A big home win against second place Middlesbrough moved Richmondshire further ahead in the NYSD Premier League.
The start was delayed by rain which reduced the match from 50 to 41 overs. Having won the toss and choosing to bat Richmondshire made a great start through captain Bob Carr (63) and keeper Tom Dowson (92) in a stand of 122.
Richmondshire then lost quick wickets for five runs as the game turned in the bowler’s favour. Richmondshire ended on 213 for six, not perhaps the score they would have hoped for after the opening stand.
It proved more than enough as Middlesbrough slumped to 19 for 5 thanks to four wickets from Harvey Websdale and one for Shafi. Harvey who’s bowling has been a revelation since he was promoted to the firsts ended with figures of four for 18.
Middlesbrough eventually struggled to 98 all out, Richmondshire taking 25 points and Middlesbrough 5 points. This put Richmondshire on 290 points from 15 games and Middlesbrough 159 from 16 games. With third place Barnard Castle losing to unpredictable Hartlepool and only making 7 points now on 247 points from 15 games.
The 2nd team had a very easy win at struggling Blackhall who could only field seven players. They were all out for 36 in 13.5 overs, Jake Percival taking four for 24.
Richmondshire completed the victory in 4.2 overs for the loss of one wicket. The whole match was over in less than an hour and a half. The 25 points putting them fifth in the table.
The 4th team fared less well at home against Shildon. Put into bat an opening partnership between Andy Dade (22) and Alex Percival (20) got them off to a decent start. None of the other batsmen could get established and the innings ended after 27.4 overs with a total of 93. Shildon lost four wickets in passing this total after 13.1 overs.
The 5th team had a five wicket win at Oxbridge. Put into bat Oxbridge made 167 for seven. 63 from opener Mike White put them well on the way to a win, which was completed for the loss of five wickets with an over to spare.
The 3rds game on Sunday was abandoned due to torrential rain with Richmondshire 107 for 6, with Jamie Stead 52 not out. They still lead the table but second place Hartlepool were able to complete their game and gained 12 points on Richmondshire.
