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Further missives from the litany of disaster that has been the 2025 season for Tynemouth 3s, and some other bits of cricket as well -:

June 21^st

In a largely forgettable week for Tynemouth Cricket Club, one ray of sunshine was provided by the Under 13s team. As Paul Hurst writes, “On a hot and sunny Friday evening the U13s travelled to Benwell Hill for the final of Vitality T20 County Cup competition. Having beaten Ashington and then South North en route to the final the 13s were in confident mood.

The Benwell Hill captain won the toss and elected to bat meaning Tynemouth captain Thomas Rayner and team would bowl first. After a steady start Ryan Meikle made the breakthrough with the score on 29. Another followed quickly with Joe Hurst removing the other opener with the score on 32. A solid partnership followed taking The Hill to 76. However the introduction of Charlie Coleman led to mini collapse with his leg spin picking up 3 wickets. A final wicket for Zac Armstrong restricted Benwell Hill to 98 which at half time Tynemouth were delighted with. Notable fielding contribution from Cameron Donachie taking 3 catches.

Will Bogg and Freddie Caulfield started steadily and TCC were on 23 before the first wicket fell. Benwell Hill knew their only chance was to bowl tightly and accurately and chip away with regular wickets and that is what they did. After a quickfire 14, Thomas Rayner departed bringing Louis Finlay to the crease to join Harrison Goel. The two lads ran hard and injected some much needed urgency in to the batting reply, scoring 16 and 19 respectively. A couple more wickets meant the pressure intensified and Tynemouth needed 11 from the last 2 overs. It was tight and nervy but the calm and composed pair of Cameron Donachie and Charlie Coleman kept chipping away at the total. It was on the 2nd ball of the final over when the game turned conclusively when Cameron pulled the ball to the midwicket boundary tying the scores. Benwell had to bring the field in allowing Cam to smash the next ball through the offside to rapturous applause from his teammates and the travelling Tynemouth contingent.” Well done to the youngsters; another potential Golden Generation are maturing nicely at Preston Avenue.

As regards the other teams, the Saturday 3s were again forced to concede their away game to GEMS; their third so far in a thoroughly miserable season, while the 2^nd XI were on the end of a severe beating away to Benwell Hill. The Hill batted first and, despite three wickets each for George Stewart and Neil Bennett, compiled a daunting 246/9 declared from 47 overs. In reply, Tynemouth totalled 68 all out (George Stewart top scoring with 25), to lose by 178 runs.

The Sunday 3s had two games this week. They lost by 11 runs to Newcastle City (91/9) in the Banks Cup second round, despite an astonishing spell of 4-1-8-5 by Archie Goel and an almost as impressive 3/24 by Noah Rae. Finn Larner (20*) starred with the bat, but Tynemouth ended on 80/9. On Sunday, they managed 96 all out with Zach Larner (43) holding the innings together. Sadly this was not enough to trouble Ashington Academy, who had earlier posted 223 with Noah Rae (3/23) the pick of the bowlers.

The usual scratch team that represented Tynemouth first XI on Tuesday at Stocksfield were heavily beaten in the first round of the Bobby Smithson County Cup. The home side batted first and powered their way to 240/3 from their 20 overs. In reply, Tynemouth 129/9, with Barry Stewart (28*) and Bish (27) doing their best against such a mammoth total. Saturday brought no better fortune at home to Shotley Bridge. Batting first on another rain-affected day, The Croons made a respectable 224/6, with Stan MacAlindon (68), Dan McGhee (57*) and Matt Kimmitt (45*) all batting admirably. Sadly, Shotley Bridge made the runs, 8 wickets down, with 3 balls to spare. A very disappointing outcome. Let us hope for better fortune and better weather next weekend.

A rather inauspicious weekend for me. Having drank deeply at Ben’s 30th birthday do on the Friday night at Full Circle, I couldn’t get myself together to watch any cricket, so it is a good job we weren’t actually playing. Still, I had a pleasant outing on Sunday to Tynedale v Felling, where I met up with Harry Pearson.

June 28^th

The unexpected downpour on Saturday afternoon benefitted Tynemouth’s two most senior sides, as it got them both out of a jam, much to the chagrin of opponents South Northumberland. The first XI travelled to Roseworth Terrace and were dismissed for 174 on 46.2 overs. While several batters made a start, such as Sean Longstaff (28*), Stan McAlindon (27), Dan McGee (27) and Matty Brown (23), there wasn’t a truly big score to help the innings build an imposing total. In reply South North were 30 without loss when the rains came, forcing an abandonment.

