2009 Season
Monday 10th August
SILTON RETAIN TITLE
The final round of games took place last week in the Northallerton and Dixtrict Evening Cricket league and, after a close-fought game with Thornton-le-Moor last week, Silton were back to their dominant best against South Kilvington.
Kilvington managed 66-8 in their 20 overs, opening batsman R. Hilton the main contributor with 16. Stephen Brass was top of the bowlers with 3-8 and Kev and Joe Clarkson provided good support with 2 wickets each. 28* from Kev Clarkson and 22 from Rob Cowton guided Silton to 69-2 in the 13th over, and complete an unbeaten 2009 campaign, winning both league cups and dropping just 3 points in weather-affected games.
Kilvington’s defeat meant a win for Thornton-le-Moor against Leake would lift them off the bottom of the table. Following a useful opening stand of 33 for Moor by Sam Linley and Si Pinkney, top scorer with 20, Leake took some quick wickets, limiting Thornton-le-Moor’s final score to 76-7. James Easton picked up 3-10 from his ten overs, which his younger brother Dan followed by batting throughout the reply for 23*. With Danny Magee’s 34, Leake reached 77-2 in the 15th over. Cementing Leake’s third place in the table, and condemning Moor to finishing bottom.
Rugby Club were already secure in second place going into their final game at East Harlsey. In a change of approach from the Harlsey bowling attack, Phil Greaves opened, and rewarded his skipper’s faith by dismissing both openers in his 2 overs, including dangerman Doug Mulholland. Number 3 Paul Hunter with 28 was top-scorer in his side’s final total 103-9, as Aaron Ramsbottom finished with great figures of 3-3. Simon Hill’s 11 ball 31 helped Harlsey race to 98-5 after 13 overs, and a switch-hit six from Rob Bellerby (20*) finished the game and the season on a quirky note, with Andy Ramsbottom also undefeated at the crease on 23. Hunter was best of the Rugby Club bowlers with 2-11.
Ingleby Cross entertained Northallerton in the final fixture of the year, and the top order set Town up for their score of 107-9, Richard Bartram hitting 23, but Matthew Fishburn’s 3-26 and youngster Josh Thompson’s 4-17 restricted Northallerton’s total. Cross’s Chris Hall then batted through for 48*, and an 18-ball 32 from Andy Liddle brought Ingleby to 108-4 with three and a half overs to spare.
Monday 3rd August
SILTON MARCH ON
With three of the previous week’s four fixtures washed out, Silton were confirmed as champions again of the Northallerton and District Evening Cricket League, and they followed this news up with a thrilling win against Thornton-le-Moor, their tenth in 13 games.
Thornton-le-Moor made their way to 81 - 8 after 20 overs, Simon Pinkney top scoring with 18, whilst Silton used nine bowlers. Dan Almond and Rob Cowton returned the best figures of 2-6 and 2-7 respectively. In reply though, only 1 of the top eight Silton batsmen reached double figures. At 40-8, the response looked shaky, before tail enders Dave Thompson (20 not out), Richard Bentley (18) and Rob Cowton (6 not out) saw them to 86 - 9 with 4 balls to spare. Tom Stead was the pick of the Moor bowlers with 2 for 10 from 5 overs.
The remaining games saw 2nd place in the league play 3rd, 4th play 5th and 6th play 7th. Rugby Club and Ingleby Cross met to fight for the runner’s up spot, and Cross struck a useful 134 - 7, Matthew Fishburn the top contributor with 70. Every member of Rugby Club’s side bowled at least an over, youngster Dan Barningham finishing with impressive figures of 2 for 12 from his 5 over spell. Cross had their opponents 3 wickets down for just 16, before John Capps (32) and James Randle (51 not out) rescued the innings. Rugby Club reached 138 - 6 with two balls remaining to cement their 2nd place in the table.
The mid-table encounter saw East Harlsey restricted to 98 - 4 at Leake. Some tight opening bowling from Andrew Chandler (1 for 14) and Craig Easton (1 for 17) left Harlsey at 32 - 2 at the halfway point, but Dave Willey’s 66 not out accelerated the innings, 17 of his runs coming from the final over. In reply, Richard Kirby (20) and Danny Magee (19) took the attack to the Harlsey bowling early on, setting the platform for Craig Easton (30) to calmly steer his side to victory at 99 - 3 after 18.3 overs.
