Match Reports

Saturday 19th July 2003

Newcastle 1st XI vs Benwell Hill (Home)

Boosted by the return of Danny Law, Newcastle fielded arguably their strongest side of the season against arch rivals Benwell Hill. Captain Ritz again won the toss and decided to bowl on a warm day at Jesmond.

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The Hill were soon in trouble when "Mad Dog" trapped their opener LBW and their number 3 soon followed caught in the gully by Danny off the same bowling. In came Philly Mustard at 20/2 who played an innings that was more like that expected if the score was 200/2 with 10 overs remaining! He rode his luck, and also played some nice shots, striking numerous boundaries. However wickets continued to fall around him and when he went for one big shot too many, "schoolboy-error" caught him on the line off the bowling of "Billy" Joel. Newcastle now sensed blood and pushed hard to dismiss our rivals for a mediocre score. However, as usual the last couple of partnerships stood firm, and a few streaky boundaries gave their score an air of respectability at 169 all out in the 54th overs. All the bowlers played their part with Mad Dog 3, Alex 2, Joel 2, Jonny B 2 & Rhino 1 all chipping in with important wickets.

Image: Two superstars!

Knowing that we had 66 overs available, a solid start was important, but Newcastle started shakilly, losing Rhino dubiously LBW. However this brought in the schoolboy who batted well with Ritzy at the other end, before a rush of blood cost him his wicket for a patient and valuable 37. Danny soon saw schoolboy in the pavilion, being run out without scoring - another contenious decision. This then brought together Joel and Ritz who consolidated before pushing for victory with 50 runs required, to take us to our first win against the Hill in the Premier League. Ritz finishing undefeated on a fine 80 and Joel on 32.

An important and satisfying day for the Newcastle Cricket Club, recording our first NEPL win against the Hill and put the lads in a good frame of mind for the Just Sport ¼ final against the Academy on Thursday this week.

Newcastle 2nd XI vs Benwell Hill (Away)

Newcastle 2s fielded a completely changed team from the disappointing result last weekend. Out went messes Carr (D), Rourke and Healy, and in came the 'overs thief' Keith Brown from the first team, with Clarky and the Ledg returning from injury and illness respectively. On a green lively track, the casino ridden BDDNS lost the toss and was asked to bowl, which surprised everyone.

From the off, Benwell Hill were always struggling against the best opening attack in the second division, as we reduced them to 57-6 from 30 overs, 'Slice Master' burning some calories as he sent down his 15 overs on the bounce with season best figures of 15-8-17-5. Credit has to go to Jimmy Matt for his final wicked, last ball of his spell, chirping away saying "go on lad, be nice and give him a wicket with his last ball".

Browny was introduced after James's good seven over spell and recorded 3-32 from 12, with "horrible man" Baz Bailey taking 1-24 from 12 and Hurfs claiming an excellent run out. We dismissed them for 75 from just short of 40 overs - something we have been threatening to do for a long time................. tea was rather enjoyable!!!!

Badly-Withdrawn-Boy Rodders and Zimmer then gave us a great start in reply (19 and 21 respectively), until Rowdy was dubiously given out caught a gully when it looked to everyone as though the catch was taken on the half volley! Clarky came in and smutted a quick 26* and despite loosing Kingers and Hurfs in the last furlong, Newcastle romped to a 6 wicket victory - 25 points well deserved!