It was a similar story at Preston Avenue, where a fierce batting performance by the visitors saw them declare on 290/7, with the unretired Wallsend native Graeme Hallam starring with 3/40. Tynemouth had made 51/3, featuring good contributions by Andrew Smith (31) and Emily Whiting (17), when the game was washed out. On Sunday, the 2s travelled to Felling to play in a triangular first round NEPL 2XI Hundred competition, with Ashington also participating. Despite spirited performances in both games, Tynemouth came up short, losing to Felling by 37 runs and Ashington by 6 wickets.

The Saturday 3s gave 3 debuts on Saturday against Lions to James Bough, who took a wicket with the second ball he bowled and hit the first one he faced to the boundary, Glenn Gault, who had the joy of seeing his son Lewis return admirable figures of 9-2-42-5, then be given out stumped by his offspring, and Jen, who had the misfortune of seeing her fiancée, captain and wicket keeper Alosh Jose prevent 4 byes with his temple. While Paul Hurst and Ewen Aditjandra bowled beautifully without reward, the abysmal off spin of ian cusack saw him land one about 6 inches from the base of middle stump as the batter missed the only straight one the aged fool bowled. Benefitting from a couple of contentious calls, including a direct run out and an obvious nick behind the Lions umpire claimed he could not hear because of the pop music festival on the back rugby pitch, made 232/9. In reply, with the concussed Jose, the limping cusack and the timorous Jen all effectively hors de combat, Tynemouth 3s amassed the grand total of 60, which is about a par score these days. Well done to Adam Blake (20) for top scoring and putting cusack out of his misery, declaring him run out for 0. Chin up everyone; it’s South North away next week…

Another wicket. This time clean bowled, after the batter made an almighty, ugly swipe across the line. Despite trying to hit it onto the rugby pitch, he missed the ball and the bails were dislodged. Somehow I managed to hurt my lower back when bowling, presumably the effort I was putting in to generate extra pace causing a muscle spasm. This meant I could theoretically have asked for a runner. If I had perhaps I might have made my ground when calling for a suicidal single. Quite enjoyed going back to Felling to watch the 2s on the Sunday as well, mainly because it gave me a chance to meet up with Dave Walkden for a pint.

July 5^th

The first weekend of July marked the commencement of the second half of the 2025 season, with fixtures reversed from the opening day back on Easter Saturday. Results, as ever, were mixed but the standout performance was by the first XI who eviscerated Felling by a whopping 139 runs. Batting first at Watermill Lane, Tynemouth compiled 210 all out from their allotted 58 overs, leaving Felling 52 overs to make the runs required. Top performers with the bat were Joe Snowdon (56), Faizan Ghumann (48) and Robbie Bowman (20). Any fears that this total would not be enough were quickly dismissed, as were most of the Felling batters. The home side were skittled for 71 in only 22 overs, with Bish (4-23) and Sean Longstaff (4-29), much to the interest of local and national sports networks, the star performers. Only 4 bowlers were used, with Matty Brown and skipper Martin Pollard, with only his second ball, also claiming scalps. An excellent, eye-catching result that will surely breed confidence for the crucial 10 weeks that lie ahead.

The 2s hosted Whitburn 2s and, as on the opening day, completed a comprehensive victory, by a margin of 8 wickets. The visitors to Preston Avenue batted first and were dismissed for 151, with all the bowlers taking wickets. Indeed, 6 bowlers were called upon following Richy Hay’s injury that restricted him to 6 overs (1-10), with Noah Rae (2-20) and Emily Whiting (1-22) chipping in along with Barry Stewart (2-25), Neil Bennett (2-30) and Andrew Smith (2-32). Tynemouth 2s chased down the runs required in 30.5 overs for the loss of 2 wickets, mainly due to an excellent opening stand of 132, made up of 102 by Jack Roys and Chris Fairley’s supporting 31, ended when he suffered the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, being run out by Shakespeare.

Meanwhile the Saturday 3s lost again, but in an encouraging way, up in the rustic surroundings of Belsay CC, where South North 3s opt to play their home games. The opposition batted first and compiled 204/8, giving Tynemouth 4 bowling points. Pleasingly, all bowlers took wickets, meaning that all bowlers in the 3 Saturday teams achieved a measure of success for their labours, with James Bough starring with 2-23 from his 6 overs, ably assisted by another excellent spell from Ewan Aditjandra (2-36), augmented by a stunning catch at deep square leg, showing that the shambling cusack, hampered by ankle, thumb, back and shoulder maladies, certainly knows how to bowl to his field.

