Shildon Railway Cricket Club was grateful to get some cricket played at the weekend, after the recent wet weather caused the cancellation of three mid-week games.
However, a serious injury to second team player, Del Owen, certainly took the shine off things.
The 2nd team game at home to Redcar only went ahead an hour late, after strenuous efforts at the ground to make it fit for play.
Batting first, Shildon’s innings was looking good at 147 for 2 but the batting collapsed and the side was all out for 163 ( Matthew Brown 70, Richie Wells 36).
Redcar never looked under pressure and eased home in the 35th over, for the loss of two wickets.
In attempting to stop the ball, Shildon’s Del Owen slid over the boundary and crashed into a spectators’ bench.
He suffered a deep gash to the knee and an ambulance was called as the unlucky player was stretchered from the field.
Unfortunately, the ambulance was delayed and arrived at the ground over two hours later when Del was taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital.
He was seen by a doctor over two hours later and then x-rays revealed that his knee cap had been sliced in two.
He underwent surgery on Sunday morning and hopes to be home soon. The club wishes him a speedy recovery.
At Newton Aycliffe, the 1st team romped to a 9 wicket win with skipper Greg Upton leading the way on 60 not out, ably supported by brother Bret, on 50 not out.
Batting first, Aycliffe had posted 124; Robert Nevison (4 for 27), Martin Worthington (2 for 12) and Bret Upton (2 for 33), doing the damage.
Sadly, Shildon’s hopes of continuing the winning start to the season were again thwarted by the weather when Monday’s home game against Maltby was called off.
The Under 15s enjoyed a good win over local rivals Bishop Auckland in the Bob Pendlebury Cup. Posting 110 for 9 in their 20 overs, Shildon then restricted the Bishops to 101 for 6.
On Saturday 7th May, the 2nd team are at home to Yarm (1pm start) whilst the 1st team go to Normanby Hall on Sunday (1pm start) in the rescheduled league fixture.
Also on Sunday, it is hoped that the Under 11s will kick start their season at home to Evenwood (9.30am start) but this will depend on the numbers attending the junior practice on Friday at 6pm.
On Monday, the Under 15s travel to Mainsforth.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
