Newton Aycliffe Cricket Club’s 1st team, sponsored by Franks the Flooring Store, put in a solid performance to comfortably defeat Northallerton at home by six wickets in the NYSD 2nd division. The visitors were asked to bat first and were dismissed for just 124 after 45.4 overs. 17 year old Leo Mercy bowled superbly for Aycliffe, leading the way with career best figures of 4 for 33 and he was supported well by James Layfield-Carroll (3 for 18) and Luke Telford (2 for 27). In reply, Aycliffe all rounder Luke Telford (sponsored by Dean and Tina Greaves) smashed the bowling to all parts of the ground scoring 60 off just 62 balls, hitting 11 boundaries in the process. Joe Teasdale continued his good start to the season, following up last weekend’s half century with a quickfire 35 off just 27 balls, including four sixes and a boundary before he was dismissed. Dan Weldon then saw his team over the finishing line, scoring an unbeaten 11 off just four balls, including a boundary and a massive six to win the game after just 25.1 overs and for the loss of only four wickets. This match was sponsored by Ramsay’s Garage.
Newton Aycliffe Cricket Club’s 2nd travelled to promotion favourites Rockcliffe Park and were well beaten by seven wickets. Electing to bat first Aycliffe were blown away by some excellent homeside bowling and were all out for just 47 runs after 20.3 overs. In reply, Rockcliffe coasted to victory after just 12.2 overs despite some good bowling by Aycliffe’s Tom Dearden (2 for 10) and Dan Heaton (sponsored by Ian Hatty Hannant), who took 1 for 3. Special mention must also go to 12 year old Joey Hayman, who was playing only his second senior game for Aycliffe. He was asked to opening the bowling and showed immense potential finishing his short 3 over spell with 0 for 12.
Photo: First team opening bowler, Leo Mercy, who took a career best 4 for 33 against Northallerton.