Newton Aycliffe Cricket Club’s first team, sponsored by Franks the Flooring Store were beaten by four wickets away at bottom of the league Whitby 2nd XI in the NYSD 2nd division. After being put into bat, Aycliffe found themselves in deep trouble at 57 for 7, but a brilliant unbeaten innings of 65 from Mark Woodhead, (sponsored by Michaela’s Nails) and superb contributions from both Colin Myers, who scored 32 and James Layfield-Carroll, who hit 16, helped to rescue the innings as Aycliffe were eventually dismissed for a creditable 161 after 49.1 overs.
The homeside seemed to be coasting to victory at 131 for 2, but a spirited late burst from seam bowler Michael Howe, who finished with the excellent figures of 5 for 43, briefly gave Aycliffe hope, but Whitby dug in and duly reached their winning target of 162 after 31.5 overs.
On Bank Holiday Monday the first team had a fantastic eight wicket victory at home to Marton 2nd XI in a game that had over 500 runs on a belter of a wicket. The visitors were asked to bat first and scored a formidable 252 for 9 from their 50 overs with Michael Howe the pick of the Aycliffe bowlers taking 3 for 75 from his 12 overs.
Opener Sam Telford (see photo) smashed the bowling to all parts of the ground to reach his third century for Newton Aycliffe. Telford (sponsored by his Mam and Dad) reached his 100 off just 78 balls and was finally out for a brilliant 117 from just 91 balls, including ten boundaries and four sixes. Once Telford was dismissed his opening partner Ryan Dawson continued the good work with an unbeaten 79, including nine boundaries and with support from Michael Howe who clubbed 35 off 19 balls with seven boundaries, the pair took Aycliffe to a superb win after just 42.4 overs.
The u15’s played well but still lost by 43 runs at home to a strong Stockton team. The visitors batted first and scored 163 for 5 in their 20 overs with John Grey the pick of the bowlers taking 2 for 33. In reply opener Jack Lowery batted superbly smashing 49 from just 52 balls including nine boundaries and he was given good support from captain Dylan Tribley who scored 32 from 42 balls with three fours helping Aycliffe to a respectable total of 120 for 4 after 20 overs.
The u13’s team were well beaten at home to Darlington by 95 runs, but there were good performances from acting captain Joe Bowsher who top scored with 12 not out and Matty Greaves, who took the only Darlington wicket to fall thanks to a smart catch from Luke Grindlay.
The u11’s performed well away at Stockton despite losing by 33 runs. A very special mention must go to 7 year old Will Dearden, who was making his debut and bowled superbly finishing with the excellent figures of one wicket for just two runs from his two over spell.