Northallerton played host to South Kilvington, and held the visitors to 95 - 6, Richard Bartram and Dan Johnson splitting the wickets with 3 for 5 and 3 for 22 respectively. Tom Wright’s unbeaten 50 then guided Northallerton to 96 - 1 in just the 12th over.
Monday 27th July
WEATHER PLAYS HAVOC WITH FIXTURES
Only one game survived the wet weather last week in the Sam Turner and Sons Northallerton and District Evening Cricket League.
Thornton-le-Moor hosted Northallerton and although the conditions were not ideal they managed to stage a game of 18 overs per side.
Northallerton batted first and lost their top four batsmen relatively cheaply, two run outs not helping the cause. Jed Clarkson (20 no) and Scott Watson (32 no) then rallied to the cause and helped the visitors to a total of 93 – 5, Tom Stead picking up 2 for 2 for the home side.
When Moor batted Sam Linley made 10 before he was also run out but Stead was also on top form with the bat as he made 44. Moor then had Peter Pinkney (18 no) to thank for steering them home to a four wicket victory with only 5 balls to spare. Tom Robinson was the pick of Northallerton’s bowlers claiming 2 for 5 but his efforts were just not enough to prevent a Moor victory.
Monday 20th July
RUGBY CLUB STEAL A POINT AS RAIN THWARTS OTHER TEAMS
On what turned out to be a very wet night Rugby Club managed to complete their game last week in the Sam Turner and Sons Northallerton and District Evening Cricket League as the other three games all had to be abandoned because of waterlogged pitches.
Rugby Club were entertaining Thornton-le-Moor who managed a first inning total of 109 – 8, Peter Pinkney top scoring with an undefeated 45 and John Pinches hitting 21. Dan Barningham, one of nine bowlers used, claimed the best figures of 3 for 19. As the dark clouds gathered Rugby Club took only eleven overs to reach victory at 110 – 3 with Doug Mulholland hitting a rapid 56 and Andrew Fishburn 29 no as Pinches picked up 2 for 25.
League leaders Silton visited a determined Northallerton side who had made an impressive 138 – 5 before rain halted proceedings in the eighteenth over. Debutant Charles Horsley (72) had made the bulk of the runs with Dave Thompson (3 for 21) the pick of the visiting bowlers.
At Ingleby Cross the home side managed to complete their innings against Leake and made 127 – 2, openers Steve Turner (79) and Chris Marshall (33) sharing a century opening stand. A potentially thrilling run chase was cut short by the weather with Blackburn unfortunately run out off the last ball of the match with Leake 11 – 1.
South Kilvington visited East Harlsey and after losing a couple of early wickets had James Thompson to thank for helping them to 119 – 7. Thompson took the attack to the bowling from the off, and turned round the Kilvington innings with his 58 not out. Chris Ward was the pick of the home bowling attack with 4 for 14. When Harlsey’s openers stepped out to open their reply the rain was already falling. Twenty two came from the two overs that were possible before conditions deteriorated and the game had to be abandoned.
Fortunately the weather was better earlier in the week as Silton and Thornton-le-Moor met in the final of the Walsh Cup played at Leake’s ground. Moor batted first and just failed to reach three figures making 99 – 7 from their twenty overs. Simon Pinkney (31) and Richard Hammerton (21) were their top scorers as Paul Nicholson claimed 4 for 21. It was also good to see Silton’s Stephen Brass back in action after recent illness and his economical spell of 1 for 12 certainly helped to keep the runs down. Silton were without some of their top batsmen for this match but still had plenty in reserve as Rob Cowton (32) and Ian Raynor (28 no) saw them to victory at 102 – 2 in the sixteenth over. This was the third year in succession that Silton had won the Walsh cup and and was added to the Hodgson cup which was won the previous week.
Monday 13th July
VICTORY FOR KILVINGTON LIFTS THEM OFF THE BOTTOM OF THE TABLE
South Kilvington ended a losing run last week in the Sam Turner and Sons Northallerton and District Evening Cricket League with a much needed victory which lifts them off the bottom of the table.
Ingleby Cross were the visitors to Kilvington and Sam Samarage (43) and Ian Whitfield (20) helped them to a fist innings total of 101 – 3. In reply, Kilvington’s Ray Windross (57) set the home side well on their way and a seven wicket victory was duly achieved in only the fourteenth over.