The response was anchored by a fluent 32 by Ewan Aditjandra, assisted by skipper Tony Turner’s 27 in an opening partnership of 53. Sadly, the impetus went out of the innings with Bunsen’s dismissal and, despite a studied, patient 38 from Sean Aditjandra, Tynemouth were never up with the run rate, mainly due to the excellent slow bowling of South North, including an impressive 2-26 by 69 year old Dave Cragg, closing on 168/8 to lose by 36 runs. This was another honourable loss and something for the team to build on.

On Sunday, the Sunday 3s also found it difficult to chase. After Sunderland had posted 221-4 from their overs, Tynemouth reached 176-4, with skipper Patrick Hallam (52 including 4 maximums) top scoring, assisted by Sean Aditjandra (50 and 2 wickets) and Ben Harland (42). Fair play to his dad Richard for donning the whites two days running as well.

Sadly the Under 13s, fresh from winning the North East cup in a thriller at Benwell Hill, couldn’t quite replicate their success on a national stage. Travelling to the impressive and prestigious Grange ground in Edinburgh, they lost by 20 runs. However, their achievements in reaching that stage really must be applauded.

I didn’t get a bat in this one, but again I took a wicket. A young tyro attempted to put me over the quaint little pavilion in most rustic surroundings but holed out to deep square. That’s the third time I can remember such a shot giving me a measure of success. Mind, it didn’t make up for the agony of both defeat and new injuries. Trying to stop a four, I took one on the ankle. It still hurts now. Also I bent a few fingers diving to stop one at midwicket, which is the kind of sacrifice you have to make for the cause. We were umpired by Steve Harper today and he seemed a really nice bloke. Only black spot was no hot water in the pavilion, so I didn’t get my between innings coffee. Popped in to watch the Sunday 3s after the gym, when I did get myself a coffee.

July 12^th

The weekend past was indeed the Glorious Twelfth, in terms of weather, if not performances by Tynemouth Cricket Club, who endured a tempestuous victory-free set of results for all senior teams. On Saturday, Tynemouth Cricket Club hosted a well-attended social event, with a stupendous buffet created by Sue Carr and Liz Stewart for former players. Unfortunately, the visitors Burnopfield were the ones who feasted the most, posting 277/5 from 55 overs, despite a magnificent spell by Bish (15-2-30-3). The chase never really got going and Tynemouth subsided to 94 all out, which was a sobering reality check after the successful trip to Felling the week previous.

The 2s partook of a double header with Gateshead Fell. On Friday night, they hosted the side from south of the river in a Banks T20 quarter final. Despite making a promising 151/5, with notable contributions from Patrick Hallam (42), Marcus Turner (39) and Zach Larner (32*), they lost by 8 wickets to a rampant Fell side, who reached the target with 2 overs to spare. On Saturday, the location was reversed and the result of a tense, absorbing game was a draw. The Fell batted first and made 215 all out from 53 overs. There were 3 wickets for Barry Stewart and twice each for Neil Bennett and Sean Aditjandra. In response, Tynemouth closed on 207/7. George Stewart (70) lead the way, with both Turner (27) and Larner (52) providing useful runs. Andy Lineham exorcised some personal demons on the ground of his infamous run out with an obdurate 30, in a game where all possible results were in the mix until the final over.

On the back pitch, the Saturday 3s hosted Leadgate and were graced with the presence of skipper Richy Hay for the first time this season. Declared hors de combat from the 2s on account of a strained hamstring, his presence was greeted by his charges like nervous children after VE Day welcoming their injured daddy home from the war. Hay, taking the captain’s privileges, batted number 3, disdainfully hooking his first ball for four, as well as coming on first change, boasting figures of 2-1-2-2 at one stage. Sadly, his tender tendons and tender paternalism could not coax a victory for the 3s. Indeed, his boundary was only the third best shot of the innings, with Alosh Jose, always dangerous behind square, artfully sweeping one beyond the whitewash and Lewis Gault’s menacing drive through long on for four. Enjoying the novelty of batting first, they made a decent fist of it, compiling a total of 112 in 38.1. Praise must be given to Archie Goel (25), who batted with great fluency and the superb counterattacking cameo of Lewis Gault (22), who combined strong running with attacking shots. Well done also to young Harrison Goel (2), on debut, who ensured that father Vish took the bronze medal for runs in that family. Also, the ageless cusack (1*), who survived an agonising blow to the hand first ball, before nicking one straight into the gloves of Leadgate’s garrulous keeper Bobby McCourt, who perhaps should spend more time concentrating on his keeping that his pitiful sledging, as he spilled the most routine catch you’ve ever seen. Sadly, 112 was not enough and Leadgate chased them down for the loss of two wickets (both to R Hay DSM), despite incredible agility in the field by Ansel Anil.

