Newton Aycliffe’s 1st team, sponsored by Franks the Flooring Store, produced arguably their best performance of the season to comfortably defeat local rivals and promotion outsiders Shildon 1st XI, at home by 80 runs, in the NYSD second division to keep alive their slim hopes of avoiding relegation. Electing to bat first, Aycliffe’s Sam Telford was in a destructive mood, smashing 63 off just 31 balls and his whirlwind innings included seven boundaries and four big sixes. When he was dismissed, Adam Girttens continued the good work and scored a more workman like 52 off 128 balls including eight boundaries. Captain James Layfield-Carroll chipped in with a useful 27 off 23 balls late in the innings to help take his side to a competitive 210 all out after 46.1 overs. In reply, the visitors lost wickets at regular intervals thanks to some excellent bowling by left arm spinner Luke Telford (sponsored by JR Smith Electrical Services) who finished with figures of 5 for 25. James Layfield-Carroll (2 for 28) and Ben Howard (2 for 29) also bowled well to help dismiss Shildon for 130 after 33.2 overs.
The day was made even more special for Luke Telford when his 13 year old son, Trent, was drafted into the team to make his first team debut and the youngster put in a faultless display in the field to help his side to a vital victory.
The club’s second team lost by 44 runs away at Preston 1st XI in the NYSD 4th division. The homeside chose to bat first on a difficult pitch and scored a challenging 174 for 6 from their allotted 40 overs, despite some good work with the ball by 14 year Will Moffatt (2 for 35), Jimmy Newton (1 for 8) and Matty Greaves (1 for 20). In reply, Aycliffe’s opening batsman Jai Sander (sponsored by Armstrong Building Services) was in superb form, carrying his bat for an unbeaten 64 off 89 balls and his seasonal best score included ten boundaries. Adam Shaw (21 off 15 balls) and Matty Greaves (13 off 22 balls) also batted well, but couldn’t stop their team from being bowled out for 130 from 33.1 overs. Special mention must go to 16 year old Isabelle Tait who made her senior debut in the 2nd team and proved an able deputy for her Dad who had dropped out before the match due to injury.
Photo: Father and son, Luke and 13 year old debutant Trent Telford, taken during the match between Aycliffe 1st XI and Shildon 1st XI.