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Saturday 10th June both teams were due to play Blue Flames however due to the heavy rain during the week and all day Saturday no game was started.

8th June 2017 after a morning of heavy rain and a pitch inspection at 3pm, ARCC 2nds travelled to Stobswood for the Enid Farmer North Semi-Final. Skipper Stuart Rosser continued his poor form at the toss and ARCC 2nds were asked to bat with conditions pretty good considering the rain that had fallen in the morning.

Skipper Rosser shuffled the batting order and promoted Steven Parsons to open along side Dean Hardy with Parsons in particular looking to accelerate the scoring. The changed worked with 55 being scored of the first 5 overs. From there ARCC 2nds lost a couple of quick wickets before Jay Little and Kevin Hetherington steady the ship and continued to score taking the score to 117-4 with 4 overs remaining. With some good running and lusty blows, ARCC 2nds posted 143- 8 off 20 overs with Steven Parsons and Jay Little top scorers with 44 and 39 respectively.

ARCC 2nds knew that 143 was going to be difficult to defend on a big ground and needed to bowl well. From the start of the Stobswood innings, a mixture of good shots and poor bowling allowed Stobswood to score freely in the quest to chase down the target of 144. At 117-1 with 5 overs remaining, Stobswood where clear favourites to win especially with Jeff Henderson set at the wicket. In the 16^th over, ARCC 2nds got the key wicket of Henderson for 92 who was caught by Dean Hardy off Stuart Rosser. With the key wicket of Henderson, ARCC 2nds started to take control and limit the amount of boundaries that had be easier when Henderson was at the crease. The pressure was mounting on the Stobswood batsmen with the boundaries drying up. Moving into the last 2 overs, Stobswood were favourites to win with 13 required off 12 balls. With Trevor Elliot and Stuart Rosser to bowl the last 2 overs, ARCC 2nds knew that wickets were the key to victory. In the 19^th over, the Stobswood batsmen relieved the pressure with a well struck boundary and a couple of singles leaving them requiring 4 from the last over. With the field up to stop the singles, Skipper Rosser bowled D Watson for 28 with the first ball of the final over and with a new batsmen on strike, the pressure was mounting. With still 4 runs to win off the final 3 balls, Skipper Rosser bowled D Townsley Snr, meaning Stobswood required 4 from the final 2 balls and there set batsmen was off strike. Knowing that the Stobswood batsmen would run at all costs on the fifth ball to get the set batsman on strike, the field tightened. The ball flickered off the pads of the batsman, the batsmen scampered for the quick single and a Run Out was taken at both ends. After some confusion as to who was out, the umpires conferred and finally the appropriate batsman was given out leaving Stobswood needing 4 of the final ball. Skipper Rosser then set his field to stop the boundary that would win the game for Stobswood, with the filed set, the final ball was delivered and resulted in a dot ball meaning that ARCC 2nds had won the game by 3 runs and ARCC 2nds move on to the North Final of the Enid Farmer Cup.

Stobswood 2nds 140-5 (J Henderson 92, S Rosser 3-34)   ARCC 2nds 143-8 (S Parsons 44, J Little 39)

On Saturday June 10^th, ARCC 2nds where hoping to travel to top of the table Blue Flames but alas the weather won the day. ARCC 2nds will now look to continue the season weather permitting with a trip to Alnmouth on June 17^th and will be looking to maintain the pressure on the league leaders.

Ashington RCC vs Stobswood CC, 03/05/2017

We made the short trip to Stobswood Welfare desperately in search of a victory. Dean Greaves made a welcome return to the side after missing last week through a family party, other than that Paul Milburn remains out injured (Calf) and was replaced by Ryan Pringle.

After losing 5 consecutive tosses in a row we sent vice-captain David Dent out to do the toss, much good that did as we lost yet again, and were forced to bowl first, yet again. The toss shouldn’t always make a huge difference to a cricket match, but for a batting line up completely bereft of any confidence this was another blow. The pitch on appearances looked a good’n and immediate thoughts turned to limiting the score as much as possible.

