The start to the delayed cricket season got underway this week with some good results for the Richmondshire teams.
The first game of the NYSD season was the 3rds Arthur Sanders Cup game against Seaton Carew 2nds. Put into bat they put on 147 for 5 in their twenty overs with Tom Spensley scoring 53. This was too much for Seaton who could only manage 87 for 5. This gives Richmondshire a home second round game this Wednesday against Darlington RA.
Saturday’s fixtures saw the 1sts visiting newly promoted Normanby Hall. New captain Rob Carr was caught out by the sudden start of the season and was on holiday, so the captaincy reverted to Gary Pratt. Travel restrictions have meant that teams will be without overseas pros but Richmondshire’s pro from last season, Steve Reeves was available as his planned move to the MCC young player scheme has been delayed. With stalwart batsmen Michael Layfield out after surgery to his knee the batting line up had to reshuffle.
Some things never change though and batting first it was eighty from Gary Pratt and eighty one not out from Maty Cowling that saw Richmondshire’s total to 256 for 6 declared. With the Richmondshire opening bowlers struggling to make an inroads, Normanby Hall made a strong start, progressing to fifty before the fall of the first wicket. The introduction of spin turned the game as in his third over Steve Reeves trapped two Normanby batsmen lbw. Reeves went on to take 6 for 27 and spin twin Craig Marshall weighed in with 2 for 16, as Normanby slumped to one hundred and seventeen all out.
The 2nds didn’t fare so well against Sedgefield 1sts. Batting first Sedgefield put on 208 for 7, a disappointing batting performance saw Richmondshire all out for 167.
On Sunday the 3rds were frustrated by Norton 3rds, having put on an 266 for 5. Tom Spensley just missed out on a maiden century being out on ninety nine and Jonny Baines contributed sixty nine. Norton slipped to 62 for 5 before shutting up shop to play for the draw and ended at 187 for 7.
In the first junior fixture of the season the Under 17s had a convincing win against Rockliffe Park. Batting first they put on 114 for 8, Dan Baines top scoring with thirty two. In reply Rockliffe could only manage 89 all out. Joe Carruthers heading the bowling figures with 3 for 23.
With all the major NYSD cup competitions being fitted into the short season the ties come thick and fast, with three home ties for Richmondshire teams this week. Tuesday sees the 2nds up against Sedgefield 1sts for the second time this week, Wednesday the 3rds play Darlington RA and on Thursday the 1sts play Hartlepool 1sts. All games start at 6pm and the bar will be open for hot and cold drinks.
