First Team
2008 SEASON REVIEW
South North embarked on the 2008 season confident of living up to the achievements of recent seasons and with a squad boosted by the addition of Nicky Peng and the emergence of young John Harbottle.
The season began with a bang with a one sided demolition of Sunderland. The Wearsiders were bundled out for a meager 111, Stephen Humble making an early impression with 4 wickets. Brendan Ford then took centre stage, his explosive 79 off 56 balls ensuring victory at a canter.
A week later, the South North bowling attack was again in irresistible form against Norton.. Star of the show this time was Craig Smith who’s 7 wickets ripped the heart out of the Teesider’s line up. A comfortable 8 wicket win ensued. Early season momentum was maintained against Gateshead Fell. Half centuries for John Graham, Chris Hewison and James Miller helped South North to a commanding 245, a total which the Gateshead outfit never really threatened. Spin twins Lee Crozier and Richard Brook were tormentors in chief, sharing 8 wickets.
A fourth consecutive win was achieved at the expense of Benwell Hill in a rain shortened game at Gosforth. Set 152 to win, the Bulls were under early pressure but vital contributions from Hewison and Miller secured a tight 5 wicket win. Four wins became five at Blaydon. In bowler friendly conditions, South North lost early wickets, but recovered to reach 211. A fine 85 from Adam Cragg formed the backbone of the innings and a rapid 51 from in form James Miller provided late impetus. For the second time in three years, Stephen Humble then returned to haunt his old side, his 7 wickets sweeping his side home.
The winning start was brought to an abrupt end the following week at home to South Shields. The visitor’s much vaunted seam attack made early inroads and despite the best efforts from Hewison (42) and Miller (72), a total of 198 proved inadequate as the Shieldsmen ran out worthy winners.
The response to this setback was impressive. At Jesmond, Hewison (120), Peng (70) and Miller (60) made merry and set up a 202 run win. Stockton were then routed for 53, Humble again the star of the show. The following week a fine opening partnership from Graham (106) and the evergreen Heather (53) allied with 6 wickets from Brendan Ford set up a comfortable win at Tynemouth. Two out of the three next games fell foul of the glorious British summer. In the game that survived the elements, Chester le Street hung on grimly for a draw, despite 4 wickets from 30 year old Richard Brook. At the half way point in the season, South North sat on top of the table, with South Shields and Chester le Street leading the chasing pack.
The pack closed the gap somewhat over the next fortnight as the Bulls just failed to dispense of Norton and Gateshead Fell in rain shortened run chases. The lead was topped up, however, when South North completed the double over local rivals Benwell Hill, 3 wickets from the wily Crozier setting up a 7 wicket win.
Two subsequent weeks of rain induced inactivity were followed by a hard fought win over lowly Newcastle, the three pronged seam attack of Humble, Smith and Ford proving unplayable in a low scoring game. The weather yet again intervened in a draw at Stockton ( Brook 6 wickets ), but an emphatic win the following week against Tynemouth ( Peng 107, Crozier 6 for 15 ) proved pivotal. A draw for South Shields stretched the Bull’s lead at the top of the table to significant proportions.
The penultimate game of the season at Chester le Street proved decisive. A workmanlike 178 ( Heather 44 ) on a difficult pitch proved too much for the Cestrians who could not break free form the voice like grip of Humble and Crozier. News filtered through of defeat for South Shields, thus securing a sixth consecutive NEPL title for South North.
Aside from the league, there was disappointment when the Bulls were dumped out of the Cockspur Cup by Chester le Street at the regional semi final stage. This disappointment emanated from a failure to perform on the day but also form not building on a special individual performance form the previous round. At Sunderland, Chris Hewison produced a match winning unbeaten century which many of us regard as the best of its type that we have witnessed.
This disappointment was, however, atoned for by success in the Cockspur National 20- 20 competition. The road to Cardiff began with group victories over Newcastle and Tynemouth in the inaugural NEPL 20-20 competition. This led to qualification for final’s day at Norton. Nicky Peng proved the match winner in a semi final win over Sunderland and a memorable late assault by James Miller secured victory in the final against Benwell Hill and ensured that the trophy headed up the A19. A regional win over Spondon ( achieved largely thanks to five run outs ) led to qualification for National finals day at Cardiff. Live on Sky Sports, the day proved to be a memorable one for the club. Fine team efforts in the semi final and final led to emphatic victories against Bracebridge Heath and Stanmore respectively, and a night of celebration in the Welsh capital.
Victory in Cardiff capped off yet another memorable season for all concerned with South Northumberland. First team success ensured that the flagship of the club continues to thrive and dominate. Success at second team and junior level, as well as the infrastructure in place, suggest that foundations are strong for the future.
As players we appreciate that we are fortunate to play in such a strong side with so many of our close friends. We also appreciate the support of everyone at the club, form groundsman to scorer, catering staff to spectators. It is the mix of all of these ingredients which makes South North such a special club to play for. Long may this continue…….
John Graham
1st team skipper
