For the second week running, Richmondshire’s first team won by more than 100 runs to take 25 points.
After last week’s away victory at Norton, they followed up with a home win over Great Ayton.
Batting first, Richmondshire made a strong start with Bob Carr and Gary Pratt putting on 57. On a worn-looking wicket, the introduction of spin had an immediate effect as Gary (22), Bob (42) and Mike Layfield all fell. Ayton professional Lakshan took two wickets in his first over and went on to claim five for 32.
After further losses, a stand between Dan Hodgson (73) and Sam Wood (42) brought the total up to 239 for eight.
Having seen the impact of spin, Richmondshire opened with Shafi, but he failed to make any impact in his early overs. The introduction of Harvey Websdale brought the first wickets as he took two in his first over.
A stunning catch by Bob Carr off Sam Wood’s bowling then removed Lakshan. Sam (two for 28) claimed another wicket before Shafi returned to clean up the lower order with five for 16.
With Marton and Barnard Castle also taking 25 points, the league position remains unchanged with Richmondshire third on 281 points, behind Marton (296) and Barnard Castle (292).
For the first time in many years there will be no cups from the first team in the trophy cabinet, as they lost their last opportunity in the Collingwood Fifteens final at Saltburn on Tuesday.
Put in, they made 119 for five, with 49 from Gary Pratt. Saltburn then won with five balls left, finishing on 124 for five.
The seconds and fourths both managed draws to help their league position.
At Normanby Hall, the seconds faced a total of 251 for seven. Dan Douglas made 49 and John Clark 46 as they held out for a nine-point draw. This leaves them in the relegation places but only four points behind Guisborough, who they play next week.
The fourths put Marske into bat and faced a total of 221 for nine, with Michael Platt taking three for 34 and Jordan Forbes three for 41. They then had an outstanding innings of 116 not out from Jack Platt, with support of 52 from Kevin Forbes, as they made 205 for five. Thirteen points keeps them third in the league.
The fifths suffered a heavy defeat at home to Spennymoor. Choosing to bat first, they were dismissed for 81, with veteran Jim While top-scoring with 20. Spennymoor then knocked off the runs in 14 overs. With just two points, Richmondshire slipped back to fifth.
The under-17s continued their long winning streak with victory in the junior 100 at Barnard Castle on Friday. Put in, they made 166 for seven with 64 from Will Fudalli and 31 from Jack Platt.
Joe White then took four for 31, Jack Platt three for 32 and Will Fudalli two for 15 as Barnard Castle were all out for 144.
Seeking a clean sweep of competitions, they play away to Marton in the Pallister Cup final on Monday, August 18. They then end the season with the 100 final away to Middlesbrough at 9.30am on Sunday, August 24.
