My first cricket blog of the season with Tynemouth CC. Spoiler, includes excessively detailed accounts of my one innings (6) and one bowling spell (1/7)
April 19th:
The opening weekend of the season saw Tynemouth CC win one game and lose two others. "A tough day at the office" were first team skipper Martin Pollard’s words after reflecting upon a disappointing start to the 2025 NEPL season, losing at home to Felling (230/7) by 55 runs, with the home side’s reply reaching a respectable 175/8. According to Pollard, "the use of the new ball in both innings was key. Bish ran in with great enthusiasm, but he admitted to feeling quite shocked at how cold he was, playing in his first game in England.” Tynemouth’s debutant pro struggled to find a good length although he was unlucky with a dropped catch off his bowling early doors which would have helped him settle. However, he ran in with enthusiasm and there will be much better days ahead for him.
Felling posted 230-7 off their 45 with the standout bowler being Fred Harrison (3/31), who was ably supported by Faisan Ghumman (2/31) and Dan McGee (1/38). In reply, Felling's bowled straight and full. "We got off to a slow start and lost wickets. Later, the ball softened, and Barry Stewart and Dan McGeee steadied the ship,” added Pollard. Stewart's 36 and McGhee's 50 were also backed up with an 8th wicket partnership from Jack Roys (16*) on debut and Bish (32*) whacked a few big ones, which would have cheered him up a bit.
The 2s travelled to the Village Ground in Whitburn and after winning the toss inserted the home side on what was described by team skipper Andrew Smith as "sporty!" The visitors got off to the best of starts with a wicket with the very first ball of the game by George Stewart, held by keeper Chris Fairley. This was to be the first of 5 for both as Stewart Junior ended up with 5 wickets for 25 runs and Fairley ended up with 5 catches. George was backed up by Neil Bennett with 3 for 8, as Whitburn were all out for 73.
Tynemouth's reply in some ways mirrored that of their hosts as they were 0 runs for 2 wickets when Paddy Hallam joined George Stewart at the crease. Captain Smith said, "George batted very sensibly while Paddy counterattacked, and the pair took the game away from the hosts in what should have been a routine run chase". Paddy departed for 27 with the score on 34-3 but no-longer interim Chair Andrew Lineham steadied the chase with 16* and George ended an excellent game for him with 24*.
The 3s fielded a very young side at home to South North, with only 3 of the team old enough to shave, but they stuck to their task well. A first senior cricket 5 wicket haul for Ollie Hiscott (5-24), ably supported by Noah Rae (4-17), including one blinding catch at square leg by the unretired ian cusack, restricted South North to 199 all out, which represented a great effort from all involved, who were captained superbly by Alosh Jose. Unfortunately, in reply we could only muster 73. Special mention goes to the Harlands; son Ben (19) was top scorer and dad Richard (10), played his part. There was also a glorious cameo by cusack, unaccountably promoted up the order, who contributed a pugnacious 6 and was left in the unique position of walking off the field by himself after his dismissal, rather than with all the other players.
Next week the 1s look to bounce back against Burnopfield Cricket Club, while the 2s hope to keep their momentum going at home to Gateshead Fell Cricket Club. The 3s will need to put out a more experienced side, one thinks, against Leadgate. Thankfully cusack is unavailable, choosing instead to take in Rangers v Hearts. For the avoidance of doubt, that is Cove Rangers against Kelty Hearts.
After thoughtful deliberation the cricket committee have come to a unanimous decision on this week's Player of The Week. Honourable mentions go to Dan McGee (1-38 and 50 runs) and Oliver Hiscott’s 5 wicket haul for the 3s. This week's winner is George Stewart with 5 wickets for 25 runs and 24* for the 2nds in their win against Whitburn. Well done George, who has also been selected for Durham Academy against Yorkshire Academy at Richmond CC.
Finally, Northumberland Women’s team began their Tier 3 campaign with a 6 wicket win over Herefordshire on Sunday, with our own Emily Whiting scoring an excellent 71* in the chase.
