By Martin Walker
Newton Aycliffe’s cricket teams had a mixed bag of results over the bank holiday weekend.
The first team got back to winning ways last Saturday with victory at Wolviston.
In warm and sunny conditions, the pitch was damp and very difficult to bat on, with Wolviston only managing 78 all out.
Aycliffe fast bowler Sean Morgan took 4 for 28 from 14 overs and spin bowler Luke Telford took 3 for 22.
In a tense finale to the game, Aycliffe edged it with a score of 79 for 9 after 43.2 overs.
Michael Howe top scored with 17, Sam Telford scored 14 and the winning runs came from 16-year-old Tom Wickins, who usually plays in the second team but was asked to play in the first team due to play unavailability.
“The pressure was really on this young man and he passed a difficult test with flying colours to help give his team a very hard fought victory and maximum points,” said Secretary Lee Weldon.
Aycliffe’s second team lost at home to Blackhall’s third team on Sunday after they were skittled out for just 37.
Promotion favourites Blackhall fielded a very strong side, which included county standard juniors and senior players who have played in the Premier division and they proved far too strong for an Aycliffe team filled with players predominantly from our junior team.
It took the visitors just 11 overs to notch up 40 to bag maximum points.
Man-of-the-match was Dan Weldon (pictured above) for some excellent fast bowling despite not taking a wicket.
On Bank Holiday Monday, the first team lost at home to Preston’s first XI.
In cool, cloudy conditions with light rain showers, Preston batted first and racked up an impressive 206 for 9 from 50 overs, with Sam Telford taking 4 for 39 and Luke Telford 3 for 50.
Aycliffe could only manage 58 all out in return, with Chris Palmer the only to reach double figures with a 19, to lose the game by 148 runs.
The results leave Aycliffe’s first team seventh in the NYSD League’s third division after eight games, having won three, drawn two and lost three.
Aycliffe’s first team continue the season this Saturday with a trip to Billingham Synthonia to take on their second team (1.30pm).
The second team entertain Maltby’s third team at Aycliffe Sports Club this Sunday (2.15pm).