Match Reports

Saturday 3rd May 2003

Newcastle 1st XI vs Philadelphia (Home)

Image: half past eleven Batting first, Newcastle got off to a flying start, openers Ritzy and Matty Hynd feasting on the loose bowling of the Philadelphia opening bowlers, reaching 50 at a rate of 8 runs per over. However things were to change as Phili reverted to the accuaracy of Potter and captain Allenby, immediately rewarded by the dismissal of Ritzy caught at first slip, quickly followed in identical fashion by Hynd. Nick Tomlinson and Ryan Phillimore soon followed, run out and LBW respectively. Having lost 4 wickets for only 10 runs, Newcastle's Durham star Gordon Muchall and Will Allen set about rebuilding the innings, playing cautiously for the remaining hour before lunch. After the luncheon both began to play with more ease on a difficult pitch, picking off the bowling and making the most of anything off line or length. The partnership of 114 was finally broken with less than 10 overs remaining, when Muchall was run out pushing for two to the point boundary for an excellent 83. Newcastle ended on 214 for 7 from their allotted 65 overs, Big Will making 49 and Alex Brown a brisk 21 not out in the final overs.

Image: Notcher at work! Knowing that a disciplined bowling performane was required, the Newcastle medium pace bowlers hit the right lines and lengths, applying pressure on the Philadelphia top order. The key wickets of Napier and Allenby were claimed before the tea break, and after a wayward first spell, Alex Brown returned to capture 2 further wickets. Newcastle were now in the driving seat, pressing for victory. However, as in the previous fixture against South North, the weather had the final say, ending precedings 10 overs early with Philadelphia 7 wickets down.

Image: Ritzy leans into a drive

Another good performance from the Newcastle boys, taking credit from a well deserved winning draw.

Newcastle 2nd XI vs Philadelphia (Away)

Image: breakfast for Village! Heavy showers on the Friday night prompted Village and top slicer Mcgarrigle to request permission from BDS to go out and get lathered - permission granted naturally! With bright skys at 12am, Mcgarrigle and Hurford having only finished their third bottle of red a mere 7 hours but somewhat revived by the pictured breakfast, we rocked up to Phili to a mudbath of a pitch. It was a case of throw the stumps in the air and play where they landed - bang goes the new regulations of covering the wicket and bowlers run ups the night before - our strip wasn't even covered!

Having lost the toss, again, Newcastle made a slow start, loosing Rowdy for 5 and Clarky second ball. The two red wine merchants then added 50 before Village was out with the score on 68. Then came in Ports who lasted the rest of the innings with Kingers, who made an excellent 113*, his maiden hundred - well done fella! Ports finished up on 59* before the skipper declared on 218-3 from 51 overs.

Newcastle then made steady progress with the ball, Covellian and BDS slicing through the batting, abley supported by Huble, Robin and Jeremy Dixon, making his second team debut! One mention has to go to Village for his 200% improvement on his catching as he leads the catch table with a grand total of 5 from 2 games. Philadelphia ended on the verge of defeat on 128-9, Newcastle securing maximum points from a draw.