Newton Aycliffe Cricket Club’s 1st team, sponsored by Franks the Flooring Store, had an exciting two wicket victory away at Middlesbrough 2nds in the NYSD 2nd division thanks to an heroic innings by all rounder Luke Telford (sponsored by Dean and Tina Greaves). The homeside were asked to bat first and scored what looked like an impregnable 212 for 5 from their 50 overs with Luke Telford taking 2 for 54 from a marathon 15 overs. Luke then opened the innings and carried his bat for a breathtaking career best 123 not out off 140 balls and his match winning innings contained 20 boundaries. Credit must also go to Chris Palmer who batted well with 32 from 52 balls and Leon Patel (3 not out) who held his nerve in a tense finale as Aycliffe reached their winning target with just 8 balls remaining.
The club’s first team capped a good week when they progressed to the semi-final of the Brunton Cup after a sensational two wicket victory at home to Norton 1st XI, who play in the division above Newton Aycliffe. The visitors were asked to bat first and ex Aycliffe player Michael Howe made the most of a couple of dropped catches to top score for Norton with an unbeaten 75 from 57 balls despite some good bowling from youngsters Leo Mercy (2 for 24) and Matty Greaves (2 for 26). In reply, captain Sam Telford got the innings off to a flyer smashing 28 runs from 12 balls helping his side to a promising 72 for 2. New batsman Chris Palmer (sponsored by Vanila Design & Print) then took over with an astonishing display of power batting with ex Aycliffe player Jack Slatcher taking the brunt of the assault when Palmer smashed his bowling for four sixes during his only over of the match. Aycliffe lost wickets at regular intervals but 15 year old debutant Leo Stout (8 not out from 8 balls) and Palmer kept their cool to help see their side over the winning line with three overs remaining. Palmer finished unbeaten on 59 from just 29 balls and his memorable innings contained two boundaries and seven big sixes.
Newton Aycliffe Cricket Club’s 2nd XI lost by 136 runs at home to top of the table Bishop Auckland 2nds in the NYSD 4th division. Captain Jimmy Newton emerged from the game with credit after taking 3 for 44 in the visitors innings and then top scoring when Aycliffe replied with 24 from 18 balls including five boundaries. Special mention must go to Anneliese Myers who made her senior debut and fielded brilliantly and then also batted with steely determination finishing unbeaten on 5 not out from 13 balls faced.
The U11’s lost by 47 runs away at Richmond in the NYACC League. Gracie Hayman (2 for 14) and Phoebe Sproat (1 for 22) bowled well when the homeside batted and when Aycliffe replied, captain Miles Telford stood out when he top scored with an excellent innings of 23.
The Aycliffe Ladies senior team began their season with a comfortable eight wicket win away at Castle Eden in the Durham Womens League. The homeside were restricted to 45 for 4 in their 16 overs thanks to some tight bowling from Anneliese Myers (2 for 9) and Natasha Grainger (1 for 4). In reply Aycliffe easily reached their victory target after only 7.5 overs thanks to excellent innings by both Ashley Kell (25 not out) and Claire Ebdon (12 not out).
The u11’s girls made it back to back victories in the South West Durham Girls League when they came out on top away at Willington by an impressive 83 runs. The wickets were evenly shared amongst the bowlers and, when Aycliffe batted, Hope Thomson showed good form, top scoring with an excellent 25 runs, Gracie Hayman also batted well scoring 21 runs and both Hannah Thornton and 7 year old Lydia Myers scored 13 runs.
Photo of a very happy Luke Telford after his match winning career best innings of 123 not out away at Middlesbrough.