After the hip injury I picked up at Greenside on 17 August last year, I was adamant that I had retired. For a start, I limped for a couple of months and simply couldn’t use the treadmill at the gym until January. However, attending the club AGM brought it all back and, having been elected unopposed to write the weekly reports, I had a serious chat with Richy Hay. The compromise was I’d pay for Vice Patron membership (£60) and play when there was a crisis. Starting the season on Easter Saturday meant there was a crisis from the very beginning and so I put my name forward. The only problem was, we had a table booked for 7.30 for Chloe’s 21st, so I had to spend a fortune on Ubers to tick all the required boxes, which meant I’d have to bat at 7, which was an astonishing turn of events. The week before I’d been to the opticians and discovered I needed a stronger lens for my right eye (as well as varifocal bins, but we’ll not mention those). Actually, it helped me see the ball, which is presumably why I held on to a well struck shot that was straight at me. I was able to follow the flight of the ball. Not only that, but I faced about 30 balls, partook in a partnership of 18 and astonishingly scored 6 runs. All singles. All on the posh side. Goodness, I loved being back out there and when the death rattle finally came after I’d missed a straight one, I shook hands with the bowler and nicked off early. I’ve never done that before and I’ll never do it again. Leave early I mean. I’m intending to get my highest ever score this season, if selected. Three times I’ve made 6. Time to raise the bar.
The second Saturday of the season was a case of Groundhog Day as Tynemouth Cricket Club exactly replicated the results of the first weekend of the season, with the senior teams securing one win from 3 again.
The first XI lost away to Burnopfield Cricket Club, about which result Skipper Martin Pollard commented: "It was always going to be a tough assignment against a strong Burnopfield team. Sounds a bit odd to say after going for 300, but the bowling and fielding effort was excellent. Good to see Bish Konthoujam looking more at home this week, while Barry Stewart and Dan McGee also bowled well.”
Burnopfield posted 300/4 from their 45 overs, Bish was the pick of the bowlers who at one stage had bowled 5 overs for 5 runs but did not have much luck. Burnopfield’s innings was anchored by John Oswell’s aggressive 157. Martin went on to say “John Oswell is a destructive player, scoring 120 of his 150 odd in boundaries alone. We're not the first team to find him tough to bowl at, and especially so with a wind assisted, short boundary on a flat wicket, and we kept going. At half time the visitors knew 300 was a tough ask but were upbeat and determined. “I was probably a bit more disappointed with the batting effort; 300 is a lot to get of course, but we felt it was doable at half time. But with a few too many soft dismissals, and people getting in but not going on to get big scores, we fell short.” Matthew Brown was the top scorer with 45, but Tynemouth lost by 122 runs. “I definitely think we could have made a better fist of it, and certainly got a lot closer, and that's an area to improve on in the weeks ahead.”
There was some better news as regards the 2s, who made it 2 from 2 with a win against Gateshead Fell Cricket Club 2nd Xl. Captain Andrew Smith said: “it’s been a great to start the season with two wins out of two and we move onto a tough fixture with Newcastle next week with confidence.” After having to move to a different wicket amid fears of the original one being too close to the pavilion Andrew remarked, “we were not at our best with the new ball, but Hay and Stewart managed a wicket a piece.” The introduction of spin was key to dragging the game back in Tynemouth’s favour. Smith returned 3-16 off 9 and Andrew Davison bowled well (6-26-0), before Koen and Bennett returned to emphatically clean up the tail.
Another very young 3s team stuck to the task well at Leadgate Cricket Club. Batting first Tynemouth posted 167-7 from their allotted 40 overs, which saw them claim full batting points. The mainstay of the innings was a fine 90 from Anthony Turner. Leadgate chased this down for the loss of 3 wickets, 1 apiece for Emily Whiting, Dan Storey and Noah Rae.
Next
week the 1s are at home and the 2s are away both against Newcastle Cricket
Club. The 3s are home to Monkseaton in the local “El Coastico” derby.
The Academy, or Sunday 3s, started their programme on 27th April away to B(o)urnmoor. Having restricted the home side to 208/7 from 35 overs, with Noah Rae (4/37) continuing his outstanding form with the ball, Tynemouth fell agonisingly short, closing on 182, with Rae adding an excellent 16*, though this was behind stellar efforts from Patrick Hallam (60) and the ubiquitous George Stewart (36).
