Shildon Railway Cricket Club’s re-formed 2nd team has won the Darlington District League SG Petch Division C Cup, with a fine display at the pristine Barton Playing Field, reports John Brennan.
Barton won the toss and batted first, and despite the Railwaymen bowling an unacceptable 27 wides, (an extra four and a half overs, as well as 27 runs given away), the home side could only manage 120 for 8 in their 20 overs (Kieran O’Leary 3-31). Shildon’s reply was emphatic, as openers Tom Borthwick (35) and Ashley Raine (43) set about the bowlers and the side raced to victory in the 14th over. A great start for SRCC 2nd team in its first season and with performances like those of late, maybe more is to come?
The 1st team disappointingly lost out in the semi-final of the Readman Cup, when visitors Barnard Castle squeezed past the Railwaymen. Shildon elected to field and bowled out the visitors for 120 in the 20th over (Ryan Nangle 3-28, Tom Wickins 3-22). At 49 for 2, and way ahead of the run rate, Shildon looked to be in total control but collapsed to 90 for 8. A late flurry by Joe Knowles (24) took Shildon close and needing 4 from the last ball to tie the scores, and thus win by being less wickets down. But it was not to be. Many home supporters felt particularly aggrieved at one umpiring decision, feeling that this had robbed the side of victory.
The NYSD Division 2 game at Acklam Park saw Middlesbrough win the toss and bat in the lovely summer sun. Shildon failed to bowl the home side out, as it reached 179 for 9 in 50 overs, Ryan Nangle taking 3 for 43 and James Haggaty, a very economical 2 for 5, in 6 overs. In reply, the Railwaymen didn’t hang about but a middle order collapse saw the side in trouble at 150 for 6. However, Adam Bayles (33 not out) and Nathan Lawson (10 not out) saw them home at 180 for 6 in only 31 overs, Greg Upton top scoring with 55.
At SecuriCorp Park, the 2nd team went down heavily to visitors Eryholme. Shildon let the opposition off the hook as they went to 200 for 6 in 40 overs, having been 29 for 4. Only Michael Lumley (43) put up a battle, as the side tumbled to 120 all out in 30 overs.
Saturday sees the 1st team entertain Blackhall at SecuriCorp Park and the 2nd team return to Barton in the DDL Division C fixture. On Monday 19 June, the social side play Cliffe at home and on Thursday 22nd June, the 2nd XI is also at home, to Eryholme, in the FB Howell Trophy.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
