Ilkley Boys Shine in Aire-Wharfe Representative Competition

Four of Ilkley CC boys, Max Chaplin, Harry Temperton (wk), Mac Hall and Alex Quaife represented the Airedale and Wharfedale u9s league team in the finals day last Sunday at Pocklington CC.

It was a great day of cricket and the standard of play from such young boys was a pleasure to see. In the semi final we played the Huddersfield league. Batting first we made a competitive 275 (it's the same scoring method as the u9s pairs league cricket we play, starting in 200 and losing 5 runs if you lose a wicket).

All the Ilkley boys contributed well with the bat with Max Chaplin in particular showing real authority. In a tight game the Aire-Wharfe side ran out winners by 10 runs. Again all the Ilkley boys contributed to a great victory with Alex claiming a wicket with his bowling and combining with Harry Temperton (who was wicket keeping) for a run out and another direct hit run out as the team fielded superbly.

Max and Mac Hall then bowled the final overs with the Huddersfield league needing 16 to win. Max got the decisive wicket with the final ball of the penultimate over. Mac then followed this up with a great tight final over seeing the Aire-Wharfe side progressing once again.

On to the final against the East Yorkshire league...

Batting first, we actually benefitted from facing stronger bowling attack as the ball came on to the bat with a bit more pace. All the lads contributed to a daunting total of 325 with some fantastic stroke play.

Again all the Ilkley boys took wickets with the ball and young Harry was outstanding behind the stumps, no mean feat to keep in pads and helmet for two games in a row barely letting a bye through.

The tight bowling and excellent fielding display meant we were the competitions victors with a 50 run win in the final. 

All the leagues in Yorkshire were invited to take part in the competition and the Aire-Wharfe side finished on top, with 50% of the side being from Ilkley Cricket Club. Makes you proud!

Congratulations boys, a massive future at the ICC ahead!