Newton Aycliffe Cricket Club’s 1st team team sponsored by Franks The Flooring Store had a dramatic two run victory away at second in the table Barnard Castle 2nd XI in the NYSD 2nd division.
Aycliffe were asked to bat first and there were good innings from Tom Young (65 runs), John Cavanagh (34 runs) and 16 runs each from both Michael Howe and 15 year old Dan Bowmer, as the visitors made a respectable 153 all out from 35 overs. Barnard Castle looked to be coasting to victory despite Colin Myers taking 3 for 47, but the introduction of swing bowler Jack Slatcher (sponsored by Mr and Mrs Greaves) changed the game as he took 4 for 21 from 6.2 overs to help dismiss the homeside for 151 after 38.2 overs.
The second team (see photo) also had an excellent win beating Thornaby 2nd XI by 84 runs in the 3rd division of the NYSD. After being put into bat Aycliffe captain Adam Gittins lead from the front with a careful innings of 47. He received good support from both Tony Travis (34 runs) and James Brown (27 not out) as the home side scored a respectable 168 for 8 in their allotted 50 overs.
Thornaby looking to be on target for victory as they comfortably reached 67 for 3, but the introduction of leg spinner Patrick Howe (sponsored by Aycliffe NUFC Supporters Bus) into the attack had the desired affect as the visitors lost their last seven wickets for just 17 runs. Howe finished with 4 for 19 and was given good support from Danny Weldon (2 for 19) and Tom Wickins (2 for 20) as Aycliffe bowled out Thornaby for just 84 from 36 overs.
In mid week the first team had a good win by 15 runs at home to Northallerton 2nd XI in the group stages of the NYSD 15/15 competition. John Cavanagh smashed a brilliant 81 as Aycliffe posted 130 for 6 in their 15 overs. In reply the visitors were restricted to 115 for 5 from 15 overs with left arm spinner Luke Telford, the pick of the Aycliffe attack taking 3 for 12.
Aycliffe’s u15’s team suffered a narrow 12 run defeat at home to Brandon. Chasing 136 for victory, Aycliffe got off to a good start with Arran Taylor hitting a quickfire 25 and Dan Bowmer scoring 15. Adam Lamb then smashed the bowling all around the ground with four boundaries and four huge sixes, he was retired out for a memorable career best 52. Aycliffe’s innings slowed down after Lamb’s departure and they finished their 20 overs on 123 for 4.
The under 13’s lost at home to Billingham by 8 wickets, but their was good performances from acting captain Ali Abbasi, who top scored with 16, Joe Bowsher who scored 11 not out, Kieran Shinger, who bowled well and took a wicket, Thomas Cayless held a very smart catch and Francis Humble fielded excellently throughout the visitors innings.
Despite being two players short, our u11’s team gave one of their best performances of the year and pushed their opponents Blackhall all the way, but alas were narrowly beaten at the end.
Special mention must go to Harry Wright, who top scored with 9 runs, Rob Hillman, who took two wickets and Nathan Slater who bowled really well without any luck. Also credit must go to both Jack Paylor and Francis Humble for some great work in the field.
