Sun shines on Railwaymen’s double win

May 23, 2024

With key players missing, Shildon Railway Cricket Club 1^st XI entertained Hartlepool in the North Yorks. & South Durham Premier Cricket League Division 2, at the sun-baked Hackworth Road Ground, reports John Brennan. Having been put into bat, Shildon made a steady start, as Jacob Dinger (20), Lloyd Horner (28) and Steve Forster (42) took the score to 118. But each of these batsmen will be disappointed that they did not go on to make bigger scores. With the fall of Forster, the Railwaymen collapsed from 118 for 2, to 127 for 7, and it was thanks to Chris Young (34 not out) for rescuing the innings, as the home side was all out in the 37^th over for 178.This was an appalling batting display, as six batmen could only muster 11 runs between them.

At 48 for 1, the visitors looked likely victors, but Shildon had other ideas. Jacob Dinger bowled tightly taking 2 for 19, but it was the other Aussie, Ben Ryan, who again caught the eye, when taking 6 for 22 in 9 overs, as Hartlepool were dismissed for 113 in the 37^th over. The Railwaymen’s win means that they remain top of the division, with Richmond and Rockcliffe Park hot on their heels.

The 2^nd team visited Catterick Village in their Darlington & District Cricket League Division B game, and despite being under-strength, returned home with a solid win, keeping them in second place. Catterick batted first and made 199 all out in 29 overs. Shane Rowley impressed with the ball, taking 6 for 27 from 8 overs, as first change.

Shildon’s reply started badly and at 2 for 2 something special was needed to turn things in their favour. Skipper Matty Summerbell (71) and opener Shane Rowley (89) did just that. Shildon reached their target for the loss of 6 wickets with 5 overs to spare.

Saturday (25^h) sees the 1^st team at second placed Richmond, whilst the 2^nd team will entertain Haughton at the Hackworth Road Ground, in the teams’ respective league fixtures. On Tuesday (28^th), the 1^st team host the in-form Rockcliffe Park in the quarter finals of the Readman Cup and the team will be looking for revenge after the hammering they received from “The Park” in the Brunton Cup.