In the North Yorks & South Durham Premier Cricket League Division 2, Shildon’s 1st XI visited local rivals Newton Aycliffe, looking to improve on recent performances, writes John Brennan.
The Railwaymen were put into bat and were soon in trouble, as wickets tumbled at regular intervals and things looked grim at 60 for 5 and 98 for 6. But a defiant 31 from Ash Raine and 24 from Joe Knowles helped the score along to 163 all out in the 50th over, as Shildon fought back. However, the home side steadily progressed to the win in the 31st over, losing six wickets along the way (Ryan Nangle 3 for 30).
Shildon remain in 5th place in the division but are well aware that they should be challenging for a promotion place.
At SecuriCorp Park, the 2nd XI entertained Northallerton in the Darlington District Cricket League Division C and raced to an easy 10 wickets win. The visitors were all out for 47 in the 21st over, as six Shildon bowlers shared the wickets. Michael Roberts then belted an undefeated 42 from 19 balls as Shildon reached 50 without loss. The win means the team sits proudly at the top of Division C.
During midweek, in the Division 2 100, Shildon went down to Barnard Castle at SecuriCorp Park. The Railwaymen won the toss and elected to field and looked to be in a great position as four wickets fell with the score on 69 and seven men out. But the visitors again showed their resilience and took the score on to 133 for 9 from the 100 balls, Steve Forster (4 for 13) and skipper Tom Wickins (3 for 13) being the most successful bowlers. Shildon’s reply was a very poor effort. Once Greg Upton (20) was out, with the score on 34, the innings capitulated to 49 for 8, then to 65 all out in 82 balls.
On Saturday, the 1st team welcome Saltburn to SecuriCorp Park in the next round of league games and the 2nd team are likewise engaged at Etherley.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