Thornton-le-Moor were still just one place above Kilvington at the bottom despite showing some good form recently. Last week they entertained East Harlsey and made a useful first innings total of 132 – 7 thanks mainly to Simon Pinkney (45), Tom Stead (24) and Richard Hammerton (21) as Simon Hill (2 for 21) and Chris Ward (2 for 29) bowled well for the visitors. Harlsey were then given a solid start by opener Dave Willey (62) and Ross Breckon (29) but it was Aaron Ramsbottom (19 no) who saw them home at 136 – 6 with an over to spare. Stead (3 for 30) and John Pinches (2 for 41) were Moor’s leading wicket takers but their efforts were not enough to prevent Moor slipping to the foot of the table.
Leake travelled to Northallerton and made 119 – 7 with Dan Magee (37) and Craig Easton (26) performing well against some useful bowling from Richard Bartram (2 for 15) and John Robinson (3 for 26). When Northallerton batted Bartram made 24 and Dave Barningham 26 but no other batsman reached double figures as the home side were restricted to 97 – 9. Magee (2 for 15) and Andrew Chandler (2 for 17) recorded the best figures as Leake notched up their fifth victory of the season.
In the remaining League game the top two teams battled it out in a game likely to decide the outcome of the championship. Rugby Club batted first at Silton and although they lost their main batsmen Doug Mulholland without scoring, they had Brad Elsworth (71) to thank for helping them to a total of 119 – 7. Paul Nicholson (3 for 36) claimed the best figures for Silton and Joe Clarkson chipped in with 2 for 18. In reply, Silton lost an early wicket as Mulholland (1 for 11) bowled an excellent spell but the support bowlers proved more expensive and with patient half centuries from David Thompson (54 no) and Chris Cowton (50) Silton secured an eight wicket victory with an over to spare.
As the form book might have predicted these two teams also met in the final of the Hodgson Cup played at East Harlsey. This time it was Silton who were asked to bat first and once again David Thompson (58) was on top form with the bat and with Joe Clarkson (48) put on an opening partnership of 99. Silton eventually closed on a formidable 131 – 2 and with Mulholland unavailable Rugby Club always looked second favourites. This proved to be the case as Silton’s bowlers then dominated proceedings. Joe Clarkson (1 for 15) bowled an impressive opening spell and then Kevin Clarkson (4 for 11) and Thompson (3 for 20) rattled though the batting order as Rugby Club were bowled out for 83 in the nineteenth over. Silton retained the trophy for the third successive year and will look to do the double when they meet Thornton-le-Moor in the Walsh Cup final next week.
Monday 6th July
NORTHALLERTON DENT RUGBY CLUB’S HOPES
Rugby Club’s challenge for the League title faded last week after they played against a rejuvenated Northallerton side in the Sam Turner and Sons Northallerton and District Evening Cricket League.
Northallerton batted first and were grateful for another half century from Albert Aurelious (64) which helped them to a very respectable total of 146 – 4, Rob Elsworth chipping in with 23 as George Kay claimed 2 for 44 for the home side. When Rugby Club replied opener Doug Mulholland got them off to a flying start but when he fell two short of a deserved half century this led to a series of quick wickets falling. Jed Clarkson (2 for 25) was the pick of the visiting bowlers and although expensive, Tom Robinson claimed 2 for 51. Kay was Rugby Club’s next highest scorer with 24 but his side eventually ran out of overs at 120 – 8 to suffer a 26 run defeat. This was Northallerton’s second victory of the season and moves them one place up the table.
League leaders Silton travelled to East Harlsey and batted first, with the dangerous David Thompson and Joe Clarkson opening. Some powerful hitting combined with some lacklustre fielding combined to produce an opening stand of 93 by the time Simon Hill bowled Clarkson (30) with the first ball of the tenth over. Chris Cowton replaced him, and worked well with Thompson in producing a match winning total. Cowton was dismissed for 20 in the 18th over, by which time Thompson had made a brutal century. Kevin Clarkson then hit 2 sixes in a quick 17 not out in the final 2 overs, and Silton finished on 212 - 2, Thompson scoring 116* including 13 fours and 6 sixes.
With a near impossible target to chase, openers Dave Willey and Simon Hill set about their task manfully, 14 coming off the first over. However, Hill was tragically run out in the third over for 6, and from here the run-rate dropped some what. Aaron Ramsbottom built a good partnership with Willey until the latter was caught at long-on in the twelfth over, after an aggressive innings of 61 from 35 balls. Ramsbottom continued to chance his luck as more batsmen came and went, with lofted shots tending to land in front of fielder’s hands, or occasionally go straight through them. He was eventually caught and bowled for 33 by Joe Clarkson (3 for 24) and with Kevin Clarkson claiming 2 for 26 Harlsey struggled to 126 – 7, 86 runs short of their target.
