FIVE Crossflatts Cricket Club junior players made their first forays into senior cricket on Sunday for their newly-formed third XI.

And they more than justified their selections with some excellent contributions in a friendly away at Lightcliffe CC.

Twelve-year-old seamer Rhys Mazey didn't shy away from taking the new ball and he was rewarded with deserved figures of 1-31 from his seven overs. He then scored 13 with the bat.

All-rounder Thomas Durn, also 12, had tidy figures of 1-17 off his five overs and he also scored 13 runs in Flatts' reply.

Twelve-year-old left-arm seamer Harry Hinchcliffe was unlucky to go wicketless (0-41) but it is only a matter of time before he gets his first senior scalp.

Adam Atkinson, 15, who took 1-34 and hit five not out, is another youngster to keep an eye on this season.

Finally, 11-year-old Archie Brooksbank (1-27) bamboozled the home side's middle order with his leg-spin.

Although Flatts lost the friendly by 71 runs, U13s coach Dominic Bennett, who has nurtured these five junior players since U9 level, was absolutely ecstatic with his young proteges, who made the transition to senior cricket seamlessly.

He said: "It was a big step for the young players and they took it all in their stride and all showed great potential.

"Based on these performances, I expect to see them all knocking on the door for second team selection in the next couple of years."

Bennett added: "Our third team was formed to bring the juniors on and they have more then stepped up to the plate in this game."

Crossflatts' third XI begin their quest for the Halifax League Division Three Conference North East title with a home game against Bradshaw CC this Sunday.

Meanwhile, Bennett captained Crossflatts’ first team to their first win in the Bradford League since their move from the Craven League at the weekend, as they thumped Rodley by 189 runs in Division Three.

Opener Josh Brooksbank top scored with 67 as Flatts put up 247-9 in their 50 overs, with Joe Greenwood chipping in with a valuable 49 in the middle order.

And then it was all about Mohammad Shahnawaz, with the opening bowler running through the Rodley batting line-up, taking 7-31 as they were dismissed for a paltry 78.

The second team also beat Rodley, but that was a far closer affair. Chasing a total of 214-7 off 40 overs, Crossflatts scrambled over the line with four balls to spare, winning the game by one wicket.