Lightcliffe 3rd XI earn a winning draw against Copley to go top of the Halifax Cricket League Sunday Div 1 table, two points clear of fellow Warhurst Cup finalists Birkby Rose Hill.

The ‘home’ match was held at the picturesque Denholme ground, with thanks, as the Women’s team played at Wakefield Road.

Lightcliffe, batting first on a very bowler-friendly wicket, showed defiance in the face of Copley’s opening attack. Bradley Atkinson led the way going on to make a hard-earned 52 showing class throughout.

The innings was moved forward by Gary Lewsley (32*), taking inspiration from Atkinson, classically leaning into the over-pitched ball. Finishing on 168-9, there was an under-par whiff as the clouds cleared, revealing a spectacular view across Bradfordale and the Aire Valley.

Copley looked strong at the top of the order, scoring a steady 59 before Lewsley struck first. However, run rate was always an issue for Copley and as Lightcliffe applied the signature squeeze, wickets fell thanks to cunning spells from James Lunn and Sam Kalanovic, finishing with 2-27 and 3-23 respectively. The pressure was kept from slipping by Josh Stringer’s excellent stand-in keeping for the safe hands of holidaymaking and recovering stalwart Kevin Booth.

As the HCL rules dictate, to win - gaining maximum points - the opposition has to be bowled out, and as the target became unreachable for Copley, the attention of Cpt. Bruce Lunn turned to uprooting the tail. Not all chances were taken though, leaving some desperate slapstick style run-out chances crying down the Denholme descent.

The outstanding individual efforts with bat and ball will put Lightcliffe in contention of lifting both cup and league silverware, but it is the tight-knit team play that could ultimately provide the edge needed.

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