I wasn’t around this week, having already booked a trip to Cove Rangers v Kelty Hearts. A decent, if functional ground, while the same could be said of the 2-2 draw that I blogged about here -: https://payaso-de-mierda.blogspot.com/2025/04/hearty-celts.html
May 3rd:
The third weekend of the 2025 season saw a couple of excellent wins for Tynemouth Cricket Club, including one incredible individual performance that will be talked about for years to come, of which more later. Suffice to say, the Player of the Week accolade has been claimed by the same precocious talent yet again.
Firstly, Tynemouth CC first XI absolutely decimated Newcastle at Preston Avenue on Saturday. Batting first, the home side amassed an awesome 295 all out from their 45 overs. The top scorer was Matty Brown (81), with other excellent contributions from Robbie Bowman (62) and both openers; Matthew Kimmitt (34) and Ben Debenham (27), while Freddy Harrison contributed a useful 21. Newcastle were dismissed for 167 in 37.2 overs, leaving the home side victorious by a thumping 128 runs. Star performer with the ball was pro Bishworjit Konthoujam (6.2-1-15-4), who really kickstarted his Croons career in style. However, he was backed up by his colleagues in impressive fashion; Barry Stewart (2/21), Matty Brown (2/31) and a typically parsimonious skipper’s performance by Martin Pollard (7-2-16-1), all helped to make in a superb day in the sun at Preston Avenue.
In the reverse fixture, Tynemouth 2s lost out by 21 runs. Bowling first, they saw Newcastle 2s post 215/8, with skipper Andrew Smith (2/28), Neil Bennett (2/42) and Andrew Davison (2/52) all returning useful spells. With the bat, Tynemouth 2s made 194 all out, with Zack Larner (50) top scoring and Patrick Hallam (41) leading the way. Sadly, they just fell short.
The Saturday 3s, again with a scratch, greenhorn selection lost the local derby against Monkseaton first team. The visitors batted first, posting an imposing 215/4, with Lewis Gault (2/28) the pick of the bowlers. Gault (28) was also the best of the batters, though praise must also go to young Will Bogg (12) and the rapidly maturing Adam Blake (10) for helping the team achieve a batting point for their 84 all out. Stick at it, young’uns and not so young’uns, better days lie ahead.
Sunday saw the NEPL 3s record a 39 run victory over Ashington Academy. Batting first, Tynemouth made 235/5, with George Stewart (180*) contributing an incredible knock, hitting 5 maximums and 23 boundaries from 125 balls. Ashington made a good fist of their reply, eventually ending on 194, with Dan Watt claiming 2 wickets. Well done to all who played, but especial praise to George for a fabulous innings.
Again, I wasn’t at this one, having decided to do a reverse Balderstone and see the football season out with Percy Main. In our last game of 2024/2025, we lost unluckily at home, 2-1 to Wallington, which meant we finished rock bottom of the Northern Alliance Premier Division. Oh well; the promotion drive starts now…
May 10th:
A disappointing weekend for Tynemouth CC saw only one of the four senior sides claiming victory, as the performances failed to match the glorious weather. Tynemouth CC first XI lost at home to Castle Eden by 48 runs. The visitors batted first and posted 234/9 from their 45 overs. Tynemouth in reply managed 186 all out from 43.2 overs. Unfortunately, with no scorecards available on line, that is all I am able to say about the game as I wasn’t present.
The 2s made the reverse journey to Parklands and fared somewhat better, winning a close game by 13 runs. Batting first, Tynemouth were indebted to skipper Andrew Smith’s 30, especially as he came in at the top of the order. After his dismissal, Andrew Lineham (54) and Patrick Hallam (46) made significant contributions that were built on by an unbroken 43-run partnership by Andrew Davison (23*) and Josh Koen (21*), which saw Tynemouth close on 213-6. In response, Castle Eden were dismissed for exactly 200, with Smith (9-1-25-3) excellent again and ably supported by Lewis Hurst (5-1-9-3), while others were slightly less economical with their bowling.
