By Martin Walker
Newton Aycliffe’s cricket team were denied a chance to beat league-leaders Maltby at the weekend after their home game was abandoned due to heavy rain.
Aycliffe were on their way to a healthy innings when rain stopped play at Aycliffe Sports Club, with the home side on 225 for eight after 42.4 overs.
Michael Howe scored 45, Ross Dixon was 41 not out and Sam Telford (41) and Chris Palmer (36) also had decent knocks.
The new points total of 227 leaves Aycliffe sixth in the NYSD second division table.
Aycliffe’s second team were also thwarted in their quest for another well-deserved victory – but this time by a determined Billingham Synthonia.
Aycliffe reached 184 for nine, with man-of-the-match Joe Haines (44), Adam Gittins (32) and Darryn Bancroft (31) the top scorers.
But Synners batted out their innings to force a draw, with Jack Slatcher taking three wickets for 49 and Neil Bancroft two for 35.
They now have 178 points and sit eighth in the NYSD third division table.
Aycliffe’s first team go to Yarm to take on their first team this Saturday (9th August, 1pm), while the second team are at home to Seaton Carew’s 2nd XI on Saturday, 1pm at Aycliffe Sports Club.
