark was passed. Wilf was stumped attacking Knaggs but his 15 singles had been much needed at 53-7. Charlie remained unbowed and left-hander Dylan Canny put bat to ball in determined mood. Charlie added just 2 but a controlled innings from Max Hibbert combined well with Dylan and the pair advanced our score to 91 when Max was bowled for 10 by Miller. 91-8 looked much better than 32-6 and with help from Khunas Zaman and t'other Dylan [Blenkhorn] we reached what was hopefully a competitive total of 101-9. Dylan Canny finished 25 not out, our batting hero. NY Spinner Knaggs ended with 4-19 and Miller 2-16.

Miller opened with Fox against Lewis and Dylan C and UAJCA had reward with the wicket of Fox for 13 at 29-1 in the fifth over. North Yorkshire had found batting much easier as our bowlers lacked control of length, which Miller punished in style, New batsman Phillips was also in top form for NY as our bowlers wilted, hitting 9 fours in his 39no. Miller went on to tally 45no [6 fours]. North Yorkshire had proved much the better side overall reaching their target in just 13.2 overs, thanks to the aggression from Phillips.

Captain Lewis Brown returned a creditable 1-13 from 4 overs but our attack in total was a little off song.

Our first ever final had ended in defeat but our fight-back with the bat had epitomised our fighting 2016 campaign of which we are all extremely proud. Well done boys, history makers.

Festival Final squad

2016 Manager Alistair Harrison names his team to play our most important fixture ever, our first Festival Cup Final; against North Yorkshire at Scotton CC [HG5 9HZ] on Sunday 31st July. The 12-man team is expected to be from:

Jack Midgley [U Wharfedale], Dylan Blenkhorn & Ben Slade [Earby], Wilf Roberts, Max Hibbert & Charlie Mitchell [Steeton], Lewis Brown & Charlie Raby [Oakworth], Ethan Wilson [Skipton], Khunas Zaman [Gt Horton Church], Archie Phillipson and Dylan Canny [Embsay].

Tom Slater, Jensen McGregor and James Powell are unavailable.

Our amazing run to the final has been wondrous and without County picks Max Harrison, Elliot Robinson, Lucas Robinson and Adam Hodge. Its testament to the growing strength in UAJCA. Lets have lots of support for the boys and we will overcome North Yorkshire [Cleveland].

History is made as UAJCA reach 2016 Final

An amazing team performance from our boys has taken UAJCA into its FIRST EVER Yorkshire Festival FINAL !!!!!!!

Lewis and the team excelled with self-belief and top-notch fielding and despite e very spirited challenge from Doncaster emerged victorious by 3 wickets. See report in the next column.

Lets have some amazing support at Scotton CC for the Final against either North Yorkshire or Heavy Woollen. Come on out in force and show support for UAJCA!!!!!!

UAJCA to face Doncaster in Semi-Finals

Next Sunday 24th July is set to see UAJCA in its 2nd under-11 semi-final [1:00pm]. The venue will be Silsden CC and our opponents will be Doncaster District. Embsay's Archie Phillipson comes into the squad from the under-10s after impressive displays. The full squad is; Lewis Brown, Charlie Raby, Wilf Roberts, Jack Midgley, Charlie Mitchell, Max Hibbert, Dylan Canny, Ethan Wilson, Kunas Zaman, Jensen McGregor & Archie Phillipson.

Tom Slater, Ben Slade & Dylan Blenkhorn are unavailable.

Second victory for UAJCA

The face-book messages were flying in abundance as news filtered through that Aire-Wharfe had lost to Huddersfield. For UAJCA had comprehensively defeated Wetherby at Thorpe Arch CC. Which district has the most points.... we'll find out tomorrow!!!

A really classy opening partnership from skipper Lewis Brown and Ethan Wilson set UAJCA on a rapid road to a decent score. Lewis again looked in good form but not for the first time fell shy of his potential for 21. Ethan maintained his excellent season's run-gathering and went on to add 37 to his tally. Dylan B, Max and Charlie restored our progress after losses of Ben and Jack, previous high-scorers themselves. The Wetherby bowlers were somewhat ill-disciplined in their lines and gifted UAJCA a staggering 45 extras. For their attack F Brookes picked up 3-12, A Hudson 2-9 and T Thornhill 2-5 to take some solace from their overall effort.

The skipper may have under-performed slightly with the bat but with the ball he was sensational with 6-1-7-3. The middle order succumbed to Charlie Mitchell [2-14] and Jensen McGregor cleaned up the tail in 1 over with 3-0. The Wetherby collapse was complete at 74 all out with only M Fairbank adding a fair contribution with 21.

A brilliant win for our boys and  we await the phone call in the morning! The semi-final is next Sunday at a venue to be advised... watch this space...

