Newton Aycliffe Cricket Club’s 1st team, sponsored by Franks the Flooring Store got back to winning ways with an impressive six wicket victory away at Bedale 1st XI in the NYSD second division. The home side elected to bat first and were blown away by some superb bowling by both Michael Howe (sponsored by Yvonne & Bob Wood), who took a season’s best 5 for 26 and Jack Slatcher, who also took a season’s best 5 for 30, as the hosts were skittled for just 57 after 21.4 overs. In reply, opener Sam Telford blasted a typically robust 34 from 24 balls and Chris Palmer chipped in with 12 runs as Aycliffe romped to victory after only 9.3 overs.
On Wednesday evening, the first team were well beaten by eight wickets in a disappointing display away at Barnard Castle 2nd XI in the quarter final of the NYSD 15/15 cup. Electing to bat first Aycliffe made a below par 113 for 8 in their allotted 15 overs thanks to good innings from Michael Howe (29), Adam Gittins (25 not out) and 18 runs each from both Lewis Gimple and Luke Telford. In reply the home side’s batsmen smashed the Aycliffe bowling around the park and easily reached their winning target after only 12.1 overs and with eight wickets in hand.
The second team completed a seasonal double over Bedale seconds with an excellent five wicket home win in their NYSD fourth division clash. The visitors chose to bat first and scored a challenging 156 all out after 39.1 overs. James Brown was the pick of the Aycliffe bowlers taking a career best 4 for 30 and he was supported well by Lewis Gimple (3 for 32) and Neil Bancroft (2 for 31). In reply Aycliffe batted really well and after Dan Weldon was dismissed for an agressive 17, Lewis Gimple (54 not out) and Neil Bancroft (44 not out) safely guided Aycliffe home to victory after 32.3 overs.
Photo: first team bowler Michael Howe in action
