Fielding first BRCC started the game very well, holding a strong Otley top order to 40 for 4 after the first 10 overs. Matt Holdsworth in particular bowling some very tight lines and lengths to return impressive figures of 4-2-3-1. Skipper Jack Marchant bowled with good pace to claim two of the early wickets to finish with 2 for 17 from his 4 overs. As seems the pattern with the 17's this term, the foot slipped off the peddle a little and with J Atkinson (51*) holding the innings together Otley added a further 50 runs in the final 10 overs to finish the innings on 91 for 5. A score a little under par for the excellent playing surface. Ben Rhydding bowlers, Ben Cater, Danny Shields and Andrew Malley all took one wicket each.

With the BRCC opening batsmen in good form and full of confidence the feeling amongst the team was that 92 was a target they should reach without too many problems. Indeed openers Oliver Musgrave (19) and Sam Wood (15) got the side off to a solid start. However some indisciplined batting, poor shot selection and clumsy running resulted in a continuous steady fall of wickets for the Rhydding. The middle order from 3 to 7 could only manage 18 runs between them. Excellent bowling from the Otley slower bowlers kept the Rhydding pinned down and the run rate at a worryingly high level.

With 30 or so needed off 5 overs and only 3 wickets remaining Otley were the side in the box seat with ben Rhydding looking to fight their way out of a corner. Some big overs and cool heads were required for the side to get out of the situation. The lower order were exposed for the first real time this season following the early season dominance of the top order and this would provide a real test for the team. With the side tottering out strode Matt Holdsworth to the centre, in 5 balls and 10 brief minutes at the crease big Crack smashed 13 runs including a couple of mighty 6's over long on to bring the side out from behind the black ball and back in to the game.

No.9 Andrew Malley and No.11 Joe Taylor were left with 15 runs to get from 11 balls. Some brillinat running between the wickets and some well placed boundaries the two players remained defiant to the end and sealed a famous victory from the penultimate ball of the game.

It was a well fought rear guard from the lesser known lights in the U17s line up and an indication of the strong all round make up of the Ben Rhydding side. The game proved to be a real test of character for all the lads and hopefully the realisation that the hard work and graft in all departments of the game must be maintained if the side is to kick on this season.

Otley 91 for 5 20 ovs; J Atkinson 51*, J Graham 22; J Marchant 2 for 17, M Holdsworth 1 for 3, A Malley 1 for 12, B Cater 1 for 15, D Shields 1 for 24

Ben Rhydding 92 for 9 19.5 ovs; O Musgrave 19, S Wood 15, M Holdsworth 13, J Taylor 9*, A Malley 6*; J Coleman 3 for 34, J Brough 2 for 11, J Atkinson 2 for 21

BRCC won by 1 wicket

The BRCC u17s kept their 100% record alive yesterday with an 8-wicket win against a depleated Calverly side. The Rhydding boys are really beginning to work up momentum as they continue to work through the heavily congested May period. This, the first round of the cup, signalled a real sense of intent from the batting line-up in particular, and will no doubt send shock waves through the league. Ben Rhydding are becoming a respected outfit, due to their commitment to detail, smart appearance and of course, their classy performances on the pitch.

Skipper Jack Marchant lost the toss, a set back on a hard, even track. Even so, the fired-up quickies were determined to rip through the Calverly line-up, and the fielders were eager and to repeat their sturdy performance against Rawdon.

Matt 'Cracker' Holdsworth was handed the shiny rock he so dearly loves. He delivered a Harminson-esque first ball, before unleashing himself with a tight and ferocious opening spell. He was ably assisted by the captain himself, both pacemen finding the edge on frequent occasions, none coming to hand. The first change attack of crowd favourite Marcus Jenkins, and first team stalwart Daniel Kenna, kept a tight line and length, Kenna providing the breakthrough Rhydding so desperately needed. Alex Miller, bowling his spiky medium pace, provided a further breakthrough, opening up with a wicket maiden, before claiming another wicket in his second over. He was bowling a partnership with Ben Cater, both closing the innings smartly and efficiently. Sloppy fielding from the Rhydding boys contributed to the Calverly total of 91-3.

The usually reserved and shy Oliver Musgrave appeared in a refreshingly confident mood, opening the batting with the similarly in-form Sam Wood. Both batsmen looked comfortable and dominant, punishing any width offered by the surprisingly tame Calverly attack. Wood fell for 11, after perfectly aiding the increasingly impressive Musgrave. Marchant again weighed in, with a cameo performance saturated in responsibility and panache in equal quantities. A seemingly effortless six signalled the "mayor of London's" intent, before he holed out to mid on the following over. This brought in vice-captain Miller, who saw Musgrave to his second unbeaten half century (50*) in as many innings, and swept the winnings runs to finish 6*.

Yesterday's win took the Rhydding to the quarter final of the cup, and kept their aspirations of an unprecedented league and cup double alive.

The BRCC u17s travel to lowly Alwoodley on Wednesday, hoping to continue their rich vein of form.