By Martin Walker
Newton Aycliffe skipper Chris Palmer racked up his third half-century of the NYSD League season as his side sailed to victory at the weekend.
Aycliffe’s first XI beat Blackhall’s second XI by seven wickets as captain Palmer notched up an unbeaten 55 to move up to third in the club’s all-time senior runs aggregate list, with a total of 6,750 runs.
Aycliffe lost the toss and were asked to bowl first, and it took them 39 overs to bowl their hosts out for 116.
Michael Howe claimed three for 39, Luke Telford two for 14 and Tony Travis two for 25
Aycliffe replied with 118 for three from just 17.4 overs, representing a comfortable win for the senior team to keep them seventh in the NYSD League third division with five wins, one draw and three defeats.
Aycliffe’s second team followed it up with another victory on Sunday with a five-wicket victory at home to Yarm’s third XI.
Yarm batted first with 158 for 9 from 45 overs, with Ross Dixon taking four wickets for 28 and Dan Weldon two for 24.
Aycliffe replied with 160 for 5 from 38.1 overs. Highlights were good innings from Adam Gittins (39 runs), Graham Telford (37 runs), Ross Dixon (29 runs) and 16-year-old Ben Nicholson (28 not out).
It was Aycliffe’s second win of the season, taking them off the bottom of the NYSD Sunday Divison 2 table.
Aycliffe’s first XI are at home to Darlington RA’s 2nd XI this Saturday (1.30pm) while there is no game for the seconds.