More wet weather meant that getting wickets and outfields prepared for the scheduled weekend games was proving troublesome for groundsmen across the country, reports John Brennan. Add to that, the untimely breaking down of essential equipment and Shildon Railway Cricket Club had it all to do to get a game on at SecuriCorp Park where the 2nd team entertained Barton in the Darlington District Cricket League Division C game. And what a game it turned out to be.
Shildon batted first and were quickly reduced to 18 for 6. Things looked very bleak, but the side showed great determination and battled to 112 all out. Ashley Raine held the innings together with 42 not out, as some of the youngsters held up an end, showing stubborn resistance under extreme pressure. Replying, Barton had no answer to Shildon’s bowling attack as skipper Dan Richardson (4 for 20), Shane Rowley (3 for 9) and Matty Franklin (2 for 8), tore through the side who were all out for 61.
The win means Shildon remain in second place in the division, hot on the heels of leaders Eryholme, who will be their next opponents.
In the North Yorks & South Durham Premier Cricket League Division 2, the 1st team visited Northallerton, where they lost the toss, and not surprisingly, were put into bat. After a reasonable start, the innings went from 40 for 1, to 44 for 5, as four wickets were lost in just seven balls. Shildon stuck to their task in difficult conditions as number 8 Michael Lumley (36) and skipper Tom Wickins at number 9 (52) dug deep to take the team to 175 all out in the 35th over. In reply, the Yorkshiremen were all out for 116 in the 37th over, Ryan Nangle (3 for 12) and Loyd Horner (6 for 43) doing the damage.
The win leaves the Railwaymen in 5th position in Division 2. On Saturday, Middlesbrough are the visitors to SecuriCorp Park, whilst the 2nd team, as mentioned, go to Eryholme to play the leaders in a game which may well decide the divisional title.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
