Bishop Auckland CC have the enviable record of securing at least one senior victory each weekend this season. However, with two Saturday draws the pressure was on the 3rds to maintain this run of success. Winning the toss Bishops asked Rockliffe Park to bat. Experienced opening partnership of Gary Lee(54) and Phil Olney(31) plundered this Bishops attack reaching 93 without loss finally two inspired pieces of fielding by James Holliday resulted in both batters been run out. Reaching 100-1 in 20 overs the momentum suddenly changed, the inspired Holliday bowling 8 overs 1 for 31 and the miserly Paul Imerson using his guile and experience 8 overs 1 for 13 the runs dried up for the next ten overs. Credit must go to Rockliffe youthful pair Isaac Tate(23) and Harry Wright (11) who stuck to their task manoeuvring Rockliffe to a respectable 160-7 in their allotted overs.

In reply two early wickets put Bishops under pressure, into the arena strode the gladiatorial Omawale Hinds after showing snippets of his undoubted talents earlier in the season today was the day. Smiting the ball to the boundary with ferocious regulatory the Rockliffe fielders were left shell shocked by this howitzer bombardment resulting in a quick fire 80 runs 74 from boundaries with 11 x 4's and 5 maximums. Ably supported by James Dowson(21) victory looked assured but both batters fell in quick succession leaving Bishops at a precarious 143-6 with an extremely inexperienced lower order. The exception was the old warhorse Paul Imerson whose latent talent as an all-rounder is finally coming to fruition.28 not out with 5 x 4's and limpet like support from Ethan Dowson saw the 3rds home in the 30th over. A match played in commendable spirit by both teams with complements from both umpires. The 3rds are stringing together a series of fine performances with a never say die attitude on the field and positivity that is a credit to the club. Rockliffe Park 162/7(40 overs) Bishop Auckland 164/6 (30 overs). A special mention to Shildon BR CC for allowing us to use their pitch and facilities, many thanks it's much appreciated.