UAJCA overhaul Huddersfield

Alistair's squad travelled to Lascelles Hall CC on Sunday with Lewis [Capt], Jack M, Ethan, Charlie M, Wilf, Charlie R, James, Khunas, Ben, Dylan B, & Jensen. The boys came away with a 4 wicket win to open their account with 1 match to play against Wetherby, hoping Huddersfield can over-turn Aire-Wharfe.

Fielding laspes costly

UAJCA lost by 4 wickets to Aire-Wharfe at sunny if windy Silsden CC. UAJCA batted first with opener Ethan Wilson resilient in defence whilst sadly skipper Lewis Brown was caught in the covers when just getting into his stride. An unaccustomed duck for Tom Slater was a second blow. Charlie Mitchell teamed up well with Ethan but our run-rate was falling. This was eventually arrested by Ben Slade and Jack Midgely who again put bat to ball to take us up to a 'par' score of 89-6. Four of our players were caught in the covers driving but without full power which otherwise might have made boundaries.

Knowing the run-rate required the Aire-Wharfe openers got ahead of the rate as we toiled to separate the pair. Charlie Raby eventually got the breakthrough and skipper Lewis also made his mark. Our fielding was very mixed with difficult catches taken by Ben and Jensen but at least 4 easy ones dropped. Charlie Mitchell enhanced his reputation adding 2 wickets to his 10 runs as matched the Aire-Wharfe wicket-taking tally. But the accelerated run-rate was our undoing along with the dropped catches. Fielding as a whole proved the difference, whilst at Scarborough it had been a high point.

Manager Alistair Harrison will probably retain most of the team with minimal changes for the next match at Lascelles Hall against Huddersfield on Sunday.

Bank Holiday success in Scarborough

UAJCA batted first at the beautiful Wykeham CC ground with Ethan Wilson [Skipton] and skipper Lewis Brown [Oakworth at the crease. Ethan was first to depart for 3, ct off opener Vance at 15-1. No 3 Tom Slater settled with Lewis and the pair set about the Scarborough attack. They added 54 runs before Lewis was also caught off Fraser for a fine 23 [3 x 4s]. From 69-2 UAJCA slumped to 73-6 with 3 ducks and also the scalp of Tom for 29 [4 x 4s]. When Max Hibbert [Steeton] became our 4th duck at 78-7 our fine start was all but dissipated. He was a fourth victim for the impressive G Fraser who had 4 wickets for 21. Charlie Mitchell [Steeton] added 11 inc 2 boundarries to take us to 90-8 before he too fell. Another 13 came from Ben Slade [Earby] and Jensen McGregor [Bradley] in a cracking rear-guard fight-back. Jensen made 7 and a further 10 came for the last pair Ben and Wilf Roberts [Steeton]. Our tally of 113-9 was highly competitive with Ben's knock of 17no [3 x 4s] crucial to the UAJCA cause.

After a sumptuous tea, Scarborough took guard with Edmund and Baxter but as with UAJCA an early wicket [Baxter 3] from Dylan Canny [Embsay] at 6-1. 9 runs later no 3 Coates was run out at 15-2 in the 6th over. Edmund and Vance restored some composure but their 25 run stand was broken with the introduction of leg-spinner Charlie Raby [Oakworth]. He picked up Vance for 15. In  something of deja-vu Scarborough lost 3 quick wickets including opener Edmund for 14 by Charlie. So Scarborough stood at 43-6 in the 15th over and suddenly our 113 seemed a mountain to climb. The recovery came from A McDonald and that man Fraser. They added 18 but at 61-7 McDonald was ct & B by Jensen as a sever blow to the home side. Edwards fell at 66-8 in the 22nd over, a fourth run-out as the batsman panicked a little. A ninth wicket stand of 15  gave some hope but no 10 Grunwell was caught off Ben Slade at 81-9. The innings finished at 89 all out in the last over.

Charlie Raby had bowled superbly for 2-19 from 6 overs to break the top order. There were top-notch performances from all the 9-man attack in support of the magnificent effort from the batsmen. And there was special mention of Ben Slade for his 17no and 1-6. Skipper Lewis wasn't called upon to bowl.

It was a great win against very tough opponents and augurs well for YJCF.

2016 u11s Festival Squad

2016 Manager Alistair Harrison names sixteen boys to cover his exciting range of fixtures in 2016.With a 20-20, Super-Cup, Cumbria and the Yorkshire Festival, It promises to be an exhilarating year. The squad is:

Jack Midgley & Tom Slater [U Wharfedale], Lucas Robinson, Adam Hodge, Dylan Blenkhorn & Ben Slade [Earby], Max Harrison & Jensen McGregor [Bradley], Wilf Roberts, Max Hibbert & Charlie Mitchell [Steeton], Lewis Brown & Charlie Raby [Oakworth], Ethan Wilson [Skipton], Khunas Zaman [Gt Horton Church] and Dylan Canny [Embsay].