Shildon Railway Cricket teams have found the going tough in the newly created Durham Cricket League but proved in their matches over last weekend that when they have full squads to select from, they can at least hold their own against the majority of teams in the league.
On Saturday, at the Sportsfield, the 1st XI were skittled out for just 88 against Crook Town, only Martin Ferguson at last finding some form with the bat, scoring 32, including five boundaries, able to contend with the Crook bowlers.
Things looked bleak at the half way point but Shildon came out firing on all cylinders with opening bowlers Phil Garbutt (4-20) and Bret Upton (3-32)wreaking havoc through the opposition line up.
Crook collapsed to 75 all out and Shildon celebrated their second win of the season. At Crook the 2nd team weren’t so lucky. Shildon looked to be in a strong position with Crook reeling at 65-8 but A. Pratt and A. Cummings rescued the innings with half centuries each, as Crook rattled up 204 for 8.
This turn around knocked the stuffing out of the visitors and they were all out for 55, as Cummings took 7 for 21.
The weather was the only winner in the Sunday league fixtures with the vast majority of games falling victim to the rain. The 1st team players had barely arrived at bottom of the table club Silksworth, when the heavens opened and a torrential downpour flooded the ground.
The game was abandoned without a ball being bowled and a despondent Shildon side made the long journey home rueing the missed chance of accumulating more league points.
At Shildon the visitors had made 138 for 7 before the persistent heavy showers finally called a halt to proceedings at the Sportsfield. Shildon skipper Andrew Paterson took 4 for 36 and is consistently performing well as he continues to lead by his efforts and example both on and off the field.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
