Newton Aycliffe Cricket Club’s first team, sponsored by Franks the Flooring Store lost by five wickets in a high scoring game away at Darlington 2nd XI in the NYSD second division. After being asked to bat first, Aycliffe scored an excellent 194 for 9 from their allotted 50 overs. Sam Telford (sponsored by Mr & Mrs Telford) top scored with a typically robust 62, Michael Howe continued his recent good form with 32 and captain Luke Telford also batted well scoring 31 valuable runs late in the innings. In reply, Darlington eased to victory after 47.5 overs despite some good bowling from spinner Ryan Dawson who took 2 for 27.

The club’s second team had a dramatic one run victory at home to Blackhall in the NYSD 3rd division. Opting to bat first, Aycliffe made a very respectable 183 all out after 48.1 overs. 16 year old opening batsman Dan Bowmer top scored with a fluent 38 and there were other good contributions from James Brown, who scored 32 and Tony Travis with 25. In reply, the visitors looked to be coasting to victory at 150 for 4 after 25 overs. However some brilliant bowling by Stephen Sweeney had Blackhall in trouble and losing wickets at regular intervals as they started to hit the panic button. Sweeney eventually finished with the superb bowling figures of 5 for 22 and with good support from Ryan Patrick (2 for 29), Blackhall were bowled out in a tense finale for 182 after 32.1 overs.

The u17’s lost by seven wickets away at Sedgefield in the NYSD League cup. Batting first Aycliffe scored 80 for 3 in 20 overs, with Jack Lowery top scoring with 31 and good contributions from Dan Bowmer (24 runs) and Ryan Patrick (16 not out). In reply the homeside eased to a comfortable win after just 13.3 overs.

The club’s u13’s side performed well away at top team Richmond despite suffering defeat by 46 runs. There were encouraging performances from Iain Robson, Kieran Shingler and Harry Wright who each took two wickets and there was also good innings from both Joe Bowsher and Luke Grindlay.

The U11’s followed up last week’s win away at Barnard Castle with an exciting six run victory at home to Richmond. Batting first Aycliffe finished with a net score of 43 thanks to Matty Greaves (13 runs) and Leo Mercy (12 not out). In reply Richmond finished with a net score of 37 with Josh Imerson (3 for 8) and Brandon Grant (2 for 6) the pick of the Aycliffe bowlers.

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