A remarkable finish happened at Ingleby Cross where Thornton-le-Moor were the visitors. Moor batted first and their first three batsmen all made good starts before getting out in their twenties. Simon Pinkney (24), Sam Linley (28) and Richard Hammerton (23) helped the visitors to a total of 119 – 6, one enormous six by Pinkney clearing the hedge and breaking a window in one of the local houses. Dave Leng (2 for 29) and Ian West (3 for 13) had bowled well during the final ten overs to keep the total down to a gettable one.
When Ingleby replied Pinkney was on top form with the ball to reduce then to 45 – 4 with Martin Hyde and skipper Ian West at the crease. As West took a back seat Hyde proceeded to dominate the batting and took Ingleby to within 35 of their target with three overs left. Seventeen were then needed from the final over and 5 from the last ball when the unfortunate Faulkner, who had bowled a decent spell up to that point, conceded 5 wides. Hyde (53 no) had completed a fine half century as West finished up with only 5 in an unbroken fifth wicket partnership of 75 as Ingleby clinched victory at 120 – 4.
Monday 29th June
NORTHALLERTON AND T-LE-MOOR WIN THEIR FIRST GAMES
Last week both Northallerton and Thornton-le-Moor won their first games this season in the Sam Turner and Sons Northallerton and District Evening Cricket League.
Northallerton entertained East Harlsey and after losing Aurelious from the first ball of the evening the home side were rescued by a half century from Richard Bartram (69). Their final total was 129 – 6 after Sam Guy’s spell 3 for 28 helped keep Harlsey in the game. In reply, Harlsey’s Simon Lea (16) and Aaron Ramsbottom (17) looked well set before losing their wickets to Dan Johnson (2 for 21) and Mark Gatto (2 for 13). Andy Brown made 42 runs to bring Harlsey back into contention but once he departed the visitors closed 10 runs short on 119 – 8.
At Thornton-le-Moor the home side batted first and openers Sam Linley (50) and Simon Pinkey (25) got them off to a good start with an opening partnership of 60 against South Kilvington. Peter Barningham chipped in with an unbeaten 17 at the end as Moor closed on 122 – 6, Eric Windross claiming 2 for 25 and Dennis Plowman 2 for 26. When Kilvington replied Richard Hammerton removed both openers in a spell of 2 for 20 and he received good support with the ball from Simon Pinkney (2 for 23). Martin Chapman (25) top scored for the visitors but his efforts were in vain as Kilvington closed 25 runs short on 97 – 7.
There was a very closely contested match at Leake where the visitors were joint League leaders Rugby Club. Leake took first knock and Dan Magee (46 not out) and James Easton (21) helped them to a total of 124 – 4, John Capps claiming 2 for 26. Rugby Club’s reply centred round another impressive knock from Doug Mulholland who made 59 before he became the first victim for Richard Kirby. Adam Hodgkinson made 26 but his run out was followed by two others in the scramble for runs and with Kirby (2 for 6) bowling a couple of excellent overs at the end Rugby Club closed agonisingly one run short on 123 – 6. This defeat for Rugby Club plus a walk over victory for Silton, whose opponents Ingleby Cross were unable to raise a side, means they drop to second place in the table for the first time this season.
At least Silton saw some action in the semi-finals of the Walsh Cup when they visited Northallerton. However, the hosts were restricted to only 80, Albert Aurelious top scoring with 27 as Stephen Brass (3 for 7) and David Thompson (2 for 19) starred with the ball for Silton. Thompson (47 no) was soon in action when Silton replied and together with Kevin Clarkson (27 no) helped Silton to a ten wicket victory at 81 without loss in the twelfth over.
In the other semi-final at Ingleby Cross, visitors Thornton-le-Moor continued their recent good run of form in making 120 – 8 thanks to Richard Hammerton (30), Simon Pinkney (22) and Sam Linley (21). Hammerton (2 for 20) and Pinkney (4 for 12) then excelled with the ball as Ingleby were skittled out for 64. This was a fine performance by Moor but they will have to be on top form when they face Silton in the final if they are to prevent the holders from wining the trophy for the third year in succession.
Monday 22nd June
SILTON STAY AT THE TOP
Silton managed to secure a victory last week to keep them joint top of the Sam Turner and Sons Northallerton and District Evening Cricket League.
