Shildon Railway Cricket Club ended the 2023 season last weekend with an away victory for the 1st team, a concession by the 2nd team, who could not raise a team for their home game against King James, and then had to watch in despair as the final of the FB Howell Trophy was abandoned due to the weather on Sunday afternoon, reports John Brennan.
At Cockerton, Haughton batted first and looked comfortable in making 133 for 1 from their 20 overs. However, Shildon fought back strongly and were only 14 runs short, with 9 balls to go, when torrential rain caused the game to be abandoned. The final has been rescheduled for May Bank Holiday Monday next year.
At Blackhall, in the North Yorks & South Durham Premier Cricket League Division 2 game, the hosts won the toss and batted, needing the maximum points in a bid to avoid relegation. An understrength Shildon saw the Seasiders use the full 50 overs to reach 218 for 8, Phil Garbutt’s 2 for 16 being the best of the bowling attack. Shildon’s reply saw the side slump to 13 for 3 before Michael Lumley’s 36 helped them rally to 91 for 4.
At 148 for 7 and opener Jacob Dinger still there on 70 not out, Shildon looked beaten, with only a weakened tail to bat. What a strange game cricket can be! In the 46th over, the Railwaymen hit the winning runs, as Aussie Dinger reached his century (101 not out) and veteran Phil Garbutt, not known for his batting, proudly surprised everyone with 40 not out. What a win!
Shildon’s 25 points means they finish in 4th place in the division.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
