Bishop Auckland 2nd XI entertained Darlington RA 2nd at Kingsway winning the toss Bishops chose to bat striving for a 25-point victory. Scoring proved difficult on a slow low wicket having reached 20 for the first wicket Jack Rutherford holed out attempting to accelerate the scoring rate. Jacob Dinger and Thomas Stones made steady progress against the accurate RA attack reaching 74-1. The introduction of spinner Adam I ‘Anson brought immediate success with Stones caught in the deep for a patient 24. The 3 members of the I ‘Anson family continued to tighten the RA grip with tight bowling and a steady fall of wickets culminating in the demise of Jacob Dinger for a well-constructed 43 off 87 balls. The remainder of the Bishops batters quickly capitulated with the innings ending at a well below par total of 136 all out off 38.5 overs.

During the interval the inevitable rain arrived resulting in a 105-minute break the conclusion being the RA needing 137 off only 30 overs. This climatic good fortune revitalised the Bishop players with quick wickets due to accurate bowling and superb catching reducing the RA to 31-3 GAME ON. The experienced Ben I ‘Anson took up the challenge smashing the Bishop bowlers for seven quick boundaries. However, the wily David Jacobs tempted I ‘Anson to one big shot too many who was brilliantly caught by James Holliday 74-5 the game was truly in the balance with any result possible and both teams desperate for victory. Holliday’s introduction to the bowling strangled the RA’s run rate with him returning 8 overs 5 maidens 1 for 12. With seven wickets down the Darlington batters took a safety-first approach even though the victory target was very attainable. The innings concluded at 121-7 off the 30 overs resulting in a winning if somewhat frustrating draw for the Bishop lads.

Bishop Auckland 2nd XI entertained Darlington RA 2nd at Kingsway winning the toss Bishops chose to bat striving for a 25-point victory. Scoring proved difficult on a slow low wicket having reached 20 for the first wicket Jack Rutherford holed out attempting to accelerate the scoring rate. Jacob Dinger and Thomas Stones made steady progress against the accurate RA attack reaching 74-1. The introduction of spinner Adam I ‘Anson brought immediate success with Stones caught in the deep for a patient 24. The 3 members of the I ‘Anson family continued to tighten the RA grip with tight bowling and a steady fall of wickets culminating in the demise of Jacob Dinger for a well-constructed 43 off 87 balls. The remainder of the Bishops batters quickly capitulated with the innings ending at a well below par total of 136 all out off 38.5 overs.

During the interval the inevitable rain arrived resulting in a 105-minute break the conclusion being the RA needing 137 off only 30 overs. This climatic good fortune revitalised the Bishop players with quick wickets due to accurate bowling and superb catching reducing the RA to 31-3 GAME ON. The experienced Ben I ‘Anson took up the challenge smashing the Bishop bowlers for seven quick boundaries. However, the wily David Jacobs tempted I ‘Anson to one big shot too many who was brilliantly caught by James Holliday 74-5 the game was truly in the balance with any result possible and both teams desperate for victory. Holliday’s introduction to the bowling strangled the RA’s run rate with him returning 8 overs 5 maidens 1 for 12. With seven wickets down the Darlington batters took a safety-first approach even though the victory target was very attainable. The innings concluded at 121-7 off the 30 overs resulting in a winning if somewhat frustrating draw for the Bishop lads.