We started well, with dry conditions and a bouncy pitch Cory Milburn looked especially dangerous bowling very quick from the top end. Daniel Cook was the first to fall from a well-directed bouncer in only the second over of the game. Further success followed as Dean Greaves removed Richard Marshall lbw without troubling the scorers. Michael Marshall & Daniel Wingfield then batted well for a period before Milburn struck again hitting Wingfield (8) below the knee roll to claim another lbw.

It was clear that the pitch wasn’t as true as first appeared, there was often no pace and shorter balls would exude tennis ball bounce making scoring very difficult for the batsmen. I’m unsure given the lack of information on the scorecard but at drinks, Stobswood were in the region of 60/4.

For the next 15 overs Daniel Watson & Ian Watson dug in and occupied the crease, scoring very slowly. We were initially dumbfounded at the lack of ambition to score runs, however given the eventual result this turned out to be a vital, and ultimately match winning partnership.

No blame can be placed on the bowlers and it would be harsh to criticise any of the figures as no bowler went for more than 2 and a bit an over. David Dent finishing 13-15-3 & Milburn 12-29-4.

Whilst we might be the worst batting team in the league on form, the fielding was again superb. Adam Peacock took a couple of smart takes including a stunning one-hand catch to remove Esmond Black off the bowling of Dent.

Maddison & Pringle each picked up a wicket toward the back end of the inning and Stobswood finished 104 all out.

Harwood & Dent opened up and started brightly reaching 25 in no time, then in all too familiar fashion 25-0 quickly turned into 30-3 as Harwood, Dent & Peacock fell in quick succession, the lack of runs in the top order is now becoming a real concern. Peacock in particular, struggling with 3 ducks in his 5 inning this year.

Callum Milburn and Lewy Tanney began the rescue operation and batted nicely for a period until Milburn (27) was yorked off Daniel Watson and Tanney left a straight delivery, bowled by Beverley for 13. Whilst never looking in any trouble both batsman will be frustrated in the manner of their dismissals and know in the absence of any form from the top 3 that they need to stand up and win a game off their own backs if we are to resurrect our season.

And that was all she wrote. Other than a battling 10 from Matty Tanney and a last wicket stand to make the result look more respectable than it was, Stobswood ran home comfortable winners.

For a side full of such talent this was another incredibly disappointing performance. We swallowed our pride and congratulated Stobswood on a well-earned victory, they have already out performed most other promoted sides in recent years and have picked up a couple of notable victories against established premier league sides already.

If you don’t laugh you’ll cry…so we chose the latter, and a few (many) pints and move onto next week looking for a win against Blue Flames CC. hopefully we can win a toss as well! A number of people seem to be taking particular delight in our early season blight, with some directed and often personal attacks on social media, must be a sad state of affairs when most of your Saturday night is spent focusing on other people.

Ashington RCC 5 points, Stobswood Welfare CC 26.

On a bright sunny day, ARCC 2nds welcomed Whitely Bay 2nds to the recreation ground looking to improve on the previous weeks defeat against a team who was 3^rd in the league. Skipper Rosser made a couple of changes from the team that lost the previous week with the return of some more fire power in the bowling department. With conditions looking good at the recreation ground skipper Rosser won the toss and asked Whitley Bay to have a bat first on what looked like a good wicket.

For the second week running, ARCC 2nds started strongly with the ball. Opening pair Craig Jobson and David Wanless Snr restricted the flamboyant batsmen to 30 for 4 after 15 overs. With Bhavesh Soni still at the crease, Whitely Bay still had a chance of putting on a respectable score. With some dubious LBW’s and run out decision plus a couple of dropped catches, Whitely Bay post a respectable 143 for 9 in the 40 overs with David Wanlass Snr being the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 20 in his allotted 10 overs. Bhavesh Soni top scored for Whitely Bay with 69.

