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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 .

Ashington RCCC vs Berwick CC, 29/04/2017

Ashington welcomed Berwick to the recreation ground. The home side looking for a win to kick-start their season following a disappointing opening day defeat away at GEMS. A late drop out meant that Tom More replaced Andrew Story to make his first team debut, not a bad return in only his second game for the club.

Chris Harwood won the toss and chose to bat first on a very green looking wicket still holding some moisture from a week of indifferent weather in the North East. The decision was much to the dismay of Vice-captain David Dent who was adamant he’d made a big mistake and should have opted to bowl first.

Steven Emery & James Thompson opened up and Ashington were on the back foot straight from the off, Dent falling early, lbw to Emery for 4. The conditions were well suited for swing bowling and the away side took full advantage, hitting consistent areas and making life difficult for the batsman. Paul Milburn didn’t last long as he was bowled by Thompson for 8, quickly followed by Adam Peacock bowled by Emery for a duck. The home side were left reeling at 33-3.

This brought Callum Millburn to the crease, Callum, returning from a self-imposed cricket hiatus had shown some promising signs in the previous weeks and hopes were high that he could build a solid partnership alongside Harwood. The pair batted well for a period, managing to nullify the threat of the Berwick bowlers, guiding the home side through to 62-3. This was until the away side introduced Manu Shukla.

Shukla removed Harwood for a gritty 24 in his first over, and then contributed a double Tanney scalp in his second. Lewy fell for a golden duck, pressing forward with hard hands to a ball that popped off the surface, offering and up a simple catch to Thompson at mid-off. The bin on entrance to the clubhouse getting its first kicking of the season!

Two balls later an innocuous forward defence to mid-off lead to Matty calling for a (suicidal) single, this was politely declined by Callum and he was quickly on his way back to the pavilion to join his brother. Cory Milburn fell soon after lbw to Shukla for 1, and the home side were once again in trouble at 76-7.

This brought Tom More to the crease on debut. Lead by Callum the pair put on a vital partnership of 56 to drag the home side up towards a defendable total. Callum batted with a mature head on his shoulders, managing to take the majority of the strike whilst hitting boundaries at key points. Highlights included a series of sumptuous cover drives and a big six over mid-off. Tom also doing a good job for team, understanding the importance of occupying the crease, he fell to Emery for 10.

Emery finally removed Callum for a well fought 54 and then swiftly mopped up the tail to the leave Ashington 142 all out. Emery rounding off a marvellous performance with figures of 11-28-5, reaffirming his status as one of the leagues finest swing bowlers. The first half quite rightly belonged to the away side and the general consensus was that the score was 30-40 below par.

The second half began brightly for the home side as Dean Greaves removed Scott Middlemist to a generous lbw call for 0. The home side were not complaining though, they knew the value of Middlemist’s wicket especially off the back of an opening day hundred against Stobswood.

Cory Milburn then bowled a phenomenal spell of quick bowling to rip out the top order. A combination of added pace and a conducive wicket left him at times completely unplayable as the ball seemed and swung away from the right handers. Bird, Thompson & Woodcock fell in quick succession to leave the home side 46-4 and the game right in the balance.

Continued pressure followed as Greaves got in on the action taking 2 more quick wickets including a sharp stumping from Adam ‘Iron Palms’ Peacock to remove Shukla for 7. Berwick in trouble at 48-6.

Martin Hush & James Thompson steadied the ship for Berwick, the pair batting well showing patience and maturity to drag the away side up to 82-6. Sensing a shift in momentum Harwood changed up the bowling bringing the spin of Scott Maddison into the attack. Maddison proceeded to burgle a succession of quick wickets to finish with very generous figures of 3-9. A reversal from the previous week when his work was left largely unrewarded.

Hush can count himself especially unfortunate. Chipping an innocuous ball from Maddison over point in most circumstances he would have been safe. However stood at point was the only man capable of taking a catch in the upper atmosphere. The newly slimmed version of Mr T More leaping off the ground to take a remarkable one handed catch to wild celebrations from the home side.

Even Lewy Tanney managed to get in on the act with his slow medium pacers, removing Michael Hush lbw for 0. The home side winning by 46 runs.

Ashington RCCC 27 points, Berwick 5 points.

Elsewhere the 2^nd XI enjoyed a comfortable win away at Tynemouth. Batting first Ashington posted 200 thanks to 73* from the ever green Kevin Hetherington, 45 from Wanless Jnr and a second 40 in as many weeks from Dean Hardy. Hardy even boldly claiming in the clubhouse afterwards that he even hit a cover drive boundary, no-one believed him, ‘leading edge’ was the general consensus.

A young Tynemouth side were bowled out for 78 in reply. The wickets were shared around with Jobson, Pringle & Wanless Snr all picking up 3 each. Jobson finishing with impressive figures of 8-5-3 including 5 maidens.

The result leaves the 2^nd XI top of the table after two games and with the club enjoying some added depth in numbers this year new captain Stuart Rosser will be hoping they can keep up this form and challenge for promotion.

Ashington RCC 2^nd XI 30 points, Tynemouth 3^rd XI 2 points.

We had 14 playing members came along to support our club, the jobs we completed are;

• Kitchen walls and ceiling painted
• Kitchen benches and window cleaned
• Tea room carpet hoovered, work surfaces cleaned and windows cleaned inside and out
• Scorebox cleaned throughout inculding washing down the external surfaces and numbers
• Weeds removed from pavement and road directly outside the sitting area
• Sight screens painted and panel fitted and pushed out onto the outfield
• Mobile covers tops fitted and gutters cleaned
• Practice cage netting refitted to cage
• Cricket square protective chicken mesh removed from around the square and put away

Sunday 26th March saw us complete another period of cross over rolling we are now at 12 passes.

We spread our spring rise fertiliser today looking at some better weather in the week to come.

We cut the outfield again all of the top and the sides and the very bottom section near the clubhouse, unable to get our cutter anywhere near the section from the square down for approximately 90 feet. We need wind and sunshine and no rain to give it a chance to dry out.