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Ashington Rugby CC 1^st XI vs Berwick CC 1^st XI

Match ball kindly sponsored by Matty Tanney.

Following on from last week’s comprehensive 136 run victory at Whitley Bay, Ash Rug welcomed a bang in form Berwick side to The Rec in an top of the table clash with both sides coming into the this week’s fixture unbeaten. Only one change to the side saw keeper Tanney replace 2^nd XI captain Rosser; however, we did also benefit from having a ‘extra man’ this week as Cal Milburn who last week arrived looking like an intoxicated Marv off Home Alone was fresh this week off night shift and raring to go.

Vice captain and stand in Mark Lawrence flipped the coin and in no real surprise we yet again lost the toss with opposition skipper Keenan opting to bat first on a track that was soft in places and looked like it could offer some assistance to the new ball early doors. Captain Dent arrived for the start of play and after snubbing vice vice vice vice vice vice captain and maverick Peacock’s cry for a team huddle, the ball was thrown to Milburn to get us underway. The opening exchanges offered little in the way of chances to both sides until in his 3^rd over, Cory struck by trapping Beveridge plum LBW in front after beating him for pace with the score on 15. James Richards shared the new ball from the Rugby Club end and soon began to find his straps tying the new batsmen in knots, as he continually played and missed making it seem like he had left his willow in the changing rooms. It was however star player Scott Middlemiss (32) who was the next to depart with the score on 42-1 as Richards induced a hefty outside edge and M.S Tan standing up behind the stumps took a potential match changing and cracking catch.

Boosted by that wicket the ruggers began to eek out a little more energy and started to turn the screw on Berwick’s middle order who’s scoring options were rapidly drying up, evidenced by some suicidal running only to be let off the hook. Club legend and the man whose varicose veins resemble an AA Road Atlas map Dean Greaves was brought into the attack for Cory who’s 6 over audition for Happy Feet was curtailed with figures of 1-20. Greaves not to be outdone by G. Mordey who was cleaning up at Longhirst, looked dangerous from the off with the usual late in-swing and also managed to produce an absolute seed that even the Pope would have struggled to play. Shukla (17) was tempted into a booming cover drive only to find the hands of Richards at cover then Hush (0) was trapped LBW and when Thompson (0) also spewed up to cover off gold finger Mark Lawrence Berwick found themselves at 77-5 off 29 overs.

When Greaves 10-2-20-2 was bowled out and replaced by 1^st choice spinner Maddison, opposition skipper Keenan, with seemingly little faith in his lower middle order began to pick up the rate with attacking shots aplenty and connecting with a few lusty blows that sailed over the ropes to the joys of a raucous Berwick team. It turned out to be one shot too many though and Scott got his man when Keenan hauled out to Ruben Loftus Cheeks (Lewis Tanney) at long on for 55. Berwick’s tail wagged and despite death bowler Milburn unleashing his array of slower balls and some tidy stuff from Lawrence, Berwick finished on a respectable 162, yet gifted us full bowling points when the number 11 decided to take on noodle arms Cal Milburn at deep square leg only to be left 12 yards short of his ground.

This week’s tea interval highlight was our very own ‘Fat Hippo’ Adam Peacock seen salivating over captain Dent’s option of loaded fries from the aptly named street food vendor parked by the Rugby Club.

Usual opening pair of Thornton and M.Tanney were entrusted with setting the foundations of a very important run chase for the ruggaz. To the absolute astonishment of the lads, Matty crunched the 1^st ball of the innings for four when opening bowler Thompson over pitched and was cover driven to the fence. However, it wasn’t about to be all plain sailing as Colin outside edged Thompson to 1^st slip, and thinking he was safe, turned around to see a much leaner looking Middlemiss dive low to the right taking a one-handed absolute snorter. (Note. After failing miserably at warm up drills Colin’s best contribution of the day was collecting the boundary flags in).

