Shildon Railway Cricket Club enjoyed its first win of the season, and it was the impact of brothers Greg and Bret Upton which helped the 1st XI to an emphatic victory.
Visitors Hylton batted first on a wicket described by their batsmen as “an absolute road”.
The Railwaymen’s bowling and fielding looked much improved and apart from opener A. Mustard, none of the batsmen appeared comfortable, as P. Garbutt (3-47), B. Upton (2-28) and R. Nevison (3-28) mopped up the innings for 148.
In reply, skipper Greg Upton again led the way with a polished 56.
J. P. Nash looked in fine form for his 25 and Bret Upton, on his return to the club, hammered an unbeaten 48, to achieve victory by 7 wickets.
Signs are there that Shildon can take on and beat teams in a new, challenging league and the club is hopeful that, now that the football season is over, a number of players will be regularly available for selection and boost the strength of both senior sides.
This weekend, 18th/19th May, sees Andrew Walsh attempt the infamous Coast to Coast cycle ride. Andrew is being sponsored in aid of the club and everyone wishes him good luck.
Meanwhile, Shildon Railway u15s cricket team entertained Evenwood in their first fixture of the new season.
Shildon won the toss and put Evenwood in to bat.
Evenwood posted a competitive score of 76 for the loss of eight wickets from their allotted 20 overs.
However, their total was supplemented by a large amount of extras.
A splendid bowling spell by Matthew Franklyn, taking five wickets for just 8 runs from four overs was the highlight of the Shildon bowling performance.
The young Shildon side fell just short of their target posting 65 for 5 wickets.
M. Claydon top scored for Shildon with 16.
“There were some encouraging signs from some of the young batsmen, which bodes very well for the future,” said a club spokesperson.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
