Newton Aycliffe Cricket Club’s 1st team sponsored by Franks The Flooring Store were defeated by 31 runs at home to top of the table Stokesley 2nd XI in the NYSD 2nd division. The visitors were asked to bat first and scored a challenging 217 all out after 44.5 overs with John Cavanagh again bowling well for Aycliffe taking 5 for 65.
In reply a new club record 6th wicket partnership of 96 between Michael Howe (sponsored by Yvonne and Bob Wood), who scored a career best 71 and Tom Wickins (32) gave Aycliffe hope, but when they were dismissed, the tail quickly followed and Aycliffe were eventually dismissed for a respectable 186 after 45.5 overs.
The second team had an excellent eight wicket victory away at 3rd in the table Blackhall 2nd XI in the NYSD division 3. The home side won the toss and elected to bat first and were skittled for just 79 after 33.5 overs thanks to superb bowling from Patrick Howe (3 for 19), Danny Weldon (3 for 21) and Jack Slatcher (3 for 33). In reply captain Adam Gittins carried his bat for an unbeaten 38 and was given good support from Patrick Howe (18) and Joe Haines (18 not out) as they coasted to a well-earned win in the 25th over.
The 1st team had a dramatic two wicket victory at home to Darlington RA in the NYSD 15/15 cup. RA were asked to bat first and at 98 for 2 were looking to set a big target, but the introduction of spin bowler John Cavanagh had a spectacular affect as he took six wickets in just three overs to help restrict the visitors to 116 for 9 after 15 overs.
Aycliffe also got off to a good start thanks to all-rounder Cavanagh (23 runs) and Tom Young (30 runs). Sam Telford also batted superbly scoring a season’s best 44, but a collapse had Aycliffe in trouble, however Tom Wickins (4 not out) kept his cool at the end to see Aycliffe through to the quarter finals with just one ball to spare.