Newton Aycliffe Cricket Club’s 1st team team sponsored by Franks The Flooring Store stormed to the top of the NYSD 2nd division table after an excellent performance to win by 56 runs away at fellow promotion candidates Wolviston 1st XI.
Asked to bat first, Aycliffe scored a respectable 153 all out after 46.5 overs thanks to good innings from Sean Morgan and Chris Palmer, who both scored 37 and an invaluable undefeated 24 from Ross Dixon . In reply the homeside were bowled out for just 97 after 36.4 overs with Aycliffe’s Matt Atkinson (5 for 10) and Michael Howe (3 for 34) taking the plaudits after their superb display of fast bowling, which helped take them to the top spot with 188 points at the half way stage of the season.
The 2nd team’s long unbeaten run was brought to an abrupt halt when they lost a low scoring game at home to Wolviston 2nd XI in the NYSD 3rd division. The visitors were asked to bat first and were bowled out for 110 thanks to an astonishing spell of leg spin bowling from Patrick Howe (photo attached). The talented youngster finished his 15 over spell with 5 wickets for just 7 runs and he also bowled 10 maidens to set a new 2nd team club record for the most maidens in an innings. In reply Aycliffe were disappointingly dismissed for just 75 with only Neil Bancroft (15 runs), Tony Travis (14 runs) and Darryn Bancroft (12 runs) managing double figures.
The under 18’s team lost a tight game away at Brandon by just 3 wickets. Batting first Aycliffe reached 89 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs. Captain Tom Wickins top scored with 29 and there were useful innings from Matt French (18 runs), Arran Taylor (18 runs) and Jack Lowery (10 runs). In reply excellent bowling from both Patrick Howe (2 for 13) and Ryan Patrick (2 for 22) almost snatched a victory for Aycliffe, but Brandon held on to win the game.
The club’s under 15’s team were defeated at home to Willington by 26 runs. Chasing the visitors impressive score of 143 for 2, Aycliffe batted well throughout their innings and reached a respectable 117 for 5 from their 20 overs. Captain Josh Pearson top scored with an unbeaten 31 and there were also excellent aggressive innings from both Ryan Patrick (25 runs) and Arran Taylor (23 runs) as Aycliffe fell just short of their challenging victory target.
The under 13’s lost by 9 wickets at home to Sedgefield in the NYACC league. Batting first Aycliffe captain Dylan Tribley (30 not out) and the in form James Knowlson (28 runs) helped their side to reach 96 for 4 after their 20 overs. However, the visitors coasted to victory after 13.2 overs and for the loss of just one wicket.
The club’s under 11’s were desperately unlucky to lose by just 4 runs to Sedgefield in a cracking game at Moore Lane despite a brilliant innings of 27 from captain Lucas Pilling and 2 wickets for just 6 runs from debutant George Pearson.