ARCC 2nds knew that the required 144 for victory was well within their capability especially as the top order are starting to find some form as the season progresses. Skipper Stuart Rosser and Dean Hardy opened up the innings and starting positively passing the 50 partnership in the 13^th over. With the score on 67, Dean Hardy (30) chopped a wide half volley onto his stumps to give Whitely Bay what turned out to be there only wicket of the day. This brought Jay Little to the crease fresh after his 82 in the midweek fixture and that form continue. Stuart Rosser and Jay Little continued the positive play and eventually pass the total in the 31^st over with Jay Little 36 not out and Stuart Rosser 61 not out.

This was exactly the strong performance that was required after the disappointment from the previous week. Bowlers and batsmen alike are starting to consistently deliver performances and with this type of performance the team can only go from strength to strength. All this starts again next week when ARCC 2nds first travel to Stobswood on June 8^th for the Enid Farmer Semi Final an then travel to league leaders Blues Flames which promises to be a top of the table clash.

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Ashington RCCC vs Warkworth CC, 27/05/2017

Warkworth travelled looking for their first win against an Ashington side also struggling in the opening few rounds of the season. Ashington were missing Greaves (family commitment), Paul Milburn (Calf and hamstring), James Richards (Torn ACL) and were carrying a few walking wounded in Callum Millburn (Hand), Cory Milburn (Foot). To add to the sides bad luck Harwood lost yet another toss and Warkworth opted to bat on a flat wicket. Vice-captain Dent will be attending the toss next week as Harwood is now zero for 5 so far this season.

Things started brightly for the home side. Lewy Tanney removed Scott Gibson with the 7^th ball of the game for golden duck, Scott is one of the top batsmen in the league and to claim such a scalp early doors gave the whole side a massive lift. Scott

Ashington continued to dominate, Adam Peacock’s fine chase and throw gifted his team a run out to remove Rory Wilson for 20.

Andrew Storey then took a superb stumping to remove Matthew Thompson for 5 to gift Tanney his second wicket of the day, leaving Warworth 44-3. Having a genuine wicket keeper has been such a relief for the club and Storey is already making a massive difference to the side, not least for his verbal’s from behind the stumps!

For once BBC weather got it right and right on cue the downpour came at 2:30pm with Warkworth 44-3 off 16 overs. After an hours delay the game resumed and the match was reduced to 40 overs a side.

David Dent came into the attack to replace Cory Milburn who had bowled well for no reward. He didn’t take long to get in on the action, Liam Haney will feel unlucky as he drove a full ball through cover only for Matty Tanney to take a stunning diving catch to his left. Despite all other failings Ahsington’s fielding has been very impressive with a consistently high standard being set.

In came Adam Hall to join Ian Clough and the pair turned the game on its head, Hall was particularly impressive picking up length with ease, hitting a number of eye catching shots off the back foot through the off side.

Scott Maddison picked up 4 wickets, however to little comfort as Warkworth continued to accelerate towards in the final 10 overs. Adam Hall eventually fell for 52 (58) and Steven Anderson made a quick fire 34.

Warkworth finished 181 off their 40 overs – scoring 137 off 26 overs since drinks. Harwood is clearly missing the control from openers Greaves and Richards, whilst his bowlers took wickets consistently they struggled to contain the batsman. Cory Millburn’s figures of 9-0-25 looked particularly impressive on reflection.

Ashington misery with the bat continued! 3 ducks for Harwood, M Tanney & Peacock left the side reeling at 19-3, 181 looking an awful long way off. A number of batsman are clearly lacking confidence and bad starts have made it very difficult to win games.

Callum Milburn batted well for a period hitting a fluent 19 before being removed by the wily veteran William Pringle. If Milburn can focus on facing more deliveries and remaining patient surely a big score is only around the corner.

