Newton Aycliffe’s cricket teams both recorded wins on Bank Holiday Monday after a weekend washout.
The first team romped to a 61-run victory at home to derby rivals Darlington on Monday to surge up to second in the NYSD second division.
And Aycliffe’s second XI claimed their very first NYSD League win at Bishop Auckland to climb off the bottom of the third division.
Matty Atkinson (pictured above) was the star of the show for the first team, notching a cool 56 and taking five wickets with the ball to win the man-of-the-match award.
Chris Palmer also scored 52 and Sam Telford 30 as Aycliffe were 186 all out.
And with just 1.3 overs remaining, Aycliffe bowled out Darlo’s second XI for 125, with Atkinson taking his five wickets for just 31 runs.
Aycliffe’s first team now have 117 points from eight games, moving up to second place.
Our second team beat Bishop’s third XI by 36 runs, with 16-year-old leg spinner Patrick Howe earning the man-of-the-match nomination after taking a career-best five for 11.
Special mention must also go to 17-year-old Tom Wickins, who bowled superbly taking four for 12, as Bishop were skittled out for 43 in reply to Aycliffe’s 79.
Tony Travis scored 20 with the bat for Aycliffe, with Patrick Howe notching 15 and Adam Gittins 11.
Skipper Adam Gittins also set a new second team club record for most catches by an outfield player with four brilliant takes.
Aycliffe’s first team fixture at Marske on Saturday was postponed due to rain, while the second team’s game at home to Preston was abandoned with Aycliffe on 15 for 0. Tony ‘The Bat’ Travis was unbeaten on 10, too.
The first team go to Barnard Castle this Saturday (1pm) to take on their second team, while Aycliffe’s second XI are at home to Yarm’s second XI (also 1pm).
