|
Alnmouth and Lesbury played host to the second leg of the Rock double-header weekend in the first round of the VP Cup.
Despite changes to both teams, the match still looked competitive as Alnmouth plotted their revenge for their league defeat.
Having won the toss again, Alnmouth decided to have a bowl and test the Rock batsmen on a drying wicket. Yet again Rock started well although Simon Poole showed what he can do with the ball and bowled a tight opening eight overs for only 15 runs. Patrick Ford-Hutchinson struggled at the other end and was replaced by Adam Alexander who wasted no time in getting amongst the wickets. He quickly bowled the dangerous P. Kelly and followed the Joe Poole example in dismissing the middle order. The pressure was building and was helped by the excellent glove work of Malcolm Lloyd who brilliantly stumped S. Allan.
Shaun Sewell again took another four wickets as the visitors fell to 110 for eight wickets. The decision to bowl first looked justified but the Rock captain, Mick Gray had other ideas. Mick had quietly put together a great innings and took control of some wayward bowling in the final overs. He guided the Rock youthful tail through the remaining balls adding a dangerous 40 runs to the Rock innings. Mick carried his bat and made an impressive 87 runs. Could he have won the match?
After a hearty tea (thanks to Mrs Ford-Hutchinson!!) and a few words from the Captain, Alnmouth set upon chasing down the Rock total. The Huitson and Poole partnership was soon back in business and both attacked the Rock bowling, keeping the run rate up at the asking rate. Both played some great strokes and the Rock fielders were soon visiting the boundary. Steve fell after making 25 useful runs and the job fell to Joe Courtney to carry on the scoring.
Joe made a quick 14 and his dismissal brought Adam Alexander to the crease to impress the family as they had missed his excellent bowling display earlier. Sadly, they also missed his batting display as he fell quickly, the victim of Henry Glassey.
When in trouble, call for the Duck!!
Darren ‘Ducky’ Gray strolled to the action and began to match the boundary rate of Graeme as both of them peppered the boundary and took the game away from Rock. Graeme continued his excellent form with the bat making an unbeaten 70, recording his fourth 50 of the season. Darren scored an unbeaten 37 and the game was over.
On balance, a fair result with the weekend honours being shared. Two great games played in an excellent spirit and enjoyed by both teams.
The second team opened their account against Shilbottle at home on Sunday in a pre-season friendly 40 over match.
Shilbottle won the toss and decided to bat on an excellent wicket under a cloudy sky.
Opening bowlers, Adam Alexander and Simon Poole set upon the Shilbottle openers and the wickets began to fall at some pace. The match soon became the Poole and Hutchinson show with Simon picking up three early wickets supported with some excellent catches by young Shaun in the covers. Adam frustrated at the opposite end with two maiden overs and some hostile bowling.
Shaun Hutchinson chipped in with two useful overs and the first change brought on Shaun Sewell and Patrick Ford Hutchinson. After Shaun removed the Shilbottle No.5, the Shilbottle innings began to centre around N. Lough who upped the run rate and scored a very useful 74 not out. He was duly supported with the Shilbottle tail.
Joe Courtney opened his bowling account with some very accurate spin and was duly rewarded with two wickets although it could have been more with a bit more luck.
Patrick and Richard Lillico wrapped up the innings and Shilbottle finished on a very healthy 191 off 39 overs.
The Alnmouth innings commenced carefully with Joe Courtney and Peter Scott crafting an excellently timed start to the innings with Joe making 28 and Peter retiring on 39 not out.
This brought Graeme Huitson (77) to the crease and he quickly started to punish some wayward bowling. Although Shilbottle hit back with three quick wickets Graeme just stepped up the punishment with the ball whistling over the hedge and to most parts of the ground. Graeme was well supported by Dan Brown and Rob Allen who caught the sixes bug off Graeme and hit two massive sixes.
A nail biting finish saw Alnmouth needing six off the last over and Richard Lillico stepped up to the plate and hit the winning runs in a great match in which both teams played their part.
Big thanks to all those who played and the next match is the curtain raiser away at Berwick on Saturday
MAN OF THE MATCH – GRAEME HUITSON
The annual 20 over friendly against the Percy Farmers was played out on Wednesday night.
