There were high expectation of a positive result when Shildon 1st XI hosted bottom club Stockton in the North Yorks & South Durham Premier Cricket League Division 2 at the weekend reports John Brennan.
The returning Ellis Horner, home from work in Dubai, stepped out to opened the batting with brother Loyd. Ellis top scored with 19, as the Railwaymen struggled on a sticky wicket and a steamy afternoon. The innings collapsed to 80 all out in just 37.2 overs, as the home side, packed with batsmen, failed to deliver.
Shildon needed to bowl tightly at the start of the Stockton innings, but were ineffective, and the visitors eased to 37 without loss in only 6 overs. When the inevitable defeat came, after 16 overs, it was no less shocking. Shildon had taken only two wickets. Shildon’s paltry two points from the match means that they fall further behind in the title and promotion race, but remain in 3rd place. Shildon were without the league’s top wicket-taker, Ben Ryan, but cannot make this an excuse for a humbling defeat. Maybe it was just one of those days?
As the Crier goes to press, the team visits Hartlepool in the last 16 of the NYSD 100 Cup. On Saturday, the side hopes to get back on track when they visit close rivals, second placed Barnard Castle.
In the Darlington & District Cricket League Division B clash at Cockerton, Shildon returned home with another sound win under their belts and the 2nd XI remains top of the division. Cockerton batted first and made 144 as Andrew Clegg (5-44), Nathan Lawson (2-9) and John-Paul Reynolds (2-19) bowled the home side out in 30 overs. Replying, the Railwaymen made 145 for 2 in 20 overs, as Chris Young (33), Nathan Lawson (25 not out) and skipper Matthew Summerbell blasting an undefeated 44, taking the side to another comfortable victory. On Saturday the side hosts Raby Castle at the Hackworth Road Ground, hoping to continue their good form and maintain their position at the top of the division.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
