ALMOST 50 years since the Optimists Cricket Club was founded by Ilkley man Jim Horsley, the team was restarted by his grandson.

Thomas Horsley has taken on the mantle, together with a team of 11 and 12-year-old players, who played at Bolton Abbey on Sunday (September 1).

Playing against The Ducks, captained by William Wade, the Optimists batted first - and found runs hard to come by against accurate bowling.

However, opener, Lawrence Wade, impressed with a stylish innings, aided by William Wallace, enabling the Optimists to close on 101 in their 30 overs.

The Ducks also found scoring difficult, but some brisk late scoring secured a very close finish, terminated by a run out on the penultimate ball of the game with the Optimists securing victory by only three runs.

Mr Horsley presented the cup to the winning captain, and it is hoped the fixture, which was very well attended, will become an annual event.