Match Reports

Saturday 9th August 2003

Newcastle 1st XI vs Gateshead Fell (Away)

Newcastle again had to reshuffle their team with Danny Law unavailable & Kingers injured after his attack on the concrete the previous Saturday. In came Tim Stonock and Johnny Bailey on a sweltering day at the 'Fell'.

Image: Tim raises his bat Ritz lost the toss and we were inserted on a good looking pitch. The Fell had obviously been reading the ECB blueprint on the Premier League and opened the bowling with a slow bowler! Newcastle lost Nicky T early, playing for non-existent spin, but Stonno and Ritz set about the Fell attack and scored and at a good rate. Ritzy fell for 61 and was replaced by Rhino who hit a quickfire 51 again showing great bat speed, before being caught behind the over before lunch, Joel also losing his wicket and this unfortunate time. Both Ritzy and Ryan will rue the missed opportunity of a century for the taking. We were well placed at lunch at 180 for 4 off a remarkable 40 overs, included a drinks break! After lunch we looked for quick runs to invoke the declaration, however Big Will unluckily perished run out backing up. This brought together Matty & Stonno who continued with some fine shots including a legendary “slog sweep” from the school-boy as he reached his first senior hundred. Matty was next out for 23 and Stonno followed LBW for an excellent 110. Newcastle declared 279 for 9 in 58 overs, leaving the Fell 62 overs to get the runs.

The Fell run chase got off to a bad start when Nicky T caught a sharp chance off Alex at 1st slip. This brought together the two Fell pros who, with Newcastle setting an attacking field, batted well and took the score over 100 in quick time. However Joel and Rhino came on and pegged the score back and bowled some good disciplined lines. The patience paid off when the "Baysie" apprentice snared the sorcerer, caught by Mad Dog. The Fell then decided that it was time to put up the shutters with over 20 overs in hand and only 3 wickets down! The next 20 or so overs seemed to take forever as The Fell blocked their way to 213 for 4. Another winning draw and a good batting performance keeps Newcastle well placed in the top ½ of the league.

Newcastle 2nd XI vs Benwell Hill (Away)

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