Shildon Railway CC 2nd team was at home this weekend, where they entertained East Cowton in the Darlington District Cricket League Division B, reports John Brennan, knowing that despite their recent run of poor results, a win would put them in a great position to seal promotion to Division A. This they accomplished in style, bowling out the visitors, who fielded only 9 players, for 28 in 12 overs. Andrew Clegg took 5 for 10 in the demolition of the opposition. In reply, Shildon cruised home, without loss, in just 8 overs.
Shildon are now 9 points clear of third placed Haughton, who host leaders Barton in their final match, but with the right results, they could still deny Shildon promotion. Saturday sees the Railwaymen wrap up the season at home to Cliffe, when a win will guarantee promotion. Howay the Lads!
Meanwhile, in the North Yorks & South Durham Premier Cricket League Division 2 game at Rockcliffe Park, the 1st team won the toss and put the home side into bat. Rockcliffe were strong favourites on recent form, having fought their way to second position in the division, but Shildon had the promotion hopefuls rocking at 50 for 4 by the 12th over. Rockcliffe dug in and 79 runs were added before the 5th wicket fell in the 33rd over. The home side showed their strength in depth, finishing their innings on 268 for 7, a formidable total for a Shildon side which has struggled much of late. Injury prevented veteran Phil Garbutt from finishing his bowling spell (2 for 9 from 4 overs), as David Robinson took 3 for 87.
The Railwaymen’s reply began well, as Steve Forster (51) and Greg Upton put on 115 for the first wicket, and at 174 for 2 after 35 overs, the match was finely balanced. Three wickets then fell, but skipper Upton led magnificently from the front and his 125 took the side to 264 in the 49th over, before he was out. Shildon enjoyed an unlikely victory, with Adam Bayles scoring the winning run in the first ball of the final over, in a tremendous end of season game, denying their hosts promotion and leaving the Railwaymen in a creditable 4th place.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
