A superb week for Richmondshire’s 1st XI saw Dan Hodgson produce two match-winning innings as the side claimed a 166-run league victory over Marske CC before progressing in the Yorkshire Premier League’s Champions Competition with a four-wicket win away at Cleethorpes.
At Marske on Saturday, Richmondshire won the toss and elected to bat, posting 290 for five from their 50 overs. Hodgson anchored the innings with an unbeaten 103 from 141 balls, while Shafiqullah Ghafari struck a rapid 71 and Joe White contributed 52. Marske were bowled out for 124 in reply, Ghafari following his batting effort with five for 20, while Caleb Bradford took three for 34. The result moves Richmondshire into contention at the top of the ECB Premier Division Cutting the lead for Barnard Castle to eight points as they lost to Hartlepool.
On Sunday, Richmondshire travelled to face Cleethorpes CC in the Yorkshire Premier League’s Champions Competition quarter-final, defending their holders’ status against the Yorkshire League South representatives. Cleethorpes were dismissed for 133, Caleb Bradford continuing his fine form with six for 34. Chasing 134, Richmondshire slipped to 14 for two before Hodgson once again steadied the innings, finishing unbeaten on 73 as the side reached 137 for six to seal a four-wicket win. It capped a memorable week with the bat for the Richmondshire captain with 176 undefeated runs.
AROUND THE CLUB
2nd XI — NYSD Division 1
The 2nd XI were beaten by six wickets at home to Rockliffe Park CC in NYSD Division 1. Richmondshire were bowled out for 76, with only Isaac Bottomley (39) offering sustained resistance against Mark Swanwick, who took five wickets. Rockliffe Park reached their target with four wickets in hand.
3rd XI — NYSD Sunday Premier League
On Sunday, the side were beaten by seven wickets away at Marton CC, Yorks. Richmondshire were dismissed for 91, Jake Wright top-scoring with 25, before Marton reached 92 for three inside 18 overs.
4th XI — NYSD Division 4
The 4th XI drew with Bishop Auckland CC 2nd XI at Richmond School in a high-scoring affair. Bishop Auckland posted 225 for two from their 40 overs. Richmondshire held on for the draw, reaching 138 for seven from their own 40 overs, with Louis Morris (41) and Griff Bewell (40*) the principal contributors.
5th XI — Darlington & District League Division B
The 5th XI were beaten by five wickets away at Cliffe CC, Yorks. Mike White’s unbeaten 83 anchored a total of 229 for six, with a late flourish of 43 from just 16 balls, including six sixes, from Abdul Shinwari. Cliffe chased the total down in 28.3 overs.
Under 17s — Junior Cup North Final
The Under 17s were beaten in the Junior Cup North Final, played at Hurgill Road against Norton CC, Durham. Richmondshire posted 126 for six, Raam Raj retiring not out on 51 and Kian Hutton making 43. Norton CC, Durham matched the total exactly, also finishing on 126, but were awarded victory having lost only four wickets to Richmondshire’s six.
