By Martin Walker
Newton Aycliffe’s first team maintained their promotion hopes with a hard-fought win at bottom side Thornaby at the weekend.
Aycliffe, who are in their first season in the NYSD League second division after winning promotion from the third tier last summer, beat Thornaby’s second team by 31 runs on Saturday.
Aycliffe won the toss and elected to bat first, with skipper Chris Palmer (57), Dave Atkinson (43) and Sam Telford (32) the top scorers as the home side were 196 all out from 36 overs.
But Aycliffe bowled Thornaby out for 165, from 57.1 overs. Ross Dixon was man-of-the-match after taking four wickets for 13, including six maiden overs, as well as a superb catch to dismiss the opening batsman.
Aycliffe’s win consolidated their third-place slot in the second division table with a total of 163 points from 12 games.
Our second team also continued their recent run of good form with an excellent away win at Northallerton.
The visitors beat Northallerton’s second team by 72 runs in the NYSD third division.
Captain Adam Gittins was given the man-of-the-match award for his gritty unbeaten innings of 48 as Aycliffe scored 186 for nine from 50 overs, while Neil Bancroft scored 46 and Tony Travis 29.
Excellent medium paced bowling from veteran Travis, taking five for 35, and career-best bowling from Jack Slatcher (five wickets for 13) helped Aycliffe to their third win of the season, which consolidates their mid-table position with 112 points after 12 games.
● Aycliffe’s first team go to Wolviston this Saturday (28th June, 1pm) to take on their first XI.
● Aycliffe’s second team are at home to Wolviston’s second team on Saturday, also 1pm.
