It was a busy Bank Holiday weekend for Shildon Railway Cricket Club as the 2013 season in the newly formed Durham Cricket League sprang to life.
On Saturday the 1st XI entertained Easington on a beautiful batting track.
Easington amassed 225 for 3 wickets from 38 overs with professional K. Mansoor (78) and D.Tarn (76 not out) leading the way.
The decision to declare looked to have been a mistake as in reply Shildon steadily ate away at the total.
Firstly with openers Martin Ferguson (27) and new, promising youngster Rory Newman (42) looking well in control.
Skipper Greg Upton, in at number three, never looked threatened by the visitors’ bowling attack as he breezed to 93, but with a century seemingly inevitable, he played a loose low drive to mid on and was caught.
Sadly, for the Railwaymen, wickets then began to tumble and the side was all out for 214.
This was a thrilling game to watch and Easington certainly played their “Get out of jail card” on this occasion.
On Monday the 1st team visited Boldon C.A. with a weakened side. Batting first, Shildon were all out for 123 with skipper Greg Upton proving his class once again with 51 and Matthew Summerbell making 23.
In reply Boldon lost two wickets to spinner Rob Nevison before comfortably reaching their target.
On a beautiful day at the Sportsfield, the ground looked a picture and both umpires and the opposition were very impressed with the quality of the wicket and outfield.
The 2nd XI consisted of a real mixture of youth and “golden oldies” and it was Gary Davis (23) and Neil Franklin (40), both in the latter category, who were to the fore in the total of 120 all out.
Boldon looked to be rocking at one point but the ship was steadied and they went on to win, losing four wickets in the process.
Although the club is without a win so far this season, the senior sides have shown potential and with the promise of more players being available for selection in forthcoming fixtures, hopes are high that the progress will continue and results will improve.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
