Newton Aycliffe Cricket Club’s 1st team, sponsored by Franks the Flooring Store, had a very straight forward seven wicket victory at home to Saltburn 2nds in the NYSD 2nd division. The visitors were asked to bat first and were bowled out for a below par 112 after 34.1 overs. Birthday boy Jack Slatcher was again amongst the wickets taking 3 for 19 from his 13 overs and Michael Howe (sponsored by Bob and Yvonne Wood) supported well with 2 for 29.

In reply, Aycliffe lost three quick wickets leaving them wobbling at 34 for 3. However, an unbroken 4th wicket partnership of 82 from Michael Howe (56 not out from 46 balls) and Adam Gittins (21 not out) saw their team safely home to their winning target after only 23.1 overs. Special mention must go to club stalwart Adam Gittins (sponsored by Jack and Jake Connors) who passed 5,000 runs for Aycliffe during his innings and became only the sixth player in the club’s history to reach this notable landmark. The first team match was sponsored by Crafter’s Companion.

The second team was again packed with juniors, including 15 year old Jai Sander and 13 year old Harrison Pearson, who were both making their senior debuts, but their team were no match for their experienced counterparts from Billingham Synthonia, going down by 111 runs in the NYSD 4th division.

The home side elected to bat first and scored a challenging 178 for 8 declared after 33 overs despite some good bowling from Thomas Dearden (3 for 45), Harrison Pearson (2 for 19) and Dan Weldon (1 for 16). In reply only Kyle Robinson (sponsored by Star Recruitment) reached double figures, top scoring with 38 as Aycliffe were skittled for 67 from 26.4 overs.

The u17’s put in an improved performance but were still defeated by seven wickets away at Rockliffe Park in the NYSD Junior league. Electing to bat first Aycliffe reached a respectable 108 for 4 from their 20 overs. Owen Smith batted superbly to finish unbeaten on 39 and there were also useful contributions from Matty Greaves (21 runs) and Will Varley (11 runs). In reply the home side eased to victory with 4.1 overs still remaining despite some excellent bowling from leg spinner Thomas Dearden, who finished his 4 over spell with 2 for 20.

The u15’s home game with Barnard Castle was abandoned due to rain with the visitors left stranded at 48 for 2 after 7 overs. Earlier Aycliffe posted a good score of 114 for 6 from their allotted 18 overs thanks to Thomas Dearden (15 runs), Jai Sander (13 runs) and 12 runs each from both Adam Shaw and Owen Smith.

The club’s u13’s lost their first game of the season at home to a strong Richmond team by six wickets in the NYACC league. Asked to bat first, Aycliffe were dismissed for 69 after 15.5 overs with Adam Shaw and Will Dearden both top scoring with 13 runs each. In reply, the visitors reached their winning target after 14.2 overs despite some good bowling from Dan Heaton (2 for 10) and a wicket each for Alfie Spensley and AJ Wild.

The u11’s had an excellent win by 38 runs away at Barnard Castle in the NYACC league. Captain Will Dearden batted superbly when he top scored for Aycliffe with 26 runs and Alfie Spensley also batted well scoring 19 runs. When Barnard Castle batted, Jamie Evans (2 for 18), Daniel Wild (1 for 7) and Will Dearden (1 for 7) all had success with the ball for Aycliffe.

On Friday 31st July, Newton Aycliffe Women played their first competitive senior game when they hosted Chester-le-Street in the Durham Womens T20 League. Despite losing by 26 runs, the team played with a great spirit and showed excellent enthusiasm.

Photo: The Aycliffe Women’s team in action, when fielding during their first game at home to Chester-Le-Street.