Silton travelled to Leake where they managed to restrict their hosts to only 85 – 7, Richard Kirby (22) and Dan Easton (26) top scoring whilst Kevin Clarkson claimed 2 for 19 and Joe Clarkson 2 for 26. When Silton replied they were thwarted by an excellent five over spell from Craig Easton (1 for 5) but they eventually secured victory in the eighteenth over with Chris Cowton top scoring on 38 not out.
East Harlsey entertained Ingleby Cross and after being 2 for 3 off four overs the home side rallied to make 69 thanks mainly to 20 valuable runs from Ross Breckon. Ingleby’s Matthew Fishburn claimed 3 for 4 and Martyn Hyde on his debut claimed 2 for 2. In reply Ingleby never looked in any trouble and Hyde completed a fine evenings work by hitting 37 not out to see his side to a seven wicket victory at 75 – 3 in the sixteenth over.
Northallerton were in a strong position in their game against Thornton-le-Moor when heavy rain meant the match had to be abandoned. Northallerton had made 148 – 8 with Albert Aurelious (83 no) and Alex Ross (20) top scoring as Richard Hammerton picked up 2 for 19. After eight overs Moor were 47 – 3, Hammerton still unbeaten on 30, but the rain proved the winner in the end and both teams had to settle for a point apiece.
The semi-finals of the Hodgson Cup also took place last week and Rugby Club hosted Leake. Leake batted first but were only able to score 64 – 5 from their twenty overs thanks to some tight bowling by the home side. Rugby Club then raced to a ten wicket victory at 65 – 0 inside seven overs with Doug Mulholland (51 no) scoring an undefeated half century.
In the other semi-final at Silton, visitors Northallerton made 65 – 9 with Dan Johnson (14 no) top scoring as Richard Bentley (5 for 19) ripped through the rest of the batting order. In reply Silton’s Joe Clarkson made 28 before the home side secured a place in the final at 67 – 4 in the twelfth over.
Monday 15th June
RUGBY CLUB KEEP PACE WITH SILTON
Rugby Club continue their unbeaten run this season to remain joint top of the Sam Turner and Sons Northallerton and District Evening Cricket League with Silton.
Following a wet afternoon, which led to South Kilvington’s home fixture against Northallerton being cancelled, the remaining games were played on damp pitches although this did not prevent some players from producing sparkling performances.
The best of these came at Thornton-le-Moor where visiting batsman David Thompson smashed an unbeaten 88 from only nine overs as Silton recorded an emphatic ten wicket victory over their hosts. Earlier in the evening Moor had made 99 - 4 thanks mainly to Martin Butler (33) and Peter Pinkney (25) with Richard Bentley (2 for 18) and Paul Nicholson (2 for 34) bowling well for Silton.
The same result occurred at Ingleby Cross where Rugby Club were the visitors. Ingleby batted first and made 124 – 3, with Richard Stringer and Chris Hall finishing up on 46 and 27 not out respectively. Ingleby looked confident at the start of Rugby Club’s reply but some poor fielding and erratic bowling cost them dearly and Doug Mulholland (69 no) and John Robinson (44 no) took only fourteen overs to reach a ten wicket victory at 127 without loss. This win keeps Rugby Club and Silton locked together at the top of the League with one game to play before the half way point of the season is reached.
In the remaining fixture East Harlsey entertained Leake in a game reduced to fifteen overs because of a delayed start. When play did commence Leake’s opening bat Richard Kirby was looking to hit boundaries from the first ball and he rode his luck to survive three possible catches in an entertaining innings of 40 before Robert Bellerby dived full length and held on to a difficult chance at long-off. Danny Magee continued to score freely though, eventually being out LBW to Aaron Ramsbottom (2 for 31) for 44. From then on the scoring slowed and the innings closed with Leake on 115-5, Harlsey’s skipper Simon Lea finishing with 2 for 24.
In reply Harlsey struggled against some excellent bowling from Richard Chandler who claimed 1 for 7 from 4 accurate overs and he received good support form Daniel Easton (2 for 21) at the other end. At 32 – 3 after eight overs, with another 84 required from the remaining 7 overs there looked only one winner, although with opener Dave Willey still at the crease Harlsey had a slim chance. At this point it started to drizzle and this made fielding difficult as Willey survived two dropped catches whilst hitting 3 sixes, 52 coming from the next four overs. Lea was then run out before new batsman Simon Hill was dropped first ball only to hit an enormous six off his second. Seventeen runs came from an erratic penultimate over from Magee and with Willey clipping the first ball of the final over for six, a single off the next ball secured a most unlikely six wicket victory at 116 – 4 with four balls to spare.
