A 14-year-old cricketer showed maturity beyond his years when he opened the batting for a men’s team in a cup match.
Alex Ridler was called up for Cartworth Moor’s second team for their Earnshaw Cup match against Almondbury, which they won.
Wicket-keeper Alex was asked to open and block up one end while the more experienced batsmen set about scoring the runs.
Alex offered stubborn resistance for two hours and scored 17 runs from 88 balls. The team added 103 runs from 113 balls while Alex was at the crease.
The teenager plays for Holmfirth but due to limited opportunities at second team level, Alex has moved on loan to Cartworth Moor for the remainder of the season.
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Proud dad Chris had a prime view of his son’s heroics as he was a scorer at the game.
Chris said: “I was doing scoring on the day and Alex came up to me and said they’d asked him to be opening batsman and to try and block up one end.
“I told him to go and do his best. He ended up playing for over two hours as opening batsman which for a 14-year-old at adult cricket is very impressive. Alex put in a superb display and both me and his mum are so proud of him.
“After his batting performance he played another 90 minutes fielding and took two catches so it was a great all round day for him.
“He’s a good cricketer and I think he can go far. The big step would be for him to get in the first team at Holmfirth. We live right next to the ground so that would be ideal.
“I would just like to say a big thanks to Cartworth, though, as they have been brilliant with him this year and he’s really enjoyed playing there. At least they know now if they need him again he can do a good job.”
