BULLS NATIONAL CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP AMBITIONS DENTED AT RICHMONDSHIRE.

11th Jun 2019

After a rain affected Friday & Saturday the trip to sunny Richmondshire against the 2018 winners proved a bridge too far. On a slightly damp surface that got better as the sun shone, against an accurate attack with athletic fielding, having recovered from 17-2 & 92-5, the Bulls posted a competitive 206-7 with Jacques Du Toit excelling with 75* from only 47 balls. But the home side set off rapidly, 40 off 6, 66 from 10, & running well, never seemed under pressure, achieving their target with 16 balls remaining, chastening.

SNCC 206-7 (40o: Jacques Du Toit 75*, Sean Tindale 37, Rob Peyton 33: Josh Dowson 3-37, Steven Reeves 2-38)

Richmondshire 207-4 (37.2o: Robert Carr 74, Gary Pratt 43, Mike Layfield 50: Simon Birtwisle 2-29, Lee Crozier 1-25, Sean Tindale 1-33.)

Richmondshire won the toss & asked SN to bat on a slightly damp surface. Simon Birtwisle & Rob Peyton faced the seam of Josh Dowson & Craig Swainston. Unchanged for 11 accurate overs which saw Birtwisle (12) bowled driving & Chris Hewison (1) caught at short extra, from one that seemed to hold up, 17-2 became 38 as Peyton & Sean Tindale rebuilt. Swainston finished wicketless but 8 overs for 22 from the Victoria Road end was an excellent return.

The partnership had reached 62 in the 21st over, when Peyton (33) was caught at mid wicket seeking to accelerate. Du Toit settled but at 91 in Pratt's 7th over, the 25th, Tindale (37) was lbw. One run later John Graham (1) was caught low down at short, straight extra, driving Reeves. 92-5 in the 26th.

An innovative partnership of 51 between Adam Cragg & Du Toit ended when Cragg (22) reversed to short third man, 143-6. Du Toit, pummelling the returning Wood down the ground, raised hopes & after Michael Craigs (0) was bowled by J Dowson, Oli McGee hit 19* off 9 balls, Du Toit finishing on 75*(6x4, 4x6, 47b, 77m), a magnificent innings.

Robert Carr & the left handed Gary Pratt faced the pace of Sean Tindale & Jonny Wightman. Control needed but after an opening Tindale maiden, 40-0 after 6 overs, with variations of length or line being punished. A defensive field soon spread but both batsmen seemed able to take singles at will.  Pratt (43) succumbed in Crozier's 5th over well caught, low down, at extra cover by Cragg, 78-1 in the 13th.

Mike Layfield joined Carr; driving down the ground had become easier & both took full advantage. At halfway drinks the score was 114-1, Carr 52*, Layfield 15*. The first two overs after the break went for 17 & the pressure needed was unable to be exerted as Cragg switched bowlers in search of control or a break through.

In the 24th Simon Birtwisle began a spell at the Pavilion end & in his 5th, the 32nd Layfield played on, driving for a stylish 50 ( 4x4, 1x6, 61b, 66m). In his next over Carr (74- 7x4, 91b, 121m)) was caught & bowled Birty tumbling forward in his follow through to take another low catch. 185-3 in the 34th.

Mather (12) joined Reeves (9*) & although nicely caught at deep square leg by McGee off the returning Tindale at 202, the game was up, Cowling (1*) pushing the winning run from the second ball of the 38th over.

Second best on the day. Disappointing for the team who had high hopes but also for all those supporters who travelled to be with us & those who enquired about our progress during the day. Obvious things to improve upon as the T20 & league programmes continue with the Bulls 5 points ahead of Tynemouth at the top of the Premier Division. Undefeated Eppleton are a close third. We must bounce back !!

Friday 14th June        : SN v Shotley Bridge (a) 1800 NEPL T20 4/5

Saturday 15th June   : SN v Eppleton (h) 1200

We hope to see you there.

DDS.