The Saturday 3s had played their Dr Tom Barlow Memorial Cup tie on the main pitch at Preston Avenue on Thursday, losing to Blagdon Park 2s by 24 runs. Blagdon Park made 167-5, with Noah Rae (4-30) singlehandedly defying their batters. In response, Anthony Turner (62) and Paul Hurst (51*) showed age and guile always wins out over youth, innocence and a bad haircut, taking Tynemouth to an impressive 143-3 from their 20 overs. On Saturday, they played an away fixture against the Civil Service. While the HMRC and DWP are moving from their NE12 bases in Tyne View Park and Benton Park View to custom-built offices in the city centre in the next couple of years, their cricket side have gone further afield. With Heaton Medicals unavailable, the location of Norton was the destination for Saturday’s game. Batting first, Tynemouth made 124, with Richard Harland (20) and Alosh Jose (18) the pic of the batters. Sadly, Civil Service knocked off the required runs in 23 overs for the loss of only one wicket.
The Sunday 3s had returned for a Banks Cup tie to Ashington, scene of George Stewart’s fabulous 180*, which has been confirmed as the highest individual score by any Tynemouth player in the digital era, on Tuesday. They won again, by 24 runs, and George helped himself to another half century. Zach Larner (39) and Marcus Turner (22) also helped to post a highly competitive 151-4 from 20 overs. In response, Ashington were all out 127, with Archie Goel (4-30), Patrick Hallam (2-15) and that lad Stewart (2-18) doing the damage. Sadly, on Sunday they lost by 1 wicket away to Sunderland. Great knocks by Will Bogg (42), Ollie Hiscott (30), Sean Aditjandra (29), Finn Larner (24) and Ben Harland (23), forming part of a total of 163-8 just weren’t enough to get Tynemouth over the line.
Hopefully better luck next week for all players and more of a round-up of the 1s game in this report.
This week I was rehearsing with the Scratch & Reflect Orchestra, which precluded me from any away travel with either the 1s or the 3s. Instead, as John was over from Ireland for the Chelsea game, we took in the last game of the Northern Alliance season; West Moor and Jesmond 3 Wallington 3. Bloody good fun it was too.
May 17th:
Unfortunately, the weekend of May 16th to 18th provided very little positive news for Tynemouth Cricket Club. Things began brightly enough with the first XI successful in their Friday night visit to Whitburn in the NEPL T20 group stages. Batting first, Tynemouth posted an impressive 182-4, with notable contributions from Robbie Bowman (63), Matt Kimmitt (39) and an unbeaten father and son partnership from the Stewarts. Dad Barry was 20* and son George 27*. In reply, Whitburn reached 148-8, with star bowling performances by Richard Stanyon (3-29) and Andrew Smith (3-37). Sadly, this encouraging form could not be transferred over until the Saturday, as hosts Chester le Street squeaked home by 2 wickets with 2 balls to spare. Batting first, Tynemouth amassed 198-5 from their 45 overs, with the star performers being Kimmitt (64) and Stan MacAlinden (50). In reply, Chester le Street thwarted the best efforts of Smith (3-44), Bishworjit Konthoujam (2-26) and Stewart senior (2-32) to frustratingly edge a tight, competitive match.
Sadly, the 2s home reverse at the hands of Chester le Street’s 2 was a less than competitive affair. Batting first, the visitors cracked 330-4 from their 45 overs, though credit should go to Patrick Hallam (2-43) for a determined effort with the ball. In reply, the home side made 200-6 in their 45 overs. Steady progress not being enough to overhaul such a difficult target. Full marks to Marcus Turner (71) and Josh Koen (67) for giving it their best shot.
The Saturday 3s had their game delayed by a day because of pitch availability issues and had the chance to play on the front pitch. It proved a mixed blessing, as a rampant Newcastle 3s piled up a daunting 399-1 from their 40 overs. In reply, Tynemouth 3s used up 37 overs and collected full batting points, being dismissed for 165. Plaudits go to George Bogg (60) for an innings that anchored the team’s efforts, with some good support from Cameron Donachie (18), Arthur King (14) and Adam Blake (12*). These young lads deserve all our thanks and support for turning out, sometimes twice in a day, and representing the club with such distinction against almost insurmountable odds. Let’s hope for brighter days ahead.
