Newton Aycliffe Cricket Club’s 1st team, sponsored by Franks the Flooring Store, lost by 28 runs away at high flying Rockliffe Park 1st XI in the NYSD 2nd division. After being asked to bat first, the homeside scored an impressive 229 for 9 in their allotted 50 overs, despite some good bowling from Jack Slatcher (4 for 39) and Michael Howe (3 for 58), which took him to the notable landmark of 400 senior wickets for Aycliffe. In reply, Aycliffe went after their challenging victory target from the start with Sam Telford (47 runs from 41 balls) and Chris Palmer (27 runs from 16 balls) keeping their side above the required run rate. Michael Howe (sponsored by Yvonne and Bob Wood) then continued the momentum with a superb unbeaten 51 from 41 balls faced, but unfortunately ran out of partners as Aycliffe were dismissed for a fighting 201 after 32.2 overs.
The second team were well beaten by nine wickets at home to promotion chasing Sedgefield 2nd XI in the NYSD 4th division. Electing to bat first, Aycliffe were bowled out for 139 after 38 overs with good contributions coming from Sean Morgan (28 runs), Matty Greaves (sponsored by Brittania Fire) (25 runs) and Dylan Tribley (23 runs). In reply, the visitors coasted to victory reaching 142 for 1 after 27 overs with Matty Greaves (1 for 16) taking the only Sedgefield wicket to fall.
The club’s U17’s won their first game for five years in the competitive NYSD junior league when they defeated Rockliffe Park by four wickets after a thrilling run chase. The visitors were asked to bat first and were restricted to 121 for 6 from their 20 overs, thanks to some good bowling by Leo Mercy (2 for 18), Leo Stout (1 for 19), Matty Greaves (1 for 23) and Tom Dearden (1 for 24). In reply, opener Owen Smith smashed a quickfire 45 off 33 balls, including eight boundaries and Leo Mercy hit 35 off 36 balls, with five boundaries to help give Aycliffe a great start and take them to 83 for 1. Aycliffe looked like they were throwing away all their good work as they then lost five wickets for 11 runs and were wobbling at 94 for 6. However, a fantastic unbeaten 7th wicket partnership of 30 by Adam Shaw (14 not out) and Leo Stout (13 not out) saw Aycliffe to 124 for 6 and home to a long awaited victory with ten balls in hand.
The U15’s were desperately unlucky when they lost a dramatic game by two wickets at home to Stockton off the last ball in the NYACC League. Aycliffe were asked to bat first and scored 133 for 7 from their allotted 20 overs. Captain Owen Smith was in brilliant form with 51 not out from 39 balls, hitting nine boundaries and he was supported well by Daniel Heaton (26 runs), Harrison Pearson (18 runs) and Will Dearden (15 runs). In reply, the visitors were rocked by some terrific bowling from Aycliffe’s Leo Stout who finished with career best figures of 5 for 22. However, Stockton’s lower middle order recovered well as they reached their winning target in a tense finale off the final ball of the 20th over.
The U11’s had their best result of the season when they played brilliantly to earn a tie away at Hartlepool in the NYACC league. There was some good individual performances from captain Will Moffatt, who top scored with 26 runs and Joey Hayman, who took two wickets for Aycliffe.
Photo: Aycliffe’s U17’s team with team manager Lee Weldon and coach Ryan Patrick after their tremendous win at home to Rockliffe Park.