This brought to the crease Adam Peacock and the number 3 was swiftly reminded from the Berwick lads that plenty of runs were required to make up for some atrocious ground fielding earlier in the day and dull sledging. That noise soon became muffled though as the fielders found themselves watching the new ball cross the white line all too often. Peacock who spewed a ton last week (77) was not about to let lightning strike twice and was looking imperious punishing both good length bowling and the buffet bowling which was on offer. Matty doing as Matty does, occupied the crease well and rotated the strike whilst never offering a chance. Peacock brought up his half century with a glorious cover drive and soon after with the score on 115-1 the partnership was trending towards 100.

With the opposition bowlers looking deflated and there being little to zero chat out there the boys cashed in. Tanney swept Middlemiss for back-to-back boundaries, although at times found strike hard to come by as Peacock who resembles Rakheem Cornwall was turning down twos to the long boundary and hogging strike. Now engaging ‘top gear’ Peacock had turned his attention to personal milestones and with 28 needed to win needed 18 himself. Shearer (unfortunately not Alan) was brought back into the attack and was immediately dispatched for three sixes by the lefty to bring up yet another club Ton. Superb to watch!

Matty on 47 himself, with two needed to win was not to be outdone and on what turned out to be the final ball of the game pushed one onto in the gap and screamed three. Peacock who at this stage was in desperate need of an iron lung set off and miraculously made it back for three, Matty went full David Warner mode and celebrated with a leaping fist pump. A fine knock in its own right and not one to be overshadowed.

A convincing win over a full-strength Berwick side with all the lads contributing was great to see. Next week we travel to Cramlington looking to cement our position at the head of affairs.

Ashington RCC 30 Points

Berwick CC 5 Points

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Morpeth 2nds vs Ashington Rugby 2nds

29 May 2021 – Longhirst

Matchball kindly sponsored by Kevin Hetherington 

After promotion from Division 6 in 2019 Stu Rosser’s side had managed to win all 5 of their Division 5 fixtures to date in what had been an exceptional start from a newly promoted side.  However as Morpeth had also done the same and the feeling being they were operating at least a division below their level with the resources at their disposal this promised to be a severe test of our credentials as early season pace setters.

With what has seemed like weeks of incessant rain in the lead up to the game and some alleged draining issues at Longhirst the game was in doubt however 2/3 days of dry sunny weather had done enough to allow the game to go ahead despite the inability of the groundsman to cut the outfield before the game (was ok for after though) meant that conditions weren’t ideal but at least we were playing.

Paul Milburn had come into the side from the win at Bedlington to bolster a batting line up that had looked flimsy, at the expense of the unavailable Jamie Parker.

Stu Won the toss and asked Morpeth to bat, a sensible choice as it was difficult to ascertain what a good score would be under the circumstances and as usual Craig Jobson and Owen Mason took the new ball looking to make an early breakthrough.  Both were superb in reducing Morpeth to 22 for 3 with Jobson picking up 2 and Mason the other.

Morpeth skipper Concannon who had already hit a couple of pleasing boundaries was joined at the crease by Byatt and with some good strokeplay and aggressive running the pair were able to progress the score onto 60 when Acaster who had been introduced after Mason had bowled out had Concannon caught by Milburn to end a partnership of 38 that in the conditions had become a concern for the Ruggaz.

Acaster, took an over to find his range after not having had a bowl for a few weeks but settled into a lovely spell making scoring difficult and fashioning a further couple of chances that we failed to take and finished an excellent spell of 1 for 26 off his 9.  In the meantime Jobson had bowled out finishing with 2 for 35 off his 9 which could have been 3 as a sharp chance was spilled in the gully by Midge (who’s vision was perhaps obstructed by the long grass in the outfield) off his last ball.

However we need not have panicked as we still had an ace up our sleeve in the form of Gary Mordey, the man, the legend who despite his advancing years was having an excellent season that was about to get better. 