Having won the toss and facing the possibility of batting in the approaching gloom the Alnmouth select team decided to bat first.
Although an injured Ian Clough (should have worn some nora batty's) went early on, Ian Pearson and Paul Martin soon started to increase the run rate with some impressive batting pinging the ball to all part of the ground. Despite some enthusiastic appealing from the Farmer’s skipper, Pearson and Martin bought the total over the 100 mark from 13 overs.
Ian Pearson duly retired upon reaching his fifty and this allowed Johnny Denton to the crease but sadly his innings was short lived after going for a tight two. Paul Martin was finally bowled after some powerful hitting.
Graeme McDonald and Shaun Sewell kept the run rate going in the last three overs and the Alnmouth’s innings ended on a healthy 184 off the full 20 overs leaving the Farmers to surpass a run rate of over 9 run per over.
The Farmers innings started with Paul Martin twice hitting the opening batsman in the helmet with some hostile bowling. Patch Ford Hutchinson played a cameo part with a couple of overs and took a caught and bowled in his second and last over. Paul chipped in with another wicket and the Farmers were soon under pressure.
After impressing the Captain in the friendly against Shilbottle, the ball was thrown to two of the emerging younger talents, Shaun Hutchinson and Dan Brown. Each bowled five decent overs and Shaun had the distinction of bowling the 1st team captain Tom Vickers and taking two of the best catches seen at the Wicket in recent years.
As the light faded away John bowled his maiden overs at the Wicket and duly took his first wicket.
The Farmers innings finished 80 runs short of the Alnmouth total and the home wrapped up their second win of the week in impressive style.
MAN OF THE MATCH – SHAUN HUTCHINSON
The unconfirmed team for the Cup Competition to be played on Tuesday 1st. May starting at 18:00pm at home against Hebburn is:-
T.Vickers, I. Pearson, I. Clough, S. Paige, J.Denton, B. Oliver, R. Neil, G. McDonald, P.Martin, R. Tudor and Andrew Hodgson
NB - This is yet to be confirmed! Please see Tom for confirmed team after Saturday
Alnmouth 2nd's started where they left off at Mitford last season with an opening day victory away to Berwick on a tricky batting wicket.
Berwick batting first, were pinned down by some very accurate bowling from the new Captain, George Gibson, who bowled his 7 overs for only 4 runs and picked up the first wicket. Patch Ford Hutchinson bowled really well without reward bowling 9 overs for only 22 runs.
The introduction of Lee Mark sparked a rapid increase in the run rate and he hit some impressive boundaries and four massive sixes.
Shaun Sewell and D. Gray replaced the opening bowlers and looked to make inroads into the Berwick batting. Although Mark and Iain Thompson provided some resistance, both Sewell and Gray started to take wickets and soon wrapped up the Berwick innings finishing with 42-6 and 28-3. Berwick made 106 off 32 overs
The Alnmouth innings started slowly, taking no risks on a tricky wicket. Joe Courtney fell early being caught in the deep to a good catch. Peter Scott and Graeme Huitson ticked the board over at 2 runs per over until Peter was out on 15. Graeme and Steve Poole stayed focused and provided the platform to achieve the winning runs with help from D. Gray and George Gibson.
A great start to the campaign with good efforts with bat and bowl and some truly great catches especially by D. Gray.
The teams for the weekend's double header against Rock are the following....
Alnmouth and Lesbury vs. Rock 19th. May away, meet at Alnmouth ground for 13:00pm
1. Graeme Huitson
2. Joe Courtney
3. Graeme MacDonald
4. Darren Gray
5. David Lillico
6. Joe Poole
7. Shaun Sewell
8. Nick Denton
9. Simon Poole
10. Patrick Ford-Hutchinson
11. Shaun Hutchinson
Alnmouth and Lesbury vs. Rock Cup Game on 20th. May at home meet 13:30pm
1. Graeme Huitson
2. Joe Courtney
3. Graeme MacDonald
4. Steve Poole
5. Shaun Sewell
6. R. Lillico
7. Shaun Hutchinson
8. Patrick Ford-Hutchinson
9. Simon Poole
10. Adam Alexander
11. TBC
Please bring tea for two!!