Dent & L Tanney knuckled down and set about chasing down the target. Dent reached his first 50 of the year in quick time hitting 9 fours and the home side were suddenly 118-4 and right in the game.

Warkworth brought on Hall, who was oddly in at 4^th change and he changed the game once again. Dent fell for 64 (77). Hall then continued to take wickets as he ripped out the rest of the bottom order including a rather pathetic slog from one of the tail enders with the team needing only 20 to win.

Despite a valiant solo stand, Lewy Tanney could not manage navigate the tail and fell to Hall for 49 (73). Ashington finished 167 all out, Warkworth winning by 14 runs.

With a 50 and 5 wickets Adam Hall was comfortably the man of the match and you could almost argue that he won the game single-handedly. Congratulations to Warkworth on a good performance.

Ashington RCC 7 points, Warkworth CC 29.

ARCC 2nds made the short trip to Bomarsund looking to restart the season after the loss to Embleton plus the rained off fixture against Corbridge 2nds.

 Conditions at Bomarsund were sunny with thundery showers forecast meaning that the toss could play a significant roll in the outcome of the toss. As per skipper Rosser’s luck this season, ARCC 2nds lost the toss and the Bomarsund skipper had no hesitation in batting first.

With several key bowlers missing, skipper Rosser knew that this was going to be a massive challenge if ARCC 2nds wanted to minimise the runs of the Bomarsund 2nds. Things started really well with the bowling department as Tom More and Davey Wanless Snr restricted their opposition to 13 runs in the first 10 overs. With the wicket of former player Pattison in the 10^th over, Gary Bell gave Bomarsund the impotence they needed, hitting a quick fire 68 taking Bomarsund to 115 off 24 overs. Skipper Rosser introduced himself plus Kevin Hetherington removed the pads and bowled. During the remaining overs of the innings, ARCC 2nds took wickets a regular intervals and eventually Bomarsund reach 156 all out off 40 overs. The pick of the bowlers was skipper Rosser with 4-25,Hetherington with 4-32 and Wanless Snr with 2-22.

 With 157 to chase for victory, ARCC 2nds knew that a solid platform needed to be built on a pitch that was showing signs of uneven bounce but unfortunately Bomarsund took early wickets leaving ARCC 2nds at 26-3 off the first 10 overs. From here on in it was a case of swash buckling runs then the loss of quick wickets. At 102-9, the last wicket partnership of Davey Wanless Snr and Gareth Newman came to the crease with ARCC 2nds still requiring 55 for victory. With some cultured hitting and elegant stroke play, the last wicket pair accumulate runs and the required rate and entering the 39^th over needing 11 from 2 overs but alas the Bomarsund bowlers held there nerve and dismissed ARCC 2nds for 147. Gareth Newman ended with 24 and Davey Wanless Snr finishing 17 not out along with other contributions from Steven Parsons (35) and Jonny Richards (22). While Gary Bell was the pick of the Bomarsund bowlers with 5-35 off 10 overs.

 Ashington RCC 2nds 147 all out (9 pts)    Bomarsund 2nds 156 all out (29 pts)

Again this was a disappointing result with ARCC 2nds strength on the day letting them down. Simple application with the bat needs to be improved on if Ashington RCC 2nds are to challenge for the title. Still there are many positives that can be taken from the first 5 games which outweigh the negatives which need to be built on further, starting again with the visit of Whitely Bay to the recreation ground on June 3^rd.

We had Paul Milburn played in the home match against Cheshire on 17th May played at Allendale CC.

Dean Greaves, David Wanless and Paul Milburn played in the home match against Yorkshire on 24th May played at Backworth CC.

David Wanless played in the away match against Lancashire on 1st June.

1st team fixture Ashington RCC vs Corbridge CC, 13/05/2017

Following a disappointing derby defeat away to Blyth, Ashington looked to get their season back on track against Corbridge. The start of the game was delayed by 30 minutes due to rain, the rules do state that the toss must wait until the rain has fully stopped however given that it was more like sporadic drizzle this decision felt a little over the top. Sense soon prevailed as the captains decided to take matters into their own hands as a mutual decision was reached for Corbridge to bat first. 30 minutes wasted, game reduced to 45 overs per side.