The Sunday 3s were away to Newcastle City. Zach Larner (88) top scored, contributing a mere 172 runs over the weekend, with Arthur King (80) and another fine knock by Archie Goel (23), helping Tynemouth to 236/5 from their 35 overs. Sadly, Newcastle City made the runs with an over to spare. No victories this weekend, but more evidence of the excellence and potential among the young players. Well done all.

Not a particularly enjoyable game this one. Leadgate want promotion and played it tough from the start, giving no quarter. Doing my usual umpiring, I called an early wide, mainly because the ball swung away so far. Perhaps I was wrong, but a single run didn’t make much of a difference to the result, certainly it was no excuse for the wicket keeper to issue a tirade of foul mouthed abuse. When I asked their captain to have a word, he got all out aggressive in my face. It was even worse when I batted. The first ball struck me on the thumb and, honestly, for a couple of minutes I had zero feeling in my hands. Unsurprisingly, the second ball was the one I hit. It was also the last one I faced as we were all out just afterwards. No bowling for me today as I couldn’t have gripped the ball. Still, I had a great bevvy afterwards with Richy Hay. Sundown at Preston Avenue on a glorious day with great company and a pint in your hand. Absolute heaven.

 July 19^th

Saturday 19^th July saw all three of Tynemouth CC’s senior sides washed out. The first XI did get started at Jesmond, but only managed 15/0 from 4.4 overs when the storm broke. Neither the 2s at Preston Avenue, nor the 3s away to Monkseaton saw a ball bowled, though the 3s enjoyed a sumptuous brunch in lieu of any cricket.

Both the 1s and 2s were in cup action during the week. On Friday night, the 1s played their first NEPL Hundred game of the season, losing comprehensively away to Philadelphia. Batting first, the home side made 180/2, while Tynemouth could only muster 134/7, anorchid by a superb 85* by Jack Roys. On Thursday, the 2s hosted Lanchester in the quarter final of the Roseworth Trophy. Despite losing by 33 runs, Tynemouth 2s progressed sheepishly to the semi-final as Lanchester fielded an ineligible player.

The Sunday 3s were able to play a game and came out on top over Newcastle City by a margin of 13 runs. Batting first, they posted 191/5 from their 35 overs, with George Stewart (120*) in sparkling form with the bat. Newcastle City were bowled out for 178, with Zach Larner (6-1-26-4) the stand out performer

It began raining the second I locked the front door. By the time I met Alosh at the bottom of the street, I was drenched. The forecast was foul. Percy Main were playing a friendly on 4G up the road at John spence versus North Shields Athletic. I expected to be there but didn’t make it as we hung around until after 3.00 before calling it off. At least we had time to study the Rothko inspired tactics board in the clubhouse. A quick pint in the Monkseaton Arms did me no good. It looked cloudy and tasted a bit off. Within an hour I was in bed, sweating and shivering, where I stayed for the next 18 hours, other than making ELEVEN trips to the bog. For the first time ever, I truly did have a bad pint.

 July 26^th

Following a 1-wicket loss away to Castle Eden, Tynemouth first XI now find themselves in a relegation spot in the NEPL Premier Division. Batting first, Tynemouth managed 182 all out from 47.1 overs, with the vast majority of the runs coming from Robbie Bowman (72) and Matty Brown (54). In reply, despite the best efforts of Bish (4/42), skipper Martin Pollard (2/31) and Stan Mcalindon (2/58), Castle Eden made it home after 49.1 overs. This result leaves Tynemouth in a parlous position, with 7 games to go.

In the reverse fixture, Tynemouth 2s hosted Castle Eden 2s and won an absorbing game from the first ball of the final over. The visitors batted first, using all of their allotted 55 overs to make 231/6. Bowling honours go to Barry Stewart (4/45), with support from Andrew Davison (2/65). In reply, Tynemouth scored the runs required from 49.1 overs, for the loss of 7 wickets. Marcus Turner (74) led from the front, with notable contributions from Chris Fairley (58) and Zach Larner (36), but fittingly it was Barry Sewart who hit the winning runs at the end of an enjoyable and absorbing game.