A final rehearsal for our Scratch & Reflect Ensemble before our live performance (which I blogged about here -: https://payaso-de-mierda.blogspot.com/2025/06/cusack-serves-imperialism.html ) saw me return from Bensham to a seat on the sofa for the FA Cup final. Sadly, my services weren’t required for the 3s which, bearing in mind the result, was probably just as well.
May 24th:
The
week of Saturday 24th May began for Tynemouth CC first XI with a
Tyneside Charity Bowl round 1 tie away to Bates Cottages on the Wednesday.
Batting first, Tynemouth compiled 120-8, which was almost entirely due to
Indian professional Bishworjit Konthoujam hitting 70. The next highest scorer
was Joe Snowdon (13). However, this proved to be enough as Konthoujam proved to
be as effective with the ball (3-2-3-3) as he did with the bat, though top
marks in the field go to Andrew Smith, whose excellent spell of 5-0-27-5 proved
to be the difference between the sides. In the next round, Tynemouth will be
away to Bedlington on Wednesday 11th June.
On Friday night, the first team were in action again. This time, away to Newcastle in an NEPL T20 group match. Having both won their opening fixtures against Whitburn and Gateshead Fell, it was widely assumed that this would be the decisive group game in terms of who went through to the quarter finals. In front of a large crowd of Pimms quaffing, boisterous varsity types, Tynemouth batted first and were dismissed for 131 in 18.5 overs, which seemed perhaps 20 too few on the generally glorious Jesmond wicket. Notable contributions came from Matt Kimmitt (30), the seemingly unretired Phil Morse (29) and captain Robbie Bowman, whose 21 included 3 splendid 6s into the graveyard. Any doubts as to the vulnerability of the total were swept away by an excellent performance in the field that saw Newcastle skittled for 108, with the bronzed Adonis Matty Brown (3.5-0-25-3), who also took four catches including a caught and bowled, leading the way, supported by an excellent spell from Konthoujam (3-1-7-2). If Tynemouth beat Gateshead Fell at Preston Avenue on Friday 30th May, their progress to the next round will be assured.
Saturday’s
NEPL fixture away to the perennially impressive B(o)urnmoor proved to be a more
exacting test of Tynemouth’s batting credentials. Batting first for the third
time in a week, this time was definitely a case of not getting enough runs on
the board, though it must be said in the face of consistent bowling and
excellent fielding that made scoring runs an arduous task on the daisy
friendly, pastoral outfield. On a day notably missing the tang of anthracite
from adjacent home fires burning, Tynemouth amassed 160/9 from 45 overs. Things
began promisingly, if slowly, with Faizan Ghumman (34) and Stan MacAlindon (24)
providing a solid foundation with an opening partnership of 60. Sadly,
subsequently only Matty Brown (29) showed any inclination to get on top of the
bowlers. A word of praise to for 14-year-old George Stewart (15*) who made a
useful contribution at the end of the innings.
In reply, B(o)urnmoor eventually made it home by 4 wickets with almost 14 spare overs, though it wasn’t a cakewalk for them. Bish, as we’ll call him from now on in these missives, bowled beautifully in his opening spell, taking the first two wickets to fall, and eventually returning figures of 9-1-27-2. Unfortunately, Tynemouth were not able to build on this promising opening and a partnership of 90 between Pringle (56) and Greenwell (55) took the game away from Tynemouth, though Matty Brown provided a sting in the tail, taking the last 4 wickets to fall, though sadly it wasn’t enough to give Tynemouth anything other than consolation bowling points. Next week, we are away for the third weekend in a row; this time to Ashington, in the returning of win / draw / lose cricket in white clothing.
Unavailability bedevilled the club this weekend, with 37 players opting out of playing. As a result the Saturday 3s were forced to concede to Belsay. The 2s fielded a much changed team at home to Tynedale and lost by 7 wickets to Tynedale. Batting first, the home side could only make 136, with Marcus Turner (45) and Andrew Linehan (20) doing most of the scoring. In response, Tynedale knocked the required runs off in under 28 overs. Let’s hope for a better availability across the club for next week. Finally, the Sunday 3s lost by 40 runs to their counterparts from Burnopfield, who batted first and made 216. In reply Tynemouth were 176 all out.