After the impressive win away last week at league champions, Berwick, Alnmouth looked to continue their winning ways against another Border team, Kelso.
Having won the toss on a good wicket under a sunny sky, Alnmouth decided to bat first and assemble a decent score. Despite the early loss of Joe Courtney (5) the partnership of Peter Scott and Graeme Huitson ticked the board along reaching first 50 off 15 overs. A change of bat for Scotty seemed to do the trick for a while until he was caught attempting to chip M. Hastie over gulley. Graeme continued his excellent early season form punishing the sometimes wayward bowling of the Kelso attack. Steve Poole provided the supporting role scoring 20 until he fell to a catch behind to the wicketkeeper.
Although the Alnmouth innings ticking along, the benchmark of 200 runs seemed to be drifting away in the midsection until Darren Gray entered the scene, scoring quickly in boundaries. This seemed to give Graeme a boost and he too upped his run rate cracking some big hits around the ground. Darren was finally bowled out on 30 and again like last week the captain George Gibson strolled to the crease and duly surpassed the 200 mark. Graeme remained unbeaten on 95 carrying his bat for 40 overs.
With Kelso needing nearly 5 an over the pressure was on for their openers to get them off to a good start on a decent wicket. George and Patrick Ford Hutchinson opened the bowling and again George was in Scrooge mood bowling 7 overs for only 1 run with 6 maidens, anymore maidens and it would have looked like a harem! Supported well by Patrick who picked up the first wicket of N. Dagg the Kelso innings limped to 13 runs off the first 10 overs.
The change of bowlers brought on last week’s wicket takers of Shaun Sewell and Darren Gray. Both bowled very well again maintaining the pressure with Shaun picking up three wickets and Darren two.
The last change of bowlers saw Joe Courtney and Richard Lillico try and mop up the remaining batsmen. Joe’s bowling certainly had the Kelso players bemused as his grenades landed at the enemies’ feet. Both picked up a wicket in the later stages.
The Kelso innings ended on 138 for 8 losing by a margin of 63 runs. Another great performance by Alnmouth and the belief is certainly building.
Unbeaten Alnmouth and Lesbury travelled to second place Rock on Saturday full of confidence after their impressive start to the season.
The Alnmouth team, strengthen by the introduction of Nick Denton, Graeme McDonald, Simon Poole and Joe Poole, won the toss and decided to test the Rock batsmen on the sloping wicket.
Despite an impressive start by Nick Denton the Rock openers set off making the most of the short legside boundary. Nick’s excellent line and length bowling certainly didn’t get the reward it deserved and Rock built a remarkable opening partnership of 87 runs off the first twenty overs.
Alnmouth and Lesbury desperately needed a breakthrough and their pray’s were answered when Nick Denton finally found the key to the gate and Rock lost their first wicket. This was quickly followed by the other Rock opener and the newly found Alnmouth fighting spirit kicked in.
The introduction of Joe Poole after the completion of Nick Denton’s 12 overs worked a treat as he torpedoed the Rock middle order ending with 4 wickets for only 18 runs off 7 overs. Shaun Sewell did what he does best and took no pity on the Rock youngsters claiming another 4 wickets to his swing bowling.
Rock were dismissed for 137 with the last nine wickets going for only 47 runs.
Confidence was high during the tea interval as Alnmouth set upon getting the runs required to make it four wins on the trot.
The Rock bowlers certainly hadn’t read the Alnmouth script and the first three wickets fell for only 29 runs. Graeme Huitson was bowled off the bowling of Mick Gray with a ball that seemed to cut in about two feet and take the off stump. Joe Courtney and Darren Gray both fell to the shooter ball that limbo danced under their defence.
Thankfully, Graeme McDonald continued his excellent work with the gloves as he steered the Alnmouth along with excellent support with Nick Denton and Simon Poole. Although disappointed his bowling skills weren’t required (blame his brother!) Simon stepped up to the plate and skilfully stroked the ball along and keeping his wicket intact.
