Match Reports

Saturday 27th July 2002

Newcastle 1st XI vs Stockton (Home)

Typical, stinking, hot day at Jesmond! Wakey's 'flipping' skills deserted him and Newcastle were asked to bat on a rather dark looking Jesmond strip that played 'slow and low' throughout the game. After the early loss of Hyndo, Ritzy (who was fuming after his week of disgrace on duck corner) and Big Will Allen built a solid partnership that left Newcastle well positioned at 115-1 at lunch, Ritzy grinning from ear to ear as his Torpedo unleashed an array of shots. After lunch Will was dealt a sickening blow to the side of the head and duly caught at slip off their 'dog's dinner'. However the stage was set for the NCC shot-makers to propel us to a commanding total and a declaration, but after losing a couple of wickets, including Ritzema for a fabulous 111, Newcastle stuttered to 248-5 from the full 65 overs.

In the field, Newcastle took a couple of quick wickets, Mad Dog Lindsey curbing his natural exuberance and bowling a fine spell, passing the Stockton number 3's outside edge on countless occasions, but defying belief the batter survived and Stockton re-built and with 10 overs remaining were odds on for the winning draw target of 209. Then followed three catches from the 'top drawer', two from 'False Teeth' and one from Grandad Mathewson with his seemingly extendible arms. The tables had turned, and in the final three overs Newcastle were pushing for victory, but Stockton hung on with 8 wickets down. An exciting game that emphasised the need to cling onto catches, but overall an improved team effort, with memorable performances from Ritzy and Lindsey!

Ritzy leaves the field after a superb 111

Newcastle 2nd XI vs Stocktonon (Away)

A glorious day on Teesside saw us visit the in form Stockton. Another strong line up was missing Timmy Cartwright, now a bookies runner and Hyndy's new best pal; Clarky, who made the stupid mistake of scoring a ton last week and was kidnapped by Wakey; and Collins, who was 'dropping the kids off'.

Skip lost the toss and sent us in on a "slow and low" piece of tarmac. Village smashed through his average with his first ball faced but was first to fall after a steady start with Rowdy. Kinger stormed to the wicket keen to build on his top knock from the previous evening. However, he was undone by a goodun early doors which deviated off Village's dummy and bust the furniture.

This brought the Legend to the crease, which coincided with the opposition wicket keeper's balls dropping and him seemingly wanting to listen to his new deep voice. Unfortunately he was using chat he had located between his butt cheeks and proceeded to disrepect the Legend as he clouted the bowlers around the park. He and Rowdy 'slogged' their way to half centuries, and after Rowdy departed, Skipper and Ports kept up the good work, Ports stinging the fence with another glorious maximum - this time proving the critics wrong by keeping it well and truly 'in the V'. There was still time for Big Bazzer and Cooky to join duck corner but a sporting target of around 230 was set. Kenny finished on 88 not out...marvellous effort, that.

After tea the bowlers were clearly raring to go. Baz and Andy bowled tight spells and Newcastle picked up a couple of early wickets. Their opener was then joined by a rotund batsman who we somewhat underestimated. A very good eye and a lot of power ensured they got above the run rate and were threatening to knock our total off with ease, giving Ports and Nicky Humble an unfair punishing with his brute force. Ports finally picked up 'Dave Snickingtons' the opener for a fifty before Baz was reintroduced and clubbed for 17 in his first over back. While all this was going on Village had reincarnated himself into larry s**thands for the second day running and everyone was geting a little hot and bothered. Kenny mercilessly suggested Baz was given another chance, and the big man responded with the big wicket. The winning draw had gone, but there was still a chance of the win.

We eventually got nine down (again) to hold on for the draw by just a couple of runs. They nearly won on the last ball after trying a run seven to the sub fielder donated after Nick went down injured (note this was Stockton skipper Fletch). Umps called time by signalling a dubious four.

All over, and a good warm up for the cup final against the same oponents the next day (which we won, of course!)

Newcastle CC is sponsored by Billabong Bar in Jesmond.