Newton Aycliffe’s 1st team, sponsored by Franks the Flooring Store, fought hard in their last game of the season, but were eventually defeated by 21 runs at home to Middlesbrough 2nd XI in their final game in the NYSD 2nd division. Electing to bowl first, Aycliffe dismissed Middlesbrough for 204 after 41 overs with Luke Telford (4 for 43) taking the honours with the ball and the other main contributions with the ball came from Tom Dearden (3 for 51) and James Layfield-Carroll (2 for 41). In reply, openers Luke Telford, who scored 44 off 48 balls and Tom Dearden (19 off 22 balls) got their side off to a solid start with a 51 partnership. However, Aycliffe then lost wickets at regular intervals with only the dogmatic Adam Gittins (sponsored by BHP Law) showing any real resistance with a determined unbeaten 59 off 137 balls as Aycliffe were eventually dismissed for a very respectable 183 off 51 overs. After 22 games, the first team finished their season with 194 points and finished bottom of the final NYSD 2nd division table and are relegated to the third division.
The club’s second team lost by six wickets in their final game of the season, away at promotion candidates Darlington RA 2nd XI in the NYSD 4th division. Aycliffe chose to bat first and scored 120 all out after 28 overs. Adam Shaw top scored for Aycliffe with 28 off 38 balls and he was supported well by Will Moffatt (15 off 26 balls) and Jimmy Newton (15 off 10 balls). When the homeside replied, good bowling by Jai Sander (2 for 20), Ramzan Hussain (1 for 21) and Matty Greaves (1 for 28) was not enough to prevent Darlington RA from reaching their winning target after 25.5 overs and with six wickets in hand. After 24 games, the second team finished their season with 201 points and currently sit in 9th place in the fourth division table with just one final week of the other games to be played next weekend.
The club’s senior ladies team, who were the defending champions, were beaten in a very close game by just ten runs, at home to Whitby in the semi-final of the NYSD 100 Cup. Batting first, Aycliffe’s Tina Masterman top scored with an unbeaten 26 off 15 balls, Louise Jackson also batted superbly scoring 25 off 18 balls and Annelise Myers contributed well with 10 not out off 12 balls. In reply, Whitby just edged home in a tight finish despite some good bowling by Anneliese Myers, who finished her four overs with the excellent figures of 2 for 11.
Photo: NACC Ladies team after their narrow defeat in the 100 cup semi-final at home to Whitby.