Graeme finally fell on 42 but his contribution made the win possible again. Shaun Sewell joined Simon at the wicket requiring 44 runs off the last nine overs and the chase was on. Both scored well and kept the rate going until the last over. Needing nine to win Simon faced the first ball and was unlucky to get caught on the boundary making a gritty 28 runs. Shaun tried the same trick and again was caught on the boundary (17). It was left to Patrick Ford-Hutchinson and Joe Poole to make the runs. When Patch was bowled first ball going for the hero six the writing was on the wall.
Rock won the match by six runs and Alnmouth’s winning start came to an end. Although beaten, again Alnmouth showed some great fighting spirit and a belief that very nearly got the win.
Alnmouth’s 2nd XI excellent run of early season form continued against Howick at home on Saturday. Despite fielding a slightly depleted side Alnmouth battled hard to keep their unbeaten status at the top of the Alnwick and District League.
Howick, having won the toss, battled first on a damp and cold Wicket against the opening bowlers, G.Gibson and P. Ford-Hutchinson. In spite of losing two wickets for 36 runs, Howick pushed quickly to 90/2 with E. Durie punishing anything short of a length to all parts of the ground. If this was last season, Alnmouth would have been dead and buried but the new fighting spirit shone through and the tide began to turn when S.Sewell and R. Lillico took three quick wickets each reducing the visitors to 101/6.
Lillico took the vital wicket of E. Durie who finished on 75 (three sixes, eight fours) and after two overs had the remarkable figures of 3-5. Ford-Hutchinson was brought back into the action and took the remaining two wickets. Howick lost their last 8 wickets for 54 runs.
The momentum had swung back to Alnmouth and it was vital that the Huitson and Scott partnership got the home team off to a good start especially with three of the top five batsman missing from the line up.
The openers certainly didn’t let the pressure affect them as they played superbly putting together an opening partnership of 84. Scott fell on 33 but the hard work was already done and with Huitson continuing his excellent form, Alnmouth were set to win a match they could have easily lost. Huitson made 57 with support from D. Lillico (14) and G. Gibson (11no) as Alnmouth knocked off the winning runs in the 36th over.
Certainly, Alnmouth’s best victory to date and hopefully a full strength team will travel to Rock next Saturday full of confidence, set upon maintaining their lofty spot in the league
The league tables have been updated after the weekend's rain affected programme. The 2nd. XI are setting the pace in the Alnwick and District League with a 13 point lead over Berwick in second place.
The 1st. XI recorded their first win of the season at Blyth of all places and move away from the bottom three in the Three Counties Northumberland Premier League.
Alnmouth & Lesbury 2nd XI League position as of 14th. May 2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Alnmouth Lesbury |
3 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
55 |
|
2 |
Rock |
3 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
42 |
|
3 |
Berwick |
3 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
42 |
|
4 |
Ulgham |
3 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
41 |
|
5 |
Mitford |
3 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
38 |
|
6 |
Wooler |
3 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
30 |
|
7 |
Warkworth |
3 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
28 |
|
8 |
Embleton |
3 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
26 |
|
9 |
Tillside |
3 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
26 |
|
10 |
Red Row |
3 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
25 |
|
11 |
Warenford |
3 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
25 |
|
12 |
Howick |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
11 |
|
13 |
Shilbottle |
3 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
10 |
|
14 |
Kelso |
3 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
8 |
Alnmouth & Lesbury 1st. XI League Position as of 14th. May, 2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
Blue Flames |
4 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
15 |
15 |
71 |
|
2 |
Stocksfield |
4 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
12 |
13 |
71 |
|
3 |
Chopwell |
4 |
3 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
15 |
14 |
70 |
|
4 |
Heaton Park |
4 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
15 |
14 |
58 |
|
5 |
Kirkley |
4 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
15 |
10 |
53 |
|
6 |
Warkworth |
4 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
13 |
11 |
53 |
|
7 |
Cowgate |
4 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
10 |
11 |
50 |
|
8 |
Alnmouth Lesbury |
4 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
12 |
10 |
40 |
|
9 |
Blyth |
4 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
10 |
8 |
36 |
|
10 |
Corbridge |
4 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
6 |
11 |
35 |
|
11 |
Clara Vale |
4 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
3 |
4 |
9 |
18 |
|
12 |
Belsay |
4 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
3 |
4 |
3 |
12 |
|
