This weekend saw the 2nd's continue impressive league form, the 1st's secured a share of the points in battling draw but West Tyne 3rd's unfortunately had to concede their game at Wylam. On Sunday all fixtures fell victim to the wet weather.
30th July - 1st XI v Whitburn (away) - NEPL Premier League - Premier Division
It was a painful day for the 1st's as Whitburn scored 326 for 9 in 52 overs at the compact Village Ground. It was deja vu for the Hill as the impressive Jack Burnham plundered another century to add to the one he scored at the Hill earlier in the season. This time he scored 137 off only 89 balls, with 7 x 4s and 13 x 6s. Kevin D’Almeida also scoring a century for the home team. Finn McGreath was the pick of the Hill bolwers, only going for 28 off his 9 overs and taking 2 wickets. There was also 2 wickets each for Callum Harding and David Gardiner (on debut).
In reply we scored a respectable 238 for 8 off 58 overs, there were half centuries for Finn McGreath and Pete Halliday, and some late order hitting from Max Williamson with 34.
Despite finishing 98 runs short, and setting for a losing draw, we still secured 11 points to the home teams 14 points.
The match scorecard is available here https://benwellhill.play-cricket.com/website/results/5024367
30th July - 2nd XI v Whitburn (home) - NEPL Premier League - Division Two - Matty Hynd's match report
We returned to a home fixture in the penultimate W/L/D fixture of the season against 3rd placed Whitburn, and after losing the toss were put into bat.
As expected the new ball moved around and was difficult to get away against an experienced opening bowling attack. Moore past 50 before picking out long off for another well made 55 from 68, leaving the Hill 88/1. Aatif was next to go for 6 and this brought in the promoted Moody at no 4. Hynd and Moody worked to set up a platform against the change bowling and Hynd passed 50 in the 32 over off 92 balls. Moody was balancing attack and defence well and also passed 50 before falling for 58 from 63 balls. Leaving the hill on 219 in the 42nd over after a partnership of 85 in 10 overs. Ahmed joined Hynd and was out for a run a ball 8 with Hynd 97* and the score at 241/4. Dawson joined Hynd and Hynd passed 100, Dawson was then out and Hunter hit a boundary and The Hill declared on 268/5, from 48 overs with Hynd finishing on 111 not out from 137 balls, leaving Whitburn 57 overs to bat.
Hunter and Moody again opened up and Hunter was again on form removing both openers early including the dangerous Mallaby for 7. Moody then removed the no3, leaving Whitburn in trouble at 26/3. Safi and Kilpatrick joined the attack and picked up a wicket a piece leaving Whitburn 57/5. Chambers (20) and Quinnan (30) showed some resistance before Safi bowled both Chambers and Elliot leaving Whitburn 101/7. Jones then picked up nos9 and 10 before Safi bowled his 4th person by removing Quinnan and bowling out Whitburn for 117 in 35 overs. All the bowlers picked up wickets Hunter (2-18), Moody (1-15), Kilpatrick (1-26), Safi (4-32) & Jones (2-19). Another 30 points picked up, which moves us up to 3rd and only 9 points from top with 6 to play.
The match scorecard is available here https://benwellhill.play-cricket.com/website/results/5024711
