On Sunday, at Marton, in the final of the NYSD 100 against Barnard Castle, the Railwaymen again came up short, losing by 24 runs, reports John Brennan.
Barney won the toss and batted, scoring 161 for 7. Three of Shildon’s bowlers proved to be very expensive, despite 4 for 18 by Dan Nelson at the innings’ death. Replying, Jacob Dinger (58) and Loyd Horner (29 retired hurt not out) battled valiantly, but the injury to Horner, who was batting well, upset the rhythm of the side and the unlucky batsman spent the rest of the afternoon at James Cook Hospital. The Railwaymen finished on 137 for 6, so no silverware for the club this season.
Meanwhile, the previous day in the NYSD Premier Cricket League Division 2 game at Hackworth Road, an under-strength Shildon lost the toss and fielded, against bottom side Maltby. The visitors started well, putting on 65 for the first wicket, but an excellent spell of off-spin bowling by Rob Nevison (14 overs, 6 maidens, 4 for 15) helped peg back the batsmen. Maltby were all out for 172 in the 41st over, with David Robinson (3 for 12) and Dan Nelson (2 for 30) being the other successful bowlers.
The Railwaymen now had 59 overs in which to reach their target, and opener Loyd Horner’s magnificent century, (111 not out), guided the side to a comfortable 6 wickets win, totalling 174 for 4 after 38.1 overs. Shildon remain in 4th place.
The 2nd team, depleted due to call ups to the 1st team, visited Middleton-St-George in the Darlington District Cricket League Division B and came home having suffered another defeat. Batting first, the Railwaymen were all out for 182. MSG won comfortably with 187 for 4, but Shildon were far from happy with several umpiring decisions, which they felt went against them. The result leaves the side still in second place but on equal points with third placed Eryholme, followed by Haughton in close pursuit in fourth. August’s results have seen the side lose a healthy lead at the top and the pressure is on the side, with some tough games coming up, as the season reaches a crucial stage.
On Saturday, the 1st XI visit local rivals Newton Aycliffe, whilst the 2nd team host Eryholme at Hackworth Road.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
