Visitors Stockton are one of the teams expected to figure prominently as Division 3 title contenders this season, so Shildon Railway were delighted with Saturday’s victorious result in their North Yorks & South Durham Premier Cricket League fixture.
Stockton batted first in cool, cloudy conditions, which improved as the day went on.
The visitors progressed steadily and looked in a good position at 85 for 4.
However, Shildon dug deep, and some fine bowling by Shane Rowley (5 for 26 in 9.2 overs) and Lloyd Horner (4 for 21 in 7 overs) saw the visitors tumble to 127 all out.
Shildon were obviously pleased with the situation at the innings break but were well aware of last season’s failings when poor batting let the side down on too many occasions.
What came next was a thrilling spectacle for spectators and players alike.
Steven Forster and Ellis Horner came out to open the batting and from the start showed that they were in no mood to hang about.
Horner played a secondary but important role, as he steadily batted through 18 overs for a score of 12 not out, showing a doggedness much needed by opening batsmen, thus allowing his partner to flourish.
At the other end, Forster provided the fireworks, as he powered to 108 not out in an explosive performance which saw him hit 10 fours and 8 sixes from 68 balls.
The innings was one of the most entertaining seen at the Hackworth Road Ground for many a season.
It was a fantastic opening game for the Railwaymen and a performance which proves that, with application, the team has the personnel to compete with the best sides in the division.
The big question now is, can the Railwaymen regularly put out their best side and show the consistency of performance that has been lacking in recent seasons?
If they do achieve this, then surely, they will be in with a shout for promotion and the championship. Only time will provide the answer.
The next two Saturdays (23 and 30 April) will be testing as Shildon make long trips to Bedale and Whitby respectively, when it will examine whether or not players are available to make these prolonged trips and again compete against two more sides which have high expectations this season.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
