Newton Aycliffe Cricket Club’s 1st team team sponsored by Franks The Flooring Store, began the new season with a 83 run defeat away at Middlesbrough 2nd team in the NYSD 2nd division. Middlesbrough batted first and were dismissed for 166 after 48.2 overs thanks to some superb bowling from fast bowler Sean Morgan who took 6 for 39 from 15.2 overs and two wickets from Colin Myers, who was making his debut for Aycliffe after transferring from Kimblesworth.
Aycliffe struggled throughout their innings and Luke Telford (18 runs), Dan Craggs (16 not out) and Matty Atkinson (13 runs), were the only batsmen to reach double figures in a disappointing display as they were bowled out for just 83 after just 26 overs.
The 2nd team began life in the NYSD 3rd division with a home defeat to promotion favourites Bedale by 91 runs. Aycliffe elected to bowl first and soon had Bedale struggling at 49 for 4, however the experienced middle order of the visiting team soon got their innings back on track and they finished their 50 overs with a respectable 195 for 9. The pick of the Aycliffe attack was fast bowler Danny Weldon who finished his 13 overs with the excellent figures of 4 for 37 and he was given good support from Tom Wickins who took 3 for 33 from 10 overs.
Aycliffe found themselves in deep trouble at 39 for 6 with only captain Adam Gittins reaching double figures with 18 runs. However all rounder Danny Weldon, who top scored with 30 runs and Trevor Shingler who scored 23 not out, steadied the innings, however once Weldon was dismissed, the last 3 wickets fell cheaply as the home side were quickly bowled out for a fighting 104 after 36.4 overs.
The club’s under 13’s played well but were beaten away at Richmond, however there were good performances with the ball from Lucas Pilling, Keiran Shingler, Cameron Jennings and James Knowlson and captain Dylan Tribley batted well for an unbeaten 17.