Finally, after 4 weeks away from my beloved club, I got back in the thick of it. Not on a playing side, as the Saturday 3s conceded against Belsay. To be honest, with over 40 players unavailable, it would have been me alone against them. Seriously. Equally seriously, I was almost called up for the 2s, but not being NEPL registered meant I couldn’t be used. I did, however, have a bloody great Friday night at Jesmond, watching a superb performance in the T20. Saturday saw us well and truly beaten by an excellent B(o)urnmoor side, but it was still great to be back amongst as part of the TCC Ultras with Brian, Di, Hallaz, Liz, Peter and Vince, as well as Sean, who came fresh from training. He wisely avoided the clubhouse where a load of raucous Mackems were celebrating their unexpected play-off victory.
May 31st:
The last weekend in May was something of a curate’s egg for Tynemouth Cricket Club. Starting off on the Friday night, the first XI for the crucial NEPL T20 group match against Gateshead Fell was not the strongest side the club could have selected by a long chalk, but it was the strongest available. Sadly, they proved no match for the visitors from the division below, who secured a rather too comfortable 9 wicket win, which has eliminated Tynemouth from the competition. Batting first, in front of a large crowd on a gloriously sunny evening, Tynemouth subsided to 99 all out from their 20 overs. Gateshead Fell reached 102/1 from 14.2 overs, completing a comprehensive thrashing on the way.
Following
such a mauling, the away fixture at Ashington, the first to be played over 110
overs, in white clothing and in the win / draw / lose format, was one to be
approached with trepidation. The forecast glorious weather didn’t quite show
up. Temperatures were warm and the atmosphere humid, though the day remained
overcast with a strong breeze gusting across the ground. The home side batted
first and made a steady start through Jacks Jessop and McCarthy. It was a
pleasure to finally see Stan McAlindon bowl an extended spell for the club,
sending down 10 overs for 46. Hopefully we’ll see more of him in future.
Ashington’s score was anchored by Ben Harmison (73), but the Colliers were
never fully in control. Bish (15-4-49-2) bowled beautifully as ever, while
Matty Brown (7-1-38-1) took the prime scalp of the pro Avishka Perera for a
single. The experienced off spin of skipper Martin Pollard (15-2-44-3) and his
dauphin Andrew Smith (7-0-33-2) were key reasons why Ashington made only 220-8
from 54 before declaring.
This was a very enticing total and, despite losing Ben Debnam early to a snick to slip, Faizan Ghumann (56), before he ran himself out, and McAlindon (74*) made a convincing effort at taking the game away from Ashington. This job was completed by Brown (86*) who smashed the ball to all parts of Langwell Crescent, ensuring that Tynemouth came home by 8 wickets with 4 overs to spare and that your correspondent was able to make an earlier train from the adjacent reopened Ashington Station. This was an excellent all round performance. We batted, bowled and fielded well. Spare a thought though for Kimmitt senior, who travelled up from Derbyshire to see his sone get a first baller on Friday night and not be required to bat on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the curse of unavailability bedevilled both the 2s and the 3s. The latter were forced to concede for the second successive week, as only 8 hardy souls were prepared to play. The main cause of this, as well as unavailability, was a spate of injuries that had caused several promotions. Hence the 2s were not at their strongest, being dismissed for 65 and then seeing Ashington knock off the runs required for the loss of 2 wickets, taken by Lewis Hurst and Rohan George.
The Sunday 3s had a good win. Batting first against Felling they made 155/7, with Ben Harland (57) and Finn Larner (42) sparkling with the bat. In reply, Felling were skittled for 83, mainly thanks to an impressive 4/13 by George Stewart.
Performance wise, the T20 against Gateshead Fell was bloody awful, with unavailability ruining our chances of qualifying for the quarter finals. Even worse news was of the effects of injuries meaning we only had 9 for the Saturday 3s, so another concession it was. At least I got up to see the 1s score a great win over Ashington, with Steve Harmison and Mark Wood as interested on-lookers, before finally taking a train to town from the station opposite the ground. A much better day than it could have been.