Corbridge started brightly as they managed to thwart the attempts of the opening bowlers, the away side reaching 23-0 off 8 overs. Chris Harwood made an early change to the attack, bringing on David Dent in place of Cory Milburn. In what was his first spell of the season, Dent looked particularly rusty throwing down an over of half trackers and was lucky to only concede 6 runs. Finally into his stride Dent struck in his second over to remove David Cox, bowled for 15. Cox presumably taken a back that Dent actually managed to pitch one in his half of the wicket!

Not to be left out Dean Greaves soon swooped into action taking the valuable wicket of Russell Perry without troubling the scorers, 2016 top fielder Cory Milburn taking a smart catch at gully. After dropping a sharp chance of Greaves, Andy Storey made up soon after taking a caught behind off Dent to remove Smurthwaite for 14 to leave the away side 42-3.

In amongst the falling wickets Marcus Sewell continued to bat nicely, hitting a number of boundaries including dismissive pull of Milburn for 4 towards the rugby pitch. Much to the delight of Callum Milburn at fine leg, who couldn’t fail to hide his amusement, grinning ear to ear.

The away side reached 82-4 at drinks.

Perhaps having one too many Ribena’s at half time Sewell came out aggressively in the first over after drinks. After hitting 3 boundaries of Lewy Tanney he continued to attack the bowling before skying the final delivery, Dent running in from cover to take a good catch. Sewell was visibly livid with himself, but had to depart for a well-made 31.

From there on the home side took complete control and Corbridge collapsed from 92-4 to 107 all out.

Following what looks like a season ending injury to key bowler James Richards, Lewy Tanney is enjoying an increase role in the side this season. He repaid his captains faith with a fine spell of 7-1-21-4. The key moment for the home side came when experienced pair of Andrew Dover and Dean Robinson were removed in successive overs to effectively end Corbridge’ s resistance. Tanney got good rewards for bowling consistent areas at a good pace (79.5) and Harwood will be hoping he can continue these standards for the rest of the season.

Not to be forgotten, Maddison stand in Trevor Elliot helped to mot up the tail, taking 2 wickets for only 9 runs.

On a relatively flat deck both sides headed into the break knowing that 107 wasn’t a big enough score and early wickets were required to make a game of it.

Early wickets wanted and granted. Out of form duo Dent & Peacock both fell cheaply to leave Ashington 22-2.

Dent fell first, bowled by Russell Perry for 5. Whilst former star player Peacock wafted at a wide delivery from Andrew Dover, offering up an easy catch to the overly chirpy Robinson at cover. Peacock presumably insulting Robinson in a previous lifetime.

This brought together the in-form pair of Chris Harwood & Callum Milburn, a swift partnership of 60 effectively needed the game as a contest and guaranteed Ashington of a home win. Harwood managing to hit a cover drive boundary which is always a sign that he’s in good nick.

Perhaps too eager to finish the game early Callum fell to David Cox for a quick fire 29 off only 18 deliveries, broken knuckle and all.

Lewy Tanney then proceeded to destroy his captain’s chances of a 50, making him run back to back 4’s, ultimately tiring him out and costing him his wicket. If only Harwood had the power to hit the ball to the boundary then this wouldn’t have been an issue. The new and improved super lean Harwood might be able to run 8 minute miles but he clearly needs to spend a little more time in the weights room.

Ashington stumbled home losing a couple more wickets before Andy Storey decided enough was enough hitting 4,6 to guide the home side to a win and a full quota of points by virtue of losing no more than 5 wickets in a successful chase.

 Ashington RCC 30 points, Corbridge CC 3.

Elsewhere it was a disappointing day for the 2^nd XI as they suffered a first defeat of the season against Embleton.

