Newton Aycliffe Cricket Club’s 1st team, sponsored by Franks the Flooring Store, came away from their NYSD division two game away at Norton 1st XI with a frustrating draw after falling just six runs short of victory in a thrilling run chase. The homeside were asked to bat first and scored an impressive 205 for 9 in their allotted 50 overs with the wickets shared equally between Jack Slatcher (2 for 23), Michael Howe (2 for 33), George Slatcher (2 for 39) and Patrick Howe (2 for 46).
In reply, opener Luke Telford scored 14 and in the process passed the notable 4,000 career runs milestone for Aycliffe. The visitors then lost three cheap wickets and were in trouble at 57 for 3, but Ryan Patrick (sponsored by A Star Bathrooms) and Jack Slatcher both batted brilliantly, putting on 82 runs for the fourth wicket partnership to put Aycliffe right back in the game. Ryan Patrick top scored with 51 off 67 balls and his maiden first team half century contained three boundaries and a six and Jack Slatcher scored 46 off 87 balls. With quick runs needed and overs running out, Chris Palmer immediately put bat to ball hitting 19 runs off 21 balls and acting captain Michael Howe smashed an unbeaten 29 off just 18 balls but Aycliffe fell agonisingly just short of victory as the innings closed on 200 for 6 after 50 overs.
The 2nd team game at home to Stockton 2nd XI was cancelled as was the u15’s game away at Wolviston, as eight players in the club were self isolating due to Covid.
Newton Aycliffe’s fledgling senior ladies team won their first ever game when they came out on top by four wickets away at Sunderland in the Durham Womens Cricket League. The home side elected to bat first and were restricted to just 86 for 5 from their allotted 20 overs. Ashley Kell was in superb form for Aycliffe taking three wickets for just 11 runs and she was supported well by both Georgia Leeming (1 for 13) and captain Natasha Grainger (1 for 21). Opening bat Tina Masterman got the Aycliffe innings off to a very good start when she top scored with 17 runs off 18 balls, including three boundaries. Ashley Kell then continued the good work with an unbeaten 14 from 23 balls to help Aycliffe reach their target of 87 for a memorable first win after 16.4 overs and with four wickets in hand. Special mention must go to Emma Moffatt in her very first game, after only one training session, and she marked her debut with a well hit boundary during the Aycliffe innings.
Photo: The victorious Aycliffe senior ladies team after their victory away at Sunderland.
