ACADEMY THWARTED BY THE RAIN AGAIN
6th May 2024
League washout but cup progress for 2nd XI
28th May 2019
The 2nd XI were left disappointed on Saturday after 85 from Sam Dale helped them recover from 39-5 to reach 163-7 against Newcastle, which was probably enough runs to force a win, only to see the rain arrive and end the game early.
A much-changed side was given the chance get back out there on Sunday as they hosted Felling in the second round of the Banks Bowl. After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, the returning Andrew Doig got the side off to a flier, despite the early loss of Calum Fletcher for 7, as he struck 56 from just 31 deliveries. Guy Johnson (20) and Alex Weetman (17) both got starts and Tom Seymour fell for just 3 as the 2’s lost regular wickets to leave them 112-5 with plenty of time left. James Ruddick batted fluently for 21 but fell with the score on 150-6. Matthew Jennings (11) and Will Varley (18*) then batted alongside their captain Ruaidhri Fletcher, who kept the innings together before accelerating at the death to be unbeaten on 69, with the innings closing on 244-7.
Felling started quickly in their reply, but the introduction of Seymour (4-18) and Calum Fletcher (1-25) stemmed the flow of runs and brought about a flurry of wickets as the away side fell to 99-5 despite 60 for Anthony Trotter. Jenny McDowell claimed 2-17 and Ruaidhri Fletcher 1-12, before Jonnie Bell (1-13) and Matthew Jennings (1-0) rounded off the innings for 148 inside 34 overs. The total could have been an awful lot lower were it not for 8 dropped catches, something that will have to improve.
The 2’s have a big game next week away at traditional title rivals Benwell Hill.