The highlight of the last weekend in July for Tynemouth Cricket Club was undoubtedly another stunning batting display in a season packed with them, by George Stewart. Ably backed up by George Bogg (82), Stewart junior flayed Burnopfield’s attack in helping himself to 116 out of a total of 251/2 from 35 overs. The run-hungry Zach Larner (27*) also played his past. These runs were necessary as Burnopfield just came up short with 238 all out from one ball shy of their allotted 35 overs, with the result secured by incredible death bowling by George Bogg, who took the last 2 wickets in the only over he bowled. Well done to these young tyros who continue to represent Tynemouth in such a distinguished fashion.

Perhaps they can provide some tips to the Saturday 3s who, in chasing an improbable 217 to beat Civil Service 1s, subsided to a catastrophic 43 all out, long before a drinks interval was needed. After a reasonable first innings in the field, with Rohan George taking 3 wickets and Cameron Donachie 2 as the Civil Service made 216/5, there wasn’t a single notable contribution by the 3s, who are determined to put things right for next week, when they grace the hallowed turf of Jesmond against Newcastle 3s on Sunday.

The very worst one of the season. I was out stumped second ball, by Peter and Gillian Woodley’s son, racing down the pitch and missing a straight one. I felt all wrong going out there and knew I couldn’t hit a beach ball, never mind a cricket one. I’d had 2 overs earlier one and a good shout for LBW, or at least I thought so. Even if I do say so myself, the second over was a decent one, for me at least. On Sunday, I ticked off my final NEPL ground, meeting up with Marc Beattie and slugging almost a gallon of Guinness as the home side won handsomely. 

August 3^rd

Tynemouth Cricket Club first XI ought to have played host to Hetton Lyons in a Banks NEPL Hundred group game on Friday night, but the visitors conceded. This was immaterial as Philadelphia had won the section and progressed to the quarter finals already.

On Saturday, Chester Le Street firsts were the visitors to Preston Avenue, in what turned out to be a tense, high scoring draw that was in the balance until the final over. Tynemouth batted first and amassed 259/8 declared from 57 overs, one less than the maximum permitted. The highpoints were another brilliant century from Matty Brown (114), ably supported by Robbie Bowman (71). Chester consequently had 53 overs to score the runs required and were agonisingly short on 254/7 when the game ended. Their effort was spurred by superb efforts by Andrew Smith (96) and Jacob McCann (95*). For Tynemouth, Bish (3-74), skipper Martin Pollard (2-47) and Stan McAlindon (2-74) found success on a batting friendly strip on a glorious sunny day.

The 2s travelled to Ropery Lane for the reverse fixture, again batting first. They posted an imposing 284/7 from 55 overs with Marcus Turner (97*) and Zach Larner (77) leading the way, ably supported by Andrew Davison (42)> In reply, Chester batted their full 50 overs, ending on 231/6. The wickets were shared between Josh Koen (3-22) and Lewis Hurst (3-34), both of whom bowled excellently.

With the Sunday 3s inactive, the Saturday 3s played away to Newcastle 3s at Jesmond. They also batted first, being all out for 95, with Paul Hurst (36) being the stand out performer. Newcastle made the runs required for the loss of 4 wickets, with Cameron Donachie (2-23), including a brilliant caught and bowled, and Ansel Anil (2-28) claiming the victims. A word of praise for James Bough who batted doggedly and bowled a hostile spell without any luck at all. Another word of praise for Newcastle’s Dave Churchley, who walked after feathering a catch to Ben Harland behind the stumps from Anil’s bowling. It was an example of the true spirit of cricket, so often lacking in games without umpires. Well done sir!

A free Saturday saw me swerving both TCC and Percy Main’s opening fixture away to Rothbury, in order to tick off FC Hartlepool of Northern League D2, as they thumped Esh Winning 4-0. Decent day out, as was Sunday, even though we lost again. It was an honour to play on the hallowed turf of County Club, even if I finally qualified for membership of The Primary Club, totally missing a straight one. I think I’ll use my other bat from now on. On reflection though, considering I’ve seen the likes of Ian Botham, Graham Gooch and Javed Miandad bat one this ground, it was fitting how I was out, reflecting my level of skill and expertise on the cricket pitch While fielding, I hurt my arthritic right shoulder, diving and missing a leg glance at short backward square, meaning I didn’t get a bowl. Still, it was a wonderful experience to be in a dressing room that had space for 11 players.