Newton Aycliffe’s 1st team, sponsored by Franks the Flooring Store, began their delayed new season with a comprehensive victory by eight wickets at home to fancied Barnard Castle 2nd XI in the NYSD second division. The cricket ground was under water only a couple of weeks ago, so volunteer groundsman Ian Palmer deserves massive credit for all his time and effort into getting the ground and wicket into such a good condition that over 450 runs were scored in an excellent opening game of the season. On a bitterly cold day, Aycliffe’s new captain, James Layfield-Carroll, won the toss and chose to bowl first and the visitors then piled up the runs scoring what seemed to be an impregnable 231 for 6 after 50 overs. Aycliffe’s bowlers toiled hard in very harsh conditions with Luke Telford (3 for 58), Tom Dearden (1 for 21) and James Layfield-Carroll (1 for 32) sharing the wickets. In reply, Aycliffe’s openers Tom Dearden (46 off 81 balls) and Luke Telford (15 off 20 balls) got their side off to a solid start. Sam Telford then joined batsman Adam Gittins at the crease with the score at 90 for 2 and the pair batted superbly to see their side home to victory with a club record unbroken 3rd wicket partnership of 142 with 5.1 overs to spare. Adam Gittins (sponsored by BHP Law) finished on 78 not out off 112 balls and he hit 11 boundaries and a six and Sam Telford finished on 74 not out off 56 balls and his innings included eight boundaries and a six.
Unfortunately, no play was possible in the 2nd team’s opening game of the season, away at Marske 2nd XI in the NYSD 4th division, as the ground was unfit due to the recent bad weather.
Aycliffe’s all conquering Ladies senior team were also left disappointed as their inaugural match in the Hambleton League (East), at home to Thirsk, was postponed after heavy and persistent rain left the ground unplayable.
Photo: First team batsman, Adam Gittins, in action.