Monday 8th June
HARLSEY WIDE OF THE MARK
Rugby Club maintain their place at the top of the Sam Turner and Sons Northallerton and District Evening Cricket League table as East Harlsey’s bowlers concede too many extras.
Visiting skipper Simon Lea was required as early as the third ball as East Harlsey lost an early wicket when they travelled to Thimbleby to play against Rugby Club. Lea, playing on his old ground, finished unbeaten on 55 and with Phil Greaves making 28 Harlsey made a total of 120 – 3, Brad Elsworth bowling well to claim figures of 2 for 12. In reply, opener Andrew Fishburn made 49 as the other Rugby Club batsmen struggled against Simon Hill (3 for 28) and Mark Wheldon (2 for 5). However, they were given a helping hand by the other Harlsey bowlers who conceded 22 wides in an extras total of 35 and this made all the difference as the home side reached victory at 121 – 8 with eight balls to spare.
Silton were at home to South Kilvington and restricted the visitors to 113 – 6, James Thompson top scoring with 45 not out and Paul Nicholson picking up 2 for 38. Silton started well in reply with a half century opening partnership from Chris Cowton (21) and Kevin Clarkson (35) and they were seen home to a comfortable eight wicket victory by Joe Clarkson (27 no) in the seventeenth over. This win keeps Silton level at the top with Rugby Club.
Leake posted a useful 143 – 7 when they entertained Thornton-le-Moor who were still looking for their first victory of the season. Richard Kirby (29), Craig Easton (23) and Dan Easton (23) were the batsmen on form for the home side as Richard Hammerton (2 for 30) and Robin Dale (2 for 31) were the visitors best bowlers. When Moor replied Sam Linley (40) and Mark Butler (20) got them off to a good start and Hammerton made 23 before he became the first victim of Kevin Porter (2 for 4). With James Easton (2 for 16) also bowling well Moor ran out of overs at 101 – 6.
In the remaining League match played at Northallerton the home side made 114 – 4 with skipper Jon Shanks (46) top scoring and John Leather claiming 2 for 17 for the visitors. Brian Devine (23) and Neil Parkin (57 no) had a half century opening stand before Matthew Fishburn (23 no) helped Ingleby to their fourth victory of the season at 118 – 1 with an over to spare.
In the first round of the Walsh Cup Ingleby visited East Harlsey where they managed to restrict the home side to only 74 – 8, Alex Walls top scoring with 20 as Fishburn (2 for 11) and Parkin (3 for 9) did well with the ball. Fishburn then made an undefeated 48 as Ingleby made it comfortably into the next round following a 7 wicket victory in the seventeenth over at 78 – 3.
At Northallerton, Jon Shanks (55) continued his good run of form with the bat and together with Albert Aurelious (64) helped the home side to 136 – 7, Leake’s Richard Kirby claiming 4 for 24. When Leake replied Kirby had made only 10 when he fell to the accurate Chris Wayman (2 for 27) and despite good efforts from James Easton (30) and Bill Town (27) it was some good bowling from Dan Johnson (3 for 30) that helped restrict the visitors to 110 – 7.
South Kilvington batted first when they travelled to Thornton-le-Moor but could only manage 82 – 6, Greame Maughan (24) and Eric Windross (23 no) top scoring. A second wicket partnership of 69 between Tom Stead (33 no) Richard Hammerton (36 no) then sealed an emphatic 9 wicket victory in only the eleventh over.
The two teams at the head of the League table met in the remaining tie and as expected a very close game materialised. Home side Silton batted first and brothers Robin (73) and Geoff (22no) helped them to a total of 142 – 7 as Brad Elsworth claimed 2 for 32 and Andrew Fishburn 2 for 49. When Rugby Club replied opener Doug Mulholland was their main hope and he made 62 before being caught off the bowling of Paul Nicholson (2 for 34). John Robinson kept the momentum going with 24 before he was run out in the scramble for runs and it was only some tight bowling at the end from Paul Harper (3 for 27) which prevented Rugby Club inflicting a rare defeat on their rivals, the visitors closing an agonising five runs short on 137 – 7.
Monday 1st June
RUGBY CLUB AND SILTON SET EARLY PACE
Ingleby Cross win again to keep the pressure up on current joint League leaders Rugby Club and Silton in the Sam Turner and Sons Northallerton and District Evening Cricket League.
