Shildon Railway CC 1st XI travelled to Norton last Wednesday in the semi-final of the Readman (League) Cup.
Hopes were high, however Shildon never really got going and suffered a painful defeat in chasing a home final.
Norton got off to a good start and never looked back, posting a daunting total of 184-4 from their 20 overs.
It was a big outfield and Shildon struggled to find the boundaries as easily as their opposition, eventually finishing on 142-7 from their 20 overs to lose by 42 runs, Stephen Forster scoring 58 the lone bright spark.
Attention then turned to Saturday with the 1st XI hosting Saltburn looking to get back to winning ways.
They lost the toss and were put into bat, with regular opening pair Upton and McKendry taking the score to 50 without loss.
McKendry then departed for Dinger to join Upton and Shildon got up to 67 before a poor shot from Upton sparked a collapse.
From 67-1, Shildon ended up 91-8 staring down a poor score and likely defeat. Knowles (19* – 3x4s) and Nevison (26 – 2x4s, 2x6s) combined for a key partnership that got the score up to a more respectable 133 all out.
It was a decent score from the position they had been in, but Shildon were going to have to bowl well to convert into a victory.
Overseas amateur Cordie McKendry continued where he left off the previous Saturday, taking the first four wickets and eventually another 5for (5-25) that takes him up to 31 in the league so far this season, a great return.
At the other end, Carl Crabtree continued his fine form since taking the new ball with 3 for 30, and Saltburn had collapsed to 45-8 when Joe Knowles came on to finish the game off with two wickets for no runs.
It was a great bounce back from midweek and 25 points that leaves Shildon in 3rd place, just outside the promotion positions.
The 2nd XI travelled to picturesque Raby Castle, looking to build on the previous week’s win against Cockerton.
Shildon started well as Clegg had the opener trapped lbw to the second ball of the game, however Raby fought back to 217-8 from their 40 overs.
Wickets were shared with captain Clegg taking 2-27, before the spin of Lawson (2-25) and youngster Reynolds taking 2-50.
Shildon started brightly with the bat, Clegg, Marquiss (23) and Lawson (30) all reaching double figures. However, with only ten players and some new team members, it was always going to be a challenging chase.
After having to concede matches earlier in the season, it is a positive sign for the club to be getting two teams out regularly. On Saturday this included new signings, two female players, and juniors.
Anyone interested in playing at any level should get in touch with the club via their Facebook page.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
