By Ian Palmer
Three coaches from Newton Aycliffe Cricket Club were recognised at the recent Durham Cricket Grassroots Awards when they received the 2022 award for Women’s and Girls Cricket Development.
Senior coach Dean Greaves together with junior players Matthew Greaves and Leo Mercy took on responsibility for the technical coaching of the ladies team during the winter and have continued to train the group throughout the season.
The more professional approach, plus the commitment of the group of players, who have come together and developed over the last couple of years, has seen the team post an impressive record during this season, playing fifteen games and only losing two, in the process scoring more than 1500 runs and taking over 100 wickets.
In nominating the three coaches, the ladies team manager said: “After taking on the role as manager for this team, I felt I needed more technical input with the ladies as they were progressing well, so I enlisted the help of Matthew, Leo and Dean.
“Now my coaching team, they give up their time throughout the year to coach the ladies, attend games and will either help with umpiring, scoring or be on the side of the pitch for support. They create lesson plans, run drills and are all highly respected by the ladies, who take on board what their coaches teach them”.
Meanwhile, at the weekend, Newton Aycliffe first team ensured survival in division 2 when they emphatically beat Northallerton firsts by 102 runs.
Batting first Newton Aycliffe racked up 262 for 9 from their 50 overs. Adam Gittins batted superbly to finish on 91 not out and together with Leo Mercy (sponsored by Joint Design Direction), who finished on 25 not out, they broke a club partnership record, putting on 71 for the tenth wicket.
In reply Northallerton had no reply to Luke Telford’s bowling and is 6 wickets for 49 runs saw Northallerton dismissed for 160.
With one game to play the victory sees the first team jump to comfortable ninth in league, well clear of the relegation zone.
On Monday the second team were well beaten by Bishop Auckland seconds. Batting first Bishop scored 223 for 7 in their 50 overs. Despite a good start Aycliffe collapsed from 101 for 2 to 152 all out, 71 runs short of their target. With two games to play the second team currently lie tenth in division 4.