June 7th:
Saturday 7th June proved to be an
eminently frustrating one, as all 3 Tynemouth senior sides had potential
victories wrested from them by the intervention of heavy rain. Although not of
the forecast Biblical variety that had threatened an absolute wash-out of all
cricket, the rain was an intermittently persistent irritant that caused anguish
at all levels. Immediately, we must pay thanks to Paul Jackson who did an
astonishing job to get the game on, assisted by players and spectators who all
lent a hand.
Tynemouth first XI played host to bottom of the table Sunderland and harboured hopes of a positive result. Certainly this game saw an upturn in fortunes for Matt Kimmitt (61), who enjoyed a fruitful knock, free from the inhibiting presence of quizzical family onlookers. Kimmitt top scored in a Tynemouth total of 161/5 declared from 30.2 overs. The effect of a rain break had reduced the game from 110 to 73 overs, which encouraged captain Martin Pollard to make such a positive move. Firstly, it took the possibility of a losing draw out of the equation for the home side and was generous enough to encourage attacking playing from the visitors, while giving Tynemouth the maximum possible time to take the wickets required for victory. Initially, it seemed as if Tynemouth were on course for a routine win as Sunderland slipped to 27/3, including a duck for the returning Shamsur Oraikhil. However, a dogged counterattacking knock by stalwart Greg Applegarth (68) and a supporting one from Sam Baldwin (48) saw Sunderland seemingly on course for an unlikely victory, until both fell and a flurry of wickets saw Sunderland end their innings on 140/7. Notable bowling performances included Bish (3/21), Sean Longstaff (2/43) and wickets for both Matt Brown and the skipper.
The 2s had a Wearside double header this weekend. On Friday night, the travelled to Whitburn for what was a combined delayed 2024 final of the Roseworth Trophy and the first round of the 2025 competition. Tynemouth prevailed at this most charming of grounds, by a margin of 7 wickets. The home side batted first and made 144/8 from their 20 overs, with Andrew Smith (3/21), the returning happy wanderer Dan McGhee (2/11) and George Stewart (2/28) playing significant roles in making the target a reasonable one. Indeed the runs were knocked off with a couple of overs to spare, courtesy of a great opening partnership of 75 by Stewart (56) and McGhee (35), with excellent supporting knock by Zach Larner (30*).
On Saturday, the 2s travelled to Ashbrooke for the reverse fixture against Sunderland, but the cursed heavy rain forced a curtailment of proceedings with the home side 107/7 after 37 overs. Plaudits go to Andrew Davison (2/14) and Birthday Boy Richard Hay (2/34) in what was an ultimately frustrating afternoon.
Frustration verging on anguish would be the best way to describe the feelings of the Saturday 3s. Elated to get a full team out, with almost as many adults as youngsters playing, they travelled up in the hills to Annfield Plain’s wonderful Enterprise Park, where the welcome was as warm and the opponents as sporting as is usually the case in those parts. Winning the toss, captain Anthony Turner opted to bowl and was rewarded by an absolute sparkling opening spell by Ollie Hiscott (5-2-5-4). Bowling first change, Sean Aditjandra (4-0-11-2) proved an elusive prospect for the home batters, while young Archie Goel (3.4-0-16-2) as well as a brilliant tumbling catch, had Annfield Plain in no end of difficulties. Sadly, the second prolonged rain intervention meant proceedings were curtailed after 18.4 overs. As the minimum required 20 overs had not been bowled, the only possible result was an abandonment, which was extremely tough on the 3s who had bowled and fielded admirably, leaving Annfield Plain in the parlous position of 62/9. This game finally saw some rewards for all the sterling efforts made by the side in the face of great and continuing adversity. Well done to all who took part, including the corpulent pensioner at square leg.
The Sunday 3s were at home to Tynedale. Featuring several young tyros who had distinguished themselves so admirably the day before, Tynemouth won by 95 runs. The home side batted first, posting 206/4, with George Stewart (52 retired), Finn Larner (44*), Will Bogg (36) and Arthur King (25*) all making excellent contributions. In reply, Tynedale were dismissed for 111, with Oliver Hiscott (3/16) returning his second superb analysis in successive days. Well done lads!!
