Shildon Railway CC 1st XI ended their league campaign on a positive note with a four wicket victory over top of the league Marton CC 2nd XI, successfully chasing 75 after an excellent bowling display.
Shildon won the toss and elected to field, and the bowlers were on top almost immediately.
Marton lost their first wicket without a run on the board before recovering to 27-1, but from there Shildon steadily worked their way through the batting order.
Overseas star Aayush Lekhwani and Chairman Joe Knowles were the stars with the ball, taking four wickets apiece.
Lekhwani returned 4-28 from 8.2 overs in his final effort as a Shildon bowler, while Knowles produced an outstanding spell of 4-9 from eight overs, including three maidens.
Farhan Ali chipped in with 1-24 and Rob Nevison took 1-13 as Marton were dismissed for just 74 in 26.2 overs. Despite the modest target, the chase was far from straightforward.
Ste Forster made 11, but Lloyd Horner fell for 1 before Thomas Jacobs and Lekhwani were both dismissed without scoring.
When Tom Wickins followed for 1, Shildon were under real pressure.
The decisive innings came from Farhan Ali, who turned the game firmly back in Shildon’s favour. Ali struck an unbeaten 36 from just 20 balls, including two fours and three sixes, providing the attacking innings Shildon needed.
Captain Greg Upton provided the support at the other end, finishing unbeaten on 10, as the pair guided Shildon to 80-6 from 15.4 overs and secured a four-wicket win.
A strong way to finish the season, showing the team can mix it with anyone on their day, Shildon ended up finishing 8th out of 12.
The 2nd XI ended their season with a battling defeat away at East Cowton CC 1st XI, eventually going down by four wickets after setting the hosts 136 to win.
Batting first, Shildon found themselves in trouble immediately, losing Paul Rayner without a run on the board before Nathan Lawson fell for 1. Captain Andrew Clegg counter-attacked with 18 from 23 balls, including four boundaries, but wickets continued to fall and Shildon were reduced to 23-5.
The recovery was led by Darren Waites, who dug in for an important 32 from 75 balls, giving the innings some much needed stability. The biggest contribution, however, came from Rob Marquiss, who produced an excellent late order innings of 45 from just 37 balls, striking six fours and three sixes.
That partnership and the lower order resistance transformed the innings, taking Shildon from 47-7 to 115-8 before Marquiss was eventually dismissed.
Waites continued to battle until the final wicket, with Shildon reaching a much more competitive 135 all out from 33.1 overs. East Cowton made good progress in reply, but Shildon continued to compete.
Waites completed a fine all round performance with 3-42 from seven overs, while Vinnie McCormick returned an economical 1-14 from four overs, including a maiden. Despite their efforts, East Cowton reached 136-4 from 20.2 overs to secure the four wicket victory.
Although the result didn’t go Shildon’s way, there were plenty of positives in the fightback from 23-5. Marquiss’ 45 and Waites’ 32 turned what could have been a very low total into something defendable, with Waites then adding three wickets with the ball to cap an excellent individual performance.
A spirited way for the 2nd XI to finish the campaign despite the defeat and relegation. The club also held its end of season presentation evening on Saturday night, bringing players and members together to celebrate the 2026 season before overseas star Aayush Lekhwani headed home.
For the 1st XI, captain Greg Upton collected the Batting Award, while Lekhwani’s excellent season was recognised with both the 1st XI Bowling Award and Players’ Player of the Year.
In the 2nd XI, Nathan Lawson picked up the Batting Award, with Darren Waites taking home both the Bowling Award and Players’ Player of the Year following a strong season with the ball.
The evening was also a chance for everyone at the club to thank Aayush for his contribution throughout the season, both on and off the field, and to wish him a safe journey home after a positive year with Shildon.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
