For the second weekend running, our youngsters shone for the Senior teams, with Rory Mustard making the headlines with a superb century for the 1st team in an 8 wicket win against Philadelphia, and in the seconds Aaron Armstrong was not to be out done taking 5 wickets in a huge 178 run win against Tynemouth, read on for all the details.
NEPL Division 1 - 1st XI v Philadelphia (a) - Won by 8 wickets - Match Report by Phil Haves
Those present at Bunker Hill witnessed a quite brilliant undefeated maiden First Eleven century for Rory, a fantastic effort from the young man which saw us through to an 8 wicket victory.
The day started in glorious sunshine with the home side winning the toss & deciding to bat. Callum and Winnie opened up and their opening blast kept things well under control with Callum’s spell of 7 overs yielding only 4 runs whilst Winnie removed opener Blunt for 10. Lee replaced Callum and not for the first time this season gave away very little completing his 15 overs off the belt for only 36. The action however was at the other end with TK breaking a 51 run 2nd wicket partnership trapping opener Smiles for 27 but more importantly with lunch only 3 balls away he removed the prolific home Professional Murasingh for only 8 caught by Belly above his head at straightish extra cover. This was a huge blow for the hosts and massive boost for us on the stroke of lunch.
A small delay due to rain after lunch resulted in each side losing 1 over of their innings and with runs still at a premium for the hosts we maintained a grip on the game with some tight bowling and excellent ground fielding highlighted by TK’s stop, pick up and throw from the deep to run out Davis. Shaun Smith batted stoically for Philadelphia to reach 89 before becoming on of Max’s 4 late victims as Phili finished on 204/9 from their 57 overs.
It was then over to Rory as we began our innings as he crunched the home Pro’s first 2 balls through the off side for 4 with 11 coming off the first over and 2 more boundaries arrived in the second over. With Belly admiring from the non strikers end the outrageously stunning shots continued from Rory’s bat as the 50 partnership arrived in only 33 balls (Rory 33 and Belly 8) with his own half century coming in 35 balls. Belly hit four trademark boundaries before he nibbled at one and was caught behind for 28 with the score on 98 in only the 13th over. Having added a further 37 with Rory Adam was adjudged LBW for 7. TK joined Rory who continued on his merry way plundering 16x4s and 1x6 as he reached his century off 86 balls. The pair added the required 70 runs without further loss as Rory finished on 128 not out and TK an unflustered accomplished 25 not out.
An excellent all round performance gave us a well deserved maximum 30 points and we travel to Sacriston on Saturday full of confidence.
1st XI NEPL Scorecard v Philadelphia (a)
NEPL Division 2 - 2nd XI v Tynemouth (h) - Won by 178 runs - Match Report by Aaron Armstrong
On a very hot and humid day the seconds welcomed Tynemouth to Denton Bank.
After winning the toss and electing to bat we posted a respectable 246-9 off 47 overs . Fergus Wallace playing fluently on his return from exams to make 30 and give the innings impetus . It was then the turn of Michael McLaughlin (64 off 91) and vice captain Robson (69 off 80) to make excellent contributions for the innings . After their dismissals wickets fell at regular intervals with Taylor Matthew's useful 22 runs getting us to that competitive total .
Tynemouth were initially positive in response reaching 43-0 before the introduction of captain Jones and spin twin Armstrong . On a pitch offering a little assistance to the spinner they quickly changed the course of the game . Wickets fell at regular intervals with the visitors run rate reducing significantly . Captain Jones returned miserly figures of 3 for 10 off his 8 overs with Aaron getting an excellent 5 for 23 of his allotted 9 overs . With the visitors teetering at 68-8 and one injured opponent unable to bat it was left to Ayush to trap the last batsman leg before and ensure a comprehensive victory .
2nd XI NEPL Scorecard v Tynemouth (h)
NTCL Divison 5 West - 3rd XI v Ryton (h) - Lost by 67 runs - Captains Report by Chris Pounder
The NTCL 3’s came away with 7 points but lost to promotion chasing Ryton at Newbrough.
Losing the toss and fielding 1st Ryton lost their first wicket at 34 before a partnership of 103 would see danger man Graeme Rowell dismissed for 69 taking the game away from the Hill.
With that said 3 quick wickets would get 3’s back in the game with Ryton on 149/5 before rain took us off for around half an hour. Overs were reduced to 35 and when the game resumed only one more wicket was taken before the innings ended with Ryton finishing on 211/6.
Pick of the bowling the skipper 3/35 with a wicket each for Rohaan Aatif, Nick Walder and Robbie Cope.
In reply 3’s lost Aayan and Davey early with 14 on the board before Rohaan and Robbie added 38 for the 3rd wicket. Freddie would fall with the score on 68 before another partnership of 38 between James Walder and Robbie would see James out lbw for 27.
With the game drifting away we would lose another 3 wickets with 117 on the board with a final 37 partnership of 37 between the skipper and Robbie would see 3’s finishing on 144/8.
Pick of the batters Robbie Cope 47 not out, Rohaan Aatif 33 and James Walder 27.
3rd XI NTCL Scorecard v Ryton (h)
NEPL Sunday Division 1 - 3rd XI v Philadelphia (a) - Lost by 3 wickers - Matty Hynd's Captains Report
The 3rd XI travelled to philadelphia looking to claim their second double of the season.
After winning the toss and electing to bat we scored quickly but lost wickets. Ayush (35) from 39 and Armstrong (25) from 28 both finding the boundary but then getting out when looking well set. This left us 99 for 6 with overs in hand. The lower order batted well and a few partnerships took us to a competitive 158/9.
Philadelphia started positively against Fletcher-woods and Mellor who noth picked up a wicket leaving Philadelphia 41/2 after 10. Philadelphia picked up the rate but kept losing wickets and at 85/6 in 19 the game was in the balance. However a 50 partnership for the 7th wicket took the game towards Philadelphia and even when Armstrong bowled Mcqueen it was too little and Philadelphia win by 3 wickets.
The team fought hard and fielded really well but the ball just didn't go to hand at the right time.
We now have a week off before returning to action against Sacriston at home in July.
3rd XI NEPL Scorecard v Philadelphia (a)
