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First Team

2007 REVIEW

South North 1^st XI embarked on the 2007 season with the aim of emulating the feats of the previous season.

The season began well – an opening day victory against Gateshead Fell was followed by a comprehensive 7 wicket win at Norton.  Solid contributions with the bat and ball were, however, overshadowed by an unfortunate injury to the experienced Adam Heather.  He would miss half of the season.

Two high scoring draws followed.  Against Chester le Street, half centuries from Chris Hewison and new signing Adam Cragg set the Cestrians a challenging score to chase.  After an initial burst from Stephen Humble, the visitors rallied and briefly threatened before spinners Richard Brook and Lee Crozier pegged them back.  At Stockton, Hewison continued his fine form with 108 which, ably supported by Ford and Humble, set the Teesiders a daunting 280 to win.  Wickets were hard to come by, however, as a lifeless pitch combined with some dogged resistance produced a stalemate, despite the best efforts of Humble.

Defeat was tasted for the first time at home to Sunderland, who were quickly emerging as the main threat to the Bull’s title crown. 

The response to this setback was excellent in the following two games.  Set an imposing 250 to win in only 55 overs at Durham, the visitors romped to a 5 wicket win, thanks to an explosive 82 form Hewison, well supported by John Graham and Adam Cragg.  Local rivals Benwell Hill were then swept aside as Stephen ‘Horse’ Humble, with good support from Brendan Ford,  galloped through the Hill’s top order and a solid reply produced victory at a canter.

Three out of the next four games were either completely washed out or badly hit by the inclement British summer time.  In the one unaffected game, a fine century from the returning Adam Heather, assisted by a run-a-ball 73 form James Miller ( who was enjoying an outstanding season), helped set up an exciting high scoring win against Norton.  The chase for the title continued to be a two horse race with South North and Sunderland seemingly matching each other every week. 

An impressive victory at Chester-le-Street was achieved thanks to more heroics from Miller and seven wickets from Lee Crozier, building on early inroads from Craig Smith.

Crozier’s haul marked the beginning of an upsurge in his form which was to prove ultimately decisive. He followed up with six wickets in the next game against Stockton, where 160 was chased down comfortably.

The next two games, both in the same weekend, were frustrating draws with Sunderland and Durham Academy, batting second, seven and nine wickets down respectively. In the second of these games, Neil Corby took three catches to continue his promising season. Sunderland stole a slight march with victory at Blaydon.

The next two games followed similar patterns and both resulted in comfortable wins for South North batting second. At Benwell Hill, the spin twins of Brook and Crozier combined to restrict the home side to just under 200.  Graham, Ford and Hewison ensured no mistakes were made in reply. Against Tynemouth the spinners shared six wickets in a total of 180 which the South North openers knocked off without loss.

South North now enjoyed a slender lead at the top, however this became a slight deficit after a frustrating draw at Newcastle. Having been set 280 to win, thanks to a destructive 113 (off 61 balls) from Hewison, the home side opted for batting practice rather than trying to win using the 68 overs which they had at their disposal.

The last day of the season dawned with a simple scenario. Sunderland led by one point, but due to results between the sides, South North needed to better the Wearsider’s point haul by one point. Unsurprisingly a nervous day ensued. Against South Shields, after an initial fright the Bulls began to build a formidable total. A brilliant 150 partnership between Hewison (118) and Cragg (78) swept the home side along to 254 for 4 declared. Word filtered thorough that Sunderland had missed out on two batting bonus points meaning that a 30 point haul would secure the title for South North. This was duly achieved amid joyous scenes as spinners Crozier and Brook continued their fine form, sharing nine wickets between them.

In cup cricket, South North made up for the disappointment of an early Cockspur cup exit by winning the Banks Salver League Cup for the third time.

So 2007 proved to be another memorable one for the 1^st XI.  Five consecutive Premier league titles is a notable and unprecedented achievement.  As with the previous four, it was very much a team effort.  It wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and support of numerous people behind the scenes.  They know who they are; the players are most grateful for their support.

John Graham