Richmondshire 1sts recorded two more wins to remain undefeated in four cup competitions and move further ahead in the league.
Having already won the T20 Macmillan Cup Richmondshire retain an interest in three further cup competitions. On Tuesday they defeated Barnard Castle by five wickets in the Premier Hundred Cup. Sent in to bat Barnard Castle made 146 for six.
An opening stand of 75 put Richmondshire well on the way to victory with Tom Dowson scoring 50 from 23 balls. Opening partner Gary Pratt going on to score 39. The winning total of 147 for 5 being reached with five balls to spare.
They now play Darlington at Hurgill Road on Tuesday evening in the last of the group stage games. On Friday they are at Darlington RA in the Collingwood 100. Then on Sunday they play Stokesley in the semi-final of the Kerridge Cup, again at home.
Saturday’s league game at Stockton provided a tense finish. Having made a reasonable start the loss of three wickets in eight balls left Richmondshire on 41 for three. A stand of 136 between Gary Pratt (79) and Sam Winter (54) and 17 from Owen Kelly put Richmondshire in a better position as the final overs approached.
Unfortunately, the late push for run resulted in the loss of more wickets and Richmondshire ended on 228 all out.
Stockton got themselves in to a good position at 173 for five with 15 overs remaining. When Harvey Webdale bowled Stockton’s top scorer Joe Hewison for 66 quickly followed by a further wicket the game turned in Richmondshire’s favour.
Harvey ended with figures of four for 53 and with the last three wickets falling for six runs to Shafi (three for 42) and Gary Pratt (two for 27) Stockton were all out for 208.
With another 25 points kept Richmondshire at the top of the table, 17 points ahead of Middlesbrough and 24 points ahead of Barnard Castle who could only manage a 15 point draw against Saltburn.
The 2nds were involved in a remarkable high scoring game at Hurgill Road with a total of 671 runs scored in the game. Normanby Hall made 366 for five and Richmondshire 305 for 6. Marc Lockey topped the scoring with 74 and a partnership of 59 between Matty Price (45 not out) and James Kelly (42 not out) gave Richmondshire a draw.
Thanks for 68 from George Hopkins and 54 from Andy Dade the 4ths made 191 for 6 against Yarm. Unfortunately Yarm managed to survive for a draw at 166 for 9.
The 5ths made the long journey up to Middleton in Teesdale but came back with a win. Choosing to bat first Middleton were all out for 100. With 14 year old Joe White taking six for 28. Another 14 year old James Cox then top scored with the bat making 34, as Richmondshire made 103 for eight.
On Sunday the 3rds had a convincing seven wicket win against Marton 3rds. Marton won the toss and elected to bat first making 181 all out. Again juniors starred with the ball 14 year old Max Percival taking three for 15 and brother Jake taking 3 for 14.
In reply there was an opening partnership of 118 between Jamie Stead (39) and John Clark (102). With the third Percival brother Alex adding 20 Richmondshire reached 183 for three after 27 overs. The 25 points leaving Richmondshire at the top of the table.
Meanwhile the Richmondshire Ladies team was wrapping up the Hambleton Women’s Softball League with a 31 run win against Thirsk. Sophie White making 42 and Emmy Raggett 32 as Richmondshire made 172 for 2.
