Newton Aycliffe’s cricket team lost their second game of the new season at the weekend.
Aycliffe’s first XI had won two, drawn one and lost one after a promising start to life in the NYSD League.
But they lost at Norton on Saturday, leaving them mid-table in the third division.
Aycliffe batted first and were all out for 167 after 35.2 overs, with 19-year-old Michael Howe smashing a brilliant 56 and 18-year-old Sam Telford hitting an aggressive 33.
But Norton’s second XI replied with 171 for 5 after 45.3 overs to win by five wickets.
Secretary Lee Weldon said: “We maybe could have won but the toss was vital to be honest.
“We lost it and Norton asked us to bat first on a wet wicket, which wasn’t easy to bat on, although we did really well to score 167.
“But as the day went on and the wicket dried out, batting became considerably easier for the home side and to compound things, we dropped five fairly easy catches, which could have won the game.”
Aycliffe’s second XI had their match with Billingham Synthonia’s third XI postponed on Sunday due to the weather.
• Aycliffe are due to play Saltburn 2nd XI at home this Saturday, 1.30pm at Aycliffe Sports Club.