Newton Aycliffe’s 1st team, sponsored by Franks the Flooring Store, were comfortably beaten by 42 runs at home to Maltby 1st XI in the NYSD second division. The visitors were asked to bat first and raced to 96 for 1 and looked well placed for a big total. However, the introduction of the spinner bowlers into the attack had the desired effect as Luke Telford (sponsored by Dean and Tina Greaves) bowled superbly and finished with the outstanding figures of 6 for 30, which are the best figures by an Aycliffe bowler this season. Tom Dearden also bowled well taking 3 for 26 and Matty Greaves chipped in with 1 for 34 as Maltby lost their last nine wickets for 56 runs to finish on 151 all out after 32.5 overs. Aycliffe had a steady start to their innings and safely reached 54 for 1 thanks to Tom Dearden (25 off 65 balls) and Adam Gittins (24 off 80 balls). However, similarly like Maltby in the first innings, Aycliffe then lost their last nine wickets for 55 runs with only Joe Teasdale (13 off 14 balls) reaching double figures as they were bowled out for just 109 off 32.5 overs. The first team now have 230 points from 21 games and sit comfortably in sixth place in the table with just one game left to play this season when they host Barnard Castle 2nd XI at home on Saturday 9th September.
The 2nd XI were beaten by 38 runs away at Maltby 2nd XI in the NYSD 4th division. Maltby were asked to bat first and scored an impressive 186 for 3 from their allotted 40 overs with Patrick Howe (2 for 21) and Ramzan Hussain (1 for 17), taking the only wickets to fall. In reply, Aycliffe put in a good effort to chase down the big target and were eventually bowled out for 148 after 35 overs. Dan Bowmer top scored with his seasonal best score of 38 off 50 balls and his impressive innings included five boundaries. Dan Heaton (27 off 36 balls), Ramzan Hussain (17 off 12 balls) and Leo Stout (14 off 22 balls) all batted well in the Aycliffe reply. The second team now have 218 points from 23 games and drop down to eighth in the table with just one game left to play this season when they travel to Preston 1st XI on Saturday 16th September.
Aycliffe’s Senior Ladies team continued their 100% winning record this season when they demolished Seaham Harbour at home by ten wickets in the Durham Ladies League. The visitors were asked to bat first and were restricted to 66 for 8 in their allotted 16 overs. Ashley Kell led the way for Aycliffe taking 3 for 19 and she was supported well by Lucinda Hall (2 for 9), Tina Masterman (1 for 5) and captain Natasha Grainger (1 for 16). In reply, Aycliffe romped to victory without losing a wicket in just 13.1 overs thanks to brilliant innings by openers Ashley Kell and Tina Masterman, who both finished unbeaten on 25 runs off 36 balls.
Aycliffe’s U11’s Girls played their last game of the season away at Sedgefield and lost by 23 runs in the South West Durham Girls League. Carys Myers top scored with 19 runs, including her first ever six and her younger sister Lydia was also amongst the runs, scoring 12. When the home side batted, Kate Norman and Lydia Myers took the only two Sedgefield wickets to fall. The U11’s Girls have had an excellent season finishing runners up in the league, which was won by Sedgefield.
Photo: Aycliffe U11’s Girls Team.