Ingleby Cross entertained Leake and the hosts elected to bat first on a warm and sunny evening. Dave Leng (28) and Chris Marshall (34) opened the batting and these two put on an opening stand of 64 before both were removed by Dan Magee who came on first change. The other batsmen struggled against Magee who claimed a further three wickets in a devastating spell of 5 for 8 which really turned the game in Leake’s favour as Ingleby closed on 87 – 6. When Leake replied they must have felt confident in search of their second victory of the season but the removal of star opening batsman Richard Kirby without troubling the scorers was a major setback. Matthew Fishburn (2 for 11) and Noel Collings (2 for 15) then proceeded to remove the top order but it was occasional bowler Marshall with career best figures of 5 for 9 who cleaned up the tail to secure a 38 run victory as Leake folded to 49 all out.
Joint leaders Rugby Club travelled to Thornton-le-Moor where they made a first innings total of 147 – 5 with Doug Mulholland (68) and James Randle (39) top scoring. John Pinches (2 for 33) and Richard Harland (2 for 49) were Moor’s top bowlers. In reply, opener Peter Barningham (28 no) survived the bowling of namesake Nick Barningham (3 for 9) and was still there at the end of twenty overs. Pinches made 27 and Peter Pinkney an undefeated 35 but their valiant efforts were not quite enough and Moor ended 20 runs short on 127 – 6.
East Harlsey were the visitors to South Kilvington where the home side made 84 - 5 thanks mainly to Martin Chapman (30) and Andy Carver (20 no). Harlsey’s bowling attack was led by Simon Hill (3 for 22) but the closing overs were bowled by slow left arm spinners Sam Guy and Rob Mould who both bowled well to keep the run rate down. When Harlsey replied James Thompson (2 for 10) removed both openers in a useful spell but then Ross Breckon (37 no) and Aaron Ramsbottom (18 no) produced some excellent running between the wickets as Harlsey reached a comfortable victory at 88 – 3 in the eighteenth over.
In the remaining fixture Northallerton were unable to raise a side for their visit to Silton and conceded the match.
Monday 25th May
HARLSEY GET THOMMOED
Despite the wet weather last week three semi-finalists have been decided in the Hodgson Cup although only one game was possible in the Sam Turner and Sons Northallerton and District Evening Cricket League.
In the Hodgson Cup Silton entertained East Harlsey and were asked to bat first on a wet pitch which suffered a heavy downpour shortly before the game. After an early loss Silton’s Dave Thompson and Joe Clarkson put on 72 for the second wicket before Clarkson was caught out for 34 in the fifteenth over. Thompson, who survived two difficult catching opportunities, then proceeded to despatch the ball to all parts of the field as 59 runs came off the last five overs. Thompson (95 no) remained undefeated just short of a deserved century but Silton’s total of 161 – 2 was an excellent effort in the conditions.
Harlsey’s best chance of reaching their target rested firmly on the broad shoulders of Dave Willey and for a while the game looked wide open as 41 came off the first six overs. It wasn’t to last though as first Willey (31) was caught at square leg by Steve Brass off Joe Clarkson for 31 and Walter Burns was bowled by Richard Bentley from the other end for 11. From this point the run rate slowed dramatically and the innings closed on 81-7, skipper Simon Lea (13 no) the highest scoring of the remaining batsmen. Brass (2 for 4) and Paul Nicholson (3 for 11) shared five wickets between them after the good work by the opening bowlers.
South Kilvington re-arranged their home fixture against Leake and were bowled out for 84, Ian Carver top scoring with 29 as James Easton (3 for 20), Dan Magee (2 for 10) and Richard Kirby (2 for 17) shared the wickets. As usual Kirby opened the batting for Leake and he made 54 no as Leake secured a seven wicket victory at 87 – 3 in the twelfth over, James Thompson claiming 2 for 40. In the semi-finals Leake go on to face the winners of the game between Rugby Club and Ingleby Cross which is yet to be replayed. With Thornton-le-Moor conceding their match, Northallerton will now travel to Silton in the other semi-final.
The only League game to survive the wet weather was at Ingleby Cross where visitors South Kilvington made 73, Ray Windross top scoring with 21 as Andrew Weighell picked up 4 for 8 and Noel Collings 3 for 11. Weighell (35) was then on form with the bat and he helped Ingleby to victory at 77 – 3 in only the twelfth over.
Monday 18th May
SILTON AND RUGBY CLUB SET EARLY PACE
Kevin Clarkson was on top form with bat and ball as Silton stifled East Harlsey in the Sam Turner and Sons Northallerton and District Evening Cricket League.
