Newton Aycliffe Cricket Club’s 1st team team kept their winning streak going with their eighth consecutive victory defeating Maltby away by 70 runs to stay in pole position in the 3rd division of the NYSD. Aycliffe were asked to bat first and totalled an impressive 217 for 8 in their 50 overs thanks to a superb innings of 60 from all rounder Dan Craggs and good knocks from acting captain Luke Telford (35 runs) and Michael Howe (34 runs).
The home side looked well placed at 116 for 2, but the introduction of the Telford spin twins had the desired effect as Luke took 4 for 28 and his cousin Sam took 3 for 17 as Maltby capitulated to 147 all out after 39.5 overs. Special mention of both Sean Morgan who equalled the club record of 4 outfield catches during the Maltby innings and 16 year old Ben Nicholson, deputising behind the stumps for the first time and took two excellent stumpings.
The 1st team finished runners up in their 15/15 group after an excellent six wicket win away at Northallerton. Aycliffe bowled and fielded superbly to dismiss the homeside for just 81 with Sean Morgan the pick of the bowlers taking 3 for 22. Aycliffe captain Chris Palmer got his team off to a flyer with a quickfire 28, but an unbeaten innings of 17 by all rounder Sean Morgan helped see his team to victory with one over and six wickets in hand. Aycliffe now travel to face Middlesbrough in the quarter finals on Wednesday 31st July.
The second team had a brilliant 6 wicket win away at Darlington RA in the 2nd division of the NYSD Sunday league. After asking the home side to bat first, Aycliffe bowled and fielded superbly to skittle the hosts for just 76 after 29.1 overs.
The wickets were shared with Ross Dixon taking 3 for 28, Patrick Howe 2 for 7, Danny Weldon 2 for 11 and Tom Wickins 2 for 26. In reply captain Adam Gittins batted brilliantly to carry his bat for an unbeaten 40 to help see his side home to a well earned victory after just 23.1 overs.
The club’s under 11’s team were well beaten at home to Seaton Carew despite some good batting from Aycliffe captain Nathan Parry and Lucas Pilling who shared an excellent partnership of 33 runs in their allotted 4 overs.
The club’s school holidays fun cricket days continue this Wednesday at the Sports Club from 10am to 12pm, boys and girls of any ability, aged 6 to 11 are welcome. Cost £2. For more details contact Club Secretary Lee Weldon on 07759 754959
