Bishop Auckland 3rd XI welcomed Billingham 3rds to Kingsway in the first of the reverse fixtures. The first match of the season had seen The Synthonians comprehensively defeat the reformed Bishops by 8 wickets chasing a paltry 92 runs. On this occasion Bishops won the toss and invited Billingham to bat on a green looking wicket. The opening bowlers Omawale Hinds and Thomas Stones stormed into the Billingham top order gaining maximum benefit from the new ball finding movement and bounce knocking over the stumps on three occasions reducing the Synthonians to 30-4.This brought together Luke Kenning and the in form Gabriel Hebron who the day before had scored an unbeaten century for Billingham 2nds.This experienced pairing began the rebuild, however the tight bowling of James Holliday kept the run rate in check completing his eight overs costing a meagre 30 runs and eventually breaking the fifth wicket partnership having Kenning caught by Hinds in the deep. However the score had progressed to 94 and another experienced campaigner In Mike Atkinson joined Hebron at the wicket, this led to a rapid fire partnership of 50 plus runs in five overs testing the resolve of the Bishop bowlers and fielders. With excellent support from a range experienced spectators the Bishops maintained their composure saving vital runs throughout the onslaught. Paul Imerson was asked to bowl 3 short spells at different ends allowing firstly Paul Stones and secondly Omawale Hinds to return to the attack with Stones removing the attack minded Atkinson (22) and with Hebron heading towards another century and really accelerating Hinds came blasting back into the attack having Hebron caught by Holiday. Hinds finishing with an impressive 4-14. Bishops raised their game to reduce the scoring rate to a trickle and with nine wickets down after 38 overs the Billingham captain made a tactical declaration in order for his front-line bowlers to bowl nine overs each.

Chasing 191 to win captain Mike Sowerby and the quickly improving James Dowson went to the wicket with a determination to see off the new ball bowlers and lay a platform for the stroke players later in the innings. A fine opening stand of 45 in ten overs was ended with Dowson bowled for 26.). In came run scorer extraordinaire David Robinson could he maintain his excellent form. The answer was a simple YES showing an array of entertaining shots and a growing maturity to wait for the bad ball Robinson maintained a solid scoring rate allowing the obdurate Sowerby to play an anchor role much suited to his aging body. The 2nd wicket partnership put on 144 runs taking Bishops to the edge of victory with the superb Robinson finally succumbing to a personal milestone of 93 runs. Sowerby eventually hit the winning run in doing so reached his maiden Bishop Auckland half century. A fine all round team performance by the 3rds to gain back to back victories. A break next weekend then the challenge of a hat trick of victories against table topping Yarm 3rds.Onwards and Upwards.