Visitors East Harlsey were asked to bat first at Silton and opening bowlers Kevin Clarkson and Paul Nicholson gave nothing away as only 23 runs came from the first ten overs, Clarkson finishing up with excellent figures of 1 for 3 from his five over spell. The run rate increased against the change bowlers and Dave Willey batted through to the seventeenth over until he was run out for 33. Harlsey eventually closed on 79 – 5, a total which looked unlikely to trouble the League Champions.
When Silton replied they came up against a determined Willey who dismissed both openers in a spell on 2 for 13 but the runs flowed at the other end as Silton reached 69 – 2. Clarkson had made 24 at this point but he skied a catch off Simon Lea (2 for 10) and Sam Guy (1 for 11) took a wicket with his second ball as Harlsey rallied. However, it was too little too late as Silton reached victory at 83 – 5 in the eighteenth over.
Rugby Club visited the Town ground and despite the absence of Doug Mulholland made an impressive 168 – 6, Bradley Elsworth (41) and Jonny Hunter (43 no) top scoring as Tom Robinson bowled well to claim 3 for 37.
Richard Bartram opened the batting for Northallerton and he made 45 in their reply of 106 – 4 as Dan Luck picked up 2 for 32. This win puts Rugby Club level at the top with Silton with two wins out of two.
Thornton-le-Moor entertained Ingleby Cross and the visitors made 121 – 7 batting first, Matthew Smith (58) scoring a half century and Chris Marshall making 34. John Pinches was Moor’s leading wicket taker with 3 for 51.
In reply Moor came very close to causing an upset with Tom Stead (30), Peter Barningham (28 no) and Richard Hammerton (23) edging them close to victory but it was not to be and they closed just short on 117 – 5.
South Kilvington made the short trip to Leake where they made 118 – 4 thanks mainly to Ray Windross (35), James Thompson (21) and Andy Hilton (31 no) as Andrew Chandler picked up 3 for 30. Leake were given an excellent start in reply by opener Anthony Blackburn and he received good support from Craig Easton (38). In a tense finish it all came down to the final over and with four balls remaining Blackburn (52 no) reached a deserved half century as Leake snatched victory at 119 – 4.
Monday 11th May
RUGBY CLUB EDGE LEAKE TO NARROW DEFEAT
Despite a half century from Richard Kirby Leake suffered a 7 run defeat against Rugby Club as the Sam Turner and Sons Northallerton and District Evening Cricket League’s new season got underway.
Rugby Club are playing all their home games at Thimbleby’s ground again this season and having won the toss and elected to bat first they were given a solid start by opener Andrew Fishburn (44). Doug Mulholland (36) then added some useful runs to take the home side to118 – 5 from their twenty overs.
In reply Richard Kirby opened the batting for Leake and reached an impressive 50 before being caught off the bowling of Mulholland. Bradley Elsworth (3 for 22) ripped through the visitor’s middle order but Dan Easton (24) brought Leake back into contention. However, although Bill Town ended up undefeated on 15 Leake fell an agonising 7 runs short of victory at 111 – 7.
Ingleby Cross entertained Silton and the home side made a total of 147 – 7, thanks mainly to Will Brown (43) and James Weighell (47 not out). Stephen Brass (3 for 32) and Richard Bentley (3 for 41) were Silton’s most successful bowlers. In reply Silton’s openers Chris Cowton (69 no) and Dave Thompson (66) gave them an excellent start with an opening partnership of 133 and a nine wicket victory was secured in the eighteenth over at 150 – 1.
Another useful score was made at East Harlsey where the home side rattled up 135 – 2 against Northallerton thanks to an undefeated half century from Walter Burns (66 no) and 28 from Dave Willey. Town’s reply got off to a poor start as Harlsey’s new skipper Simon Lea picked up 2 for 14 and he was given good support from left armer Chris Ward (3 for 14). Only Town’s new skipper Jon Shanks made any real impact with the bat but his 30 no was not enough as the visitor’s ended up well short on 59 – 7.
At South Kilvington Ray Windross (33) top scored in their total of 121 – 6 with David Harker (28) and James Thompson (21) offering good support. Steven Foster (2 for 40) was Moor’s leading wicket taker. When the visitors batted their top order was whittled out by fourteen year old opening bowler Josh Brown who returned excellent figures of 4 for 10. Harker also completed a fine all round performance by taking 2 for 7 as Moor were bowled out for 61 to suffer a 60 run defeat.
=================