After the setback of losing Shafi as overseas professional Richmondshire were hit by another blow when English professional Gary Pratt was ruled out for at least six weeks having suffered a broken arm while playing for Cumbria.
With a depleted side Richmondshire 1sts had mixed fortunes over the weekend losing to Stockton by five wickets in the league but recording a win against Scarborough in the National Club Championship. Batting first against Stockton Richmondshire made 145 all out. Stockton had reached 97 before the first wicket fell but three wickets for Sam Wood (three for 15) briefly raised Richmondshire hopes but it was too late to stop Stockton’s progress to a winning total.
In Sunday’s game Scarborough won the toss and chose to bat. Australian Connor Blaxall-Hill was involved in all the first three wickets to fall, first to a run out and then two to his off breaks, ending on two for 16. A good all round bowling performance limited Scarborough to 170 for 9 in their 40 overs.
The Richmondshire innings was dominated by an outstanding 108 not out from Mike Layfield taking Richmondshire to a seven-wicket victory. In the next round Richmondshire will play Harrogate away on Sunday 28th May.
In Saturday’s league fixture the 2nds drew in a high scoring game with Guisborough 1sts. Electing to bat first Richmondshire scored 298 for eight, with Alex Percival scoring 69 and captain Brad Elsworth 108. In reply Guisborough made 255 for seven to hold on for a draw.
The 4ths lost a close game to Stockton 2nds, making 155 all out after being put in, Andy Percival top scoring with 53. In the Stockton innings Shaun Charlton took five for 38 but was unable to prevent Stockton making a winning total of 157 for 8 with an over to spare.
The 5ths lost to Cliffe, struggling to take wickets with a depleted attack Richmondshire faced a total of 203 for 4. Despite 46 from Mike White and 36 not out from Chris Dunning they could only reach 166 for 4 in reply.
On Sunday the 3rds had their first win of the season, all the previous fixtures having been rain affected. Having been put in Thornaby could only manage 101 for 9, Andy Dade taking four for 20. Richmondshire were able to knock off the runs for the loss of four wickets in only 17.1 overs. Captain John Clark scoring 24 and Jake Percival 33.
