By Martin Walker
Newton Aycliffe’s cricket team stormed to the top of the NYSD League third division with their seventh consecutive win at the weekend.
Aycliffe’s first team beat Bedale’s first XI by six wickets at Aycliffe Sports Club on Saturday to leapfrog them at the top of the table in their debut NYSD League campaign.
Their visitors chalked up an impressive 217 all out, with Sean Morgan taking five wickets for 48. Michael Howe took four for 58 and Dan Craggs one for 46.
But Aycliffe replied with 217 for four from 46 overs, with Luke Telford hitting 90 not out with the bat and man-of-the-match Morgan notching 56, while skipper Chris Palmer scored 22.
“This was undoubtedly our best team performance of the season,” said Secretary Lee Weldon.
“Bedale are a very good side and to chase down a daunting score of 217 to win the game was an amazing achievement.”
Aycliffe’s cup team, the Aycliffe Hogs, lost their first game of their NYSD 15/15 Cup group game last Wednesday.
Aycliffe managed just 89 with the bat against Barnard Castle’s second XI, with the hosts surpassing that with 93 for three from 11.2 overs.
Aycliffe now need to win their final group game away at Northallerton on Wednesday to progress to the quarter final stages.
Meanwhile, Aycliffe’s second team lost at home to Seaton Carew’s third XI on Sunday.
Aycliffe were bowled out for 78, with Ben Nicholson scoring 43, but the visitors raced to 81 for one from just 17.1 overs.
Man-of-the-match was 15-year-old Patrick Howe for his good leg spin bowling (0 for 12 from four overs).
Aycliffe Hogs continue their 15/15 cup group campaign at Northallerton on Wednesday (July 24), while Aycliffe’s first XI continue their promotion push with a trip to Maltby on Saturday (130pm), against their second team.
Aycliffe’s seconds go to Darlington RA’s third team on Sunday (July 28, 2.15pm).
