By John Phelan
Bishop Auckland C.C. Under 18 players Craig George and Ian Grainger came close to beating the Durham County League record for an opening partnership at Under 18 level when they put on 208 runs for their opening partnership against Crook last week.
The record is 220 which was set in 1997 by S.Huscroft and G. Clark for Langley Park Under 18’s v Kimblesworth. Tom Newton was also in form with the bat for the Under 15’s as he made 35 runs out of the Bishop total of 111-6 which was good enough to beat Newton Aycliffe who made 77-4.
Club stalwart Keith Oldfield, who is reaching the veteran stage now, was once an accomplished opening batsman at 1st Team level.
However, playing for the 3rd XI against Marske on Sunday Keith routed their batting line-up with his bowling and finished with figures of 8-30. So well done Keith, unfortunately Bishop still lost by 23 runs.
The 1st XI sit just below halfway in the N.Y.S.D.Premier Division after two draws in the last fortnight.
At Marske, a fortnight ago former Bishop Auckland professional Steve Chapman hit the first century of the season in the Premier Division against Bishop. Steve made 151 not out and with former Darlington professional Neil Pratt put on 176 runs for the 1st wicket. The stand was broken when Neil was bowled by his brother Gary who is the Bishop professional.
Stephen Ayre has been in good form in the 2nd XI. Against Whitby, two weeks ago, Stephen took 3-55 and then scored 19 runs. On the Bank Holiday Monday he hit 85 runs against Barnard Castle but the game was abandoned.
Last weekend against Blackhall he had figures of 2-16 off 10 overs early in the Blackhall innings. Blackhall recovered though to win the match. Richard Arnott hit 53 in the Blackhall game and Ben Thompson made 25.
Ben can also keep wicket and he is not a bad bowler having returned 4-50 against Whitby.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
