2XI Match Report Home v Billingham Synthonia
Bishop Auckland 2nd XI entertained table topping Billingham 2nd at Kingsway on an overcast day with the definite prospect of rain. Winning his fourth consecutive toss Davy Jacobs opted to bat with a new opening partnership of David Robinson and Keith Stones. This new experiment proved highly successful with a stand of 88 before Keith holed out for 37. Jacob Dinger came to the crease and maintained the momentum with a quick fire 17 before been snipered going for a quick single turning his ankle and was run out whilst in a heap in the centre of the wicket. Robinson was joined by fellow youngster Thomas Stones who scored a 19 ball 25 runs in a fifty-run partnership. However, the highlight was talented David Robinson reaching his maiden century finishing unbeaten on 106 with fifteen majestic fours. Bishop’s reaching 199-2 in the allotted 40 overs.
The inevitable rain arrived resulting in an extended break on the resumption Billingham had 36 overs to reach the 200 target. Desperate for victory the Synners batters chanced their arm swinging the bat at every opportunity. In form Gabriel Hebron was bowled for 21 by Robinson. Simon Driver and Luke Kenning took up the challenge with a rapid 113 partnership until Thomas Stones bowled Driver for 61. Bishop’s stuck to the task and with David Robinson removing Kenning for 89 and James Holliday taking two quick wickets Billingham found themselves six down. However, the Synners got over the line in the 31st over to maintain their promotion drive.
3XI Match Report, Away v Rockliffe Park
Bishop Auckland 3rd XI travelled to Rockliffe Park for their final game of the season. Rockliffe Park had first opportunity at the wicket with opener Gary Lee riding his luck together with putting the bad ball away reaching a fine century before Barry Robinson snaffled a catch off the bowling of Paul Barrow. Fellow Rockliffe opener Chris Lipton stuck in for a stubborn 20 in a 1 01 opening stand before the guile of John Holliday bowled him. The remaining Rockliffe top order offered little with the slower pace of Holliday and Barrow proving difficult to get away both ending with two wickets. Thomas Stones came into the side late on Saturday night to make up the XI, but following our club celebrations he was a little worse for wear, but thankfully not as bad as what his beloved Leeds Utd had been the day before!! However, in true Bishop’s spirit he fought off the nausea to take two wickets. Rockliffe ended on a challenging 211-8.
Bishop Auckland hoping to complete the double over Rockliffe set about the task but rare failures by David Robinson and Omawale Hinds slowed the run chase and when skipper Sowerby (13) was out to his fifth LBW of the season defeat was staring Bishop’s in the face. In strode Thomas Stones, suitably rehydrated rising to the occasion like a revitalised Incredible Hulk he occupied the crease and hit a magnificent 9 fours in a 76 ball 61 ably supported by Paul Barrow (23) and Paul Imerson(10) a draw looked possible but wickets tumbled to reduce Bishop’s to 8 wickets down with four overs remaining. Sam Berry playing his first game in two years and Barry Robinson rose to the occasion seeing off the Rockliffe attack ending on 157-8 for a hard-earned draw. An excellent season concluded with the team forming it’s own identity with a hardcore group who played most of the season supported by a wide range of club members ensuring a full complement turned out each week to play competitive enjoyable cricket played in the true spirit of the game.
Many thanks to all those that turned out to play and the others who supported. Onwards and Upwards.