Dean Hardy and Steven Henderson opened up for Ashington RCC 2nds looking to build a solid platform but unfortunately Steven Henderson was needlessly run out when the score was on 11. Wickets fell at regular intervals throughout the innings due to poor application and shot selection on a wicket that was offering plenty of assistance for the bowlers. Kevin Hetherington continue is early season form, anchored the innings with 34 and along with some lusty hitting from Jonny Acaster 34, Ashington RCC 2nds posted a defendable total of 131.

Ashington RCC 2nds knew that they needed to bowl well on a pitch that was still offering assistance for the bowlers and got off to the perfect start with Ryan Pringle taking and early wicket in his first over. Unfortunately the resulting fall of wickets failed to materialise due to poor bowling which resulted in to many 4 balls which allowed Embleton to score quickly. David Wanless Snr and Jonny Acaster were brought into the attack to try and slow the run rate and build pressure allowing Ashington RCC 2nds to regain some control and this was helped by taking 3 key wickets between then for a total of 54 runs in 18 overs. A flurry of wickets occurred in the last 5 overs putting pressure on the Embleton batsmen who eventually passed the require total in the 39^th over.

Ashington RCC 2nds 131 all out (7 pts)    Berwick 2nds 134-8 (28 pts)

This was a disappointing performance which wasn’t helped when the new ball was lost in the 6^th over of the Embleton innings. Simple application whether with bat or ball taking into account the game situation was clearly lacking and something that needs to be improved on if Ashington RCC 2nds are to challenge for the title. Still there are many positives that can be taken from the first 4 games which outweigh the negatives of this fixture which need to be built on further, starting with the visit of Corbridge to the recreation ground on May 20^th.

Saturday 6th May, our 1st team travelled to Blyth with a number of players missing from the week before, we lost the toss and were put into bat we were all out for a low total and Blyth won with the loss of only 4 wickets.

Ashington RCC 2nds welcomed Berwick 2nds to the recreation ground with the  home side looking to maintain there winning run to 3 out of 3 but knowing that the visitors would be tough opposition considering they were playing in a higher league during the previous season. Conditions at the recreation ground were dry and blustery with the wicket looking a good pitch to bat on. A late change to the 1^st Team meant Kevin Haram was a late replacement with David Wanlass Snr promoted to the 1^st Team. Skipper Stuart Rosser lost the toss and Berwick 2nds chose to bat first.

Ashington RCC 2nds took to the field with a wealth of bowling options and as in previous weeks Craig Jobson opened the bowling from the club end with David Wanlass Jnr at the rugby pitch end. Jobson settled into rhythm quickly taking 2 wickets in the first 5 overs with one being assisted by a brilliant one handed catch from Jonny Richards at point and wickets continued to tumble at regular intervals. In the 14^th over, Jonny Acaster was introduced into the attack replacing David Wanlass Jnr at the rugby pitch end and he was quick to make an impact taking 3 wickets in 4 balls in his second over. Eventually, Berwick 2nds were dismissed for 89 in 24 overs with Craig Jobson return figures of 4-25 and Jonny Acaster 6-10 while M Beveridge top score for Berwick 2nds with 42.

Ashington RCC 2nds knew that they had to be patient and bat the 40 overs and the game would be won. Steven Henderson and Skipper Stuart Rosser opened the batting and proceeded to build  a solid platform so that the game could be won earning maximum points. The home side passed the visitors total during the 35^th over for the loss of 2 wickets with skipper Stuart Rosser top scoring with 54 not out with M Shearer and M Woodcock being the pick of the Berwick 2nds bowlers.

Ashington RCC 2nds 93-2 (30 pts)    Berwick 2nds 89 all out (2 pts)

This was an excellent performance again which maintained the unbeaten start to the season with several different players contributing in games. Availability numbers along with the return of others in the coming weeks are looking healthy especially with some tough games ahead starting away to Embleton on May 13^th .