Richmondshire 1sts travelled to play at Guisborough in the expectation of a spinners wicket and accordingly strengthened their attack by including Ross Whelpdale in the side.
Put into bat they got off to a decent start, Mike Layfield (25) and Gary Pratt (45) putting on 67 for the first wicket bt they found scoring runs difficult and proceeded to 148 for 8 at less than three runs an over. Ex Richmondshire professional Shani taking 5 for 37.
Guisborough found life even more difficult against a Richmondshire attack, which bar one Sam Wood over was all spin. Guisborough were all out for 77 in 34.2 overs with the wickets shared around the spin attack, Alston Bobb 3 for 13, Craig Marshall 1 for 33, Ross Whelpdale 2 for 20 and Gary Pratt 3 for 2.
The win gave Richmondshire an invaluable 25 points, which with Great Ayton only managing a draw against Darlingto for 14 points puts Richmondshire top of the table but with only twenty-five points separating the top five a close finish looks likely.
The biggest threat maybe a back in form Barnard Castle who had a twenty-five-point win against Hartlepool. Next weekend’s two Bank Holiday weekend games could be critical, Hartlepool, now battling for Premier League survival are the opponents at Hurgill Road on Saturday and Richmondshire then travel to Barnard Castle on Monday for what will be a key game.
The 2nd team welcomed back Andy Fleming from his work trip to Argentina and he celebrated with 106 not out against Normanby Hall. Main support came from Jordan Moss (53) in a total of 213 for 5. In reply Normanby just held on for a draw at 187 for 9. Richmondshire taking 14 points to stay fourth and well placed to retain the top 2nd team trophy.
A weakened 4th team took a hammering at Aldbrough St John, who batting first racked up 312 for 5 declared, with centuries for Matthew Brown and Jack Stapleton. In reply a shell shocked 4th team could only manage 80 in 28 overs.
The 5th team boosted by the return of Vittal Raj to club cricket after several years, had one of their best performances of the season in a relegation battle against Rockcliffe 3rds. Batting first Richmondshire made 169 for 9 with Vittal Raj top scoring with 73. Rockcliffes innings never really got going and they were all out for 75 in 22.1 overs.
Tyler Spence started the collapse with two wickets in two bowls and Vittal Raj mopped up the tail with 3 for 6. The twenty points puts Richmondshire 17 points clear of Rockcliffe with a game in hand, but still just one place above the relegation zone.
On Sunday, the 3rds played a high scoring draw against Marton. Put into bat Richmondshire made an impressive 262 for 2, with Clive Layfield making 117 not out, George Spink 56 and James Kelly 55 not out. In reply Marton made 240 for 7, giving Richmondshire thirteen points to stay 35 points clear at the top of the table.