As I mentioned earlier, I didn’t initially pay a full playing membership for the club this season, as I thought I’d pretty much retired. However needs must and so, in order to be considered for this one, I stumped up the extra £120 and promptly got selected for the away fixture at Annfield Plain. I like the club, and I like the ground. I like the teas even more. Just a shame we had to have them so early as the deluge from the sky washed out any hope of play, after our young tyros had managed such an incredible job of reducing them to 62/9. Although, one wonders if we could have made the total if Bunsen or Sean A had got out cheaply. Anyway, just as we left, the clouds parted, and warm sunshine made steam rise from the sodden outfield as we made our way back home. This was definitely the one that got away.
June 14th:
The week ending Sunday 15th June saw a mixed bag of results for Tynemouth Cricket Club. The week began with a loss for a scratch First XI away to Bedlington in the Tyneside Charity Bowl. The home side batted first and amassed 142/7, having lost their last wicket with 75 on the board. The wickets were shared around, with Richy Hay, Dan McGhee and Matthew Kimmitt, bowling for the first time since schooldays apparently, taking two each. In reply, Tynemouth made 125/9, but the umpires prevented Bish from batting because of concussion protocols after he’d suffered a slight cut to the side of his head from his glasses breaking. Hence, with 18 needed from 8 balls, the came to an unsatisfactory halt. Chad Koen (37) top scored, with good support from Patrick Hallam (27).
On Saturday, a much changed First XI travelled to Hetton Lyons and registered 246/6, with Matty Brown (104) leading the charge, with notable assistance from Faizan Ghumann (53), Stan McAlindon (35*) and Matt Kimmitt (34). Unfortunately, Tynemouth could not bowl the home side out and they ended on 191/7, mainly on accounting of an unbroken 9th wicket stand of 90. Bowling plaudits go to that man Brown (3/32) and Bish (3/53).
The 2s had an excellent NEPL T20 round 2 win away to
Sunderland on Friday night. Having restricted the home side to 120/8, with
Rohan George (2/10) and Andrew Davison (2/25) playing key roles with the ball,
they knocked off the runs required in 13 overs. Davison (21*) was handy with
the bat as well, though second fiddle to another great knock by George Stewart
(54*).
On Saturday, the 2s hosted Hetton Lyons in a rain affected
game. Like the 1s they recorded a winning draw. Hetton batted first, making
180/3 from 42 overs. After a lengthy rain delay, Tynemouth managed 159/8 from
37 overs, which because of the labyrinthine complexities of the scoring system
was enough to secure a winning draw. Andrew Linehan (53*) top scored, with
notable support from Josh Koen (39) and Patrick Hallam (27).
The Saturday 3s also had a rain affected 10-a-side game at
home to Cowgate 2s. The visitors batted first, compiling 220/7 from 32 overs,
when a Biblical cloudburst drove the players off the field and for an early
tea, at which point Cowgate declared. The young bowlers were in their pomp
again, with Noah Rae bagging three victims and Oliver Hiscott two. There was
even a wicket for the ageless non-spinning off spinner ian cusack, who
delivered successive wides and then, bowling to his field, saw success courtesy
of a brilliant, tumbling catch at deep forward long on by Cameron Donachie.
There’ll be in a pint in it for him when he turns 18, if cusack is still extant
then.
There are no such things as winning or losing draws in the
NTCL D5 Central, though the Saturday 3s staked an argument for such a
development, inching towards a glacially paced 52/6 from their 32 overs, with
Sean Aditjandra (13) contributing most, with an innings that was flamboyant in
the context of the Tynemouth reply. The Sunday 3s (161/7) lost by 23 runs to
Burnopfield (184/6), despite solid knocks from Aditjandra (43*), Stewart (36)
and Hallam (33).
Considering
the forecast, I’m amazed we had a game, though the ground dried remarkably
quickly after the downpour. My arthritic right shoulder hampers my bowling, to
the extent I can’t get enough movement in my shoulder to spin the ball
properly. All I tried to do was put it outside off stump and, after 2 dismal
wides, I enticed a batter into a wild slog across the line. A yard further and
it was 6, but young Cameron took an absolutely brilliant catch. This was my
first wicket since I turned 60 and if it is my last, I’ll be happy with figures
of 1/7 for the season. We never stood a chance of getting the runs, but fair
play to the young lads for not throwing their wickets away and thus preventing
me from showing myself up in the middle.
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