Spectators were entertained by an excellent afternoon’s cricket, as Shildon Railway held on to their unbeaten league match record and top spot in the Darlington Building Society North Yorks and South Durham Premiere Cricket League Division 3.
Batting first, the Railwaymen raced to 62 before the opening partnership was broken and, when skipper Greg Upton was out to a loose shot for 45, with the score at 92 for 2, a big score still seemed likely.
However, some woeful batting saw the league leaders collapse to 113 all out and defeat loomed large as they took to the field for the second innings.
Tea was taken at 4pm and it would have been a very brave man to have put money on anything other than a defeat for Shildon. However, at 5.30pm when the visitors’ number eleven had his stumps demolished by Bret Upton, Wolviston had reached 113 and the game was tied.
“It’s not often you get a tie in cricket and that was some fight-back by the lads,” commented a club official.
Phil Garbutt and Bret Upton each took three wickets and Rob Nevison four in what was a thrilling game.
Saturday sees the team at bottom club Northallerton, when it is expected that the side’s batting shows huge improvements.
On Wednesday night at 6.30pm “the boys in pink,” sponsored by Middleton Road Garage, play at home against Wolviston in the League’s F15 Competition.
On Sunday the 2nd team visited Marske in the Sunday Division Two fixture and there was good news for the club, as Adam Jenkins returned to the field after his recent injury scare.
“It’s great to see Adam playing again. Although he didn’t feel ready to keep wicket, he’s had a nice little knock with the bat and this will boost his confidence,” said a club spokesman.
However, on the field the side’s 178 (C.Tweddle 56) wasn’t enough, as Marske completed a comfortable four wickets victory.
This Sunday the 2nd team are at home to Darlington RA with a start time of 2pm.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
