Shildon Railway Cricket Club has won the 2015 Ken Welsh Cup after defeating Thornaby in the final.
The North Yorkshire and South Durham Premiere Cricket League Division Three Cup Final was played before a good crowd at the Sportsfield, last Wednesday, on a bright but cool evening.
However, having won the toss and chosen to bat, the home side quickly warmed up the spectators with some spectacular striking and running.
Skipper Greg Upton (26), Michael Lumley (36) and Bret Upton (82 not out) helped the Railwaymen race to 173 for 4 from 20 overs.
At the interval one regular spectator was heard to say,”Well if they get these, it’ll be one hell of a game.”
The massive total proved to be beyond Thornaby, as Rob Nevison (4 for 21), Bret Upton (3 for 19) and Phil Garbutt (2 for 15) dismissed the Tees-side outfit for 72.
League President Chris West presented the Cup to a delighted winning captain Greg Upton and awarded the man of the match trophy to his younger brother Bret.
On Saturday, the 1st team’s long journey to Bedale proved to be very worthwhile, as the team returned with a maximum 25 points and closest rivals Norton could only manage a winning draw in their game with Wolviston.
Batting first, the Railwaymen again scored over 200, finishing on 221 all out in 49.5 overs, Greg Upton (44), Ben Trotter (48), Chris Young (33) and Phil Garbutt (25 not out) being the main contributors.
Rob Nevison (6 for 26) and Chris Young (4 for 31) then combined to skittle out the host team for 88 in under 25 overs.
Saturday sees the 1st team at home to Maltby and Monday has the Under 15s away at Etherley.
Hopefully the 2nd team will have progressed to the Ray Bell Cup Final, as they were due to play at Blackhall in the semi- final on Wednesday 10th June.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