With Morpeth on 77 for 4 on a pitch (and outfield) where anything over 100 would seem to be a decent score, Mordey grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and proceeded to rip through the Morpeth batting line up.  Bowling with skill, determination and a decent amount of pace, belying his age he ended with figures of 5 for 13 off 5.5 overs (4 bowled & 1 lbw) to leave Morpeth 87 all out – remarkable stuff.

Tea was the usual CO-OP meal deal for most but the re-introduction of changing facilities and showers was a welcome addition and hopefully a step forward toward normality

After tea usual duo Harwood and Rosser strode out to face up to the Morpeth opening attack knowing that despite being favourites it would not be easy on a tacky pitch and slow outfield.  It was Harwood who got us away with a succession of scoring shots through cover/point as the bowlers overpitched that would usually have been boundaries but were held up by the outfield and shortly afterwards he offered a caught & bowled chance to Byatt and was on his way for 10 with the score on 13 – not ideal but we had a start.

Midge was next man in and he knuckled down to see off the opening bowlers alongside Rosser but scoring was difficult and he eventually lost patience and was caught at mid-off for 4 attempting to break the shackles bringing to the crease Milburn.  He & Stu settled things down and patiently scored where they could knowing that we could only lose by being bowling out and the score progressed to 57 before disaster struck.

With the Morpeth fielders seemingly starting to lose interest Rosser having just hit a boundary knocked one out to the leg side and jogged/waddled through for an easy single, however a mis field prompted Paul to call for a second and Stu who wasn’t backing up was run out by a mile.  A calamitous moment with Stu visibly furious having worked hard for his 15 off 84 balls and looked set to see the job through despite constant sledging from fielders some of whom’s voice were yet to break and Stu unable to respond or risk a brush with the child welfare officer. 

Back to the run out, who was at fault is open to debate but the fines master was unmoved after the game, issuing maximum fines to both who should know better given the amount of experience they have.

This wasn’t the end of the Milburn related drama however, not content with giving his team mates 1 heart stopping moment, as shortly after the run out attempted to go big over cow perfectly picking out the fielder but luckily for him it was put down.  A couple of further boundaries followed until he was trapped in front for 27 which in the context of the game was a valuable knock despite the drama to leave us 13 short.

Any nerves still jangling were swiftly dispelled by Jay Little in at 5 who stroked the ball around beautifully to get us over the line finishing 15 not out with Tucker 1 not out.

A great win that left us clear at the top of the table and another example of our growing ability to grind out a result.

Final word should go to G. Mordey (Mordey Shore/G spot/Mordretti) who was simply outstanding on the day and the difference between the sides.  A breath of fresh air since he joined both on and off the pitch whose enthusiasm rubs off on everyone at the club and still celebrates a wicket like it’s the 1^st (Not one of 1500 plus) – take a bow sir outstanding.

Morpeth 2nds  87 all out (3 points)

Ashington Rugby 2nds 88 for 4 (30 points)

The 1st’s travelled to Whitley Bay on an overcast and wet Saturday afternoon, to the surprise of many of the lads who had already wrapped up max fines before the game had even started. Notably Scott Maddison who was supposed to have been married the day before so was understandably a bit worse for wear. However, he was made to feel a lot better when he pulled to pick up one of the Milburn brothers (no points for guessing who). 

Whitley Bay won the toss and elected to field first, which was an easy decision given the clouds and the fact you couldn’t tell where the wicket ended and the outfield began. Matty Tanney another lad racking up maximum fines, surprising not for his painfully slow scoring rate like previous weeks, but for the fact he was away with the Mrs, which meant the call up for 2nd choice skipper, Stuart Rosser. 

Rosser was obviously being controlled by Matty from the Lake District as him and Thornton got the innings off to a steady but slow start. Much to the annoyance of our league loved number 3. They continued to struggle as the ball swung regularly for both opening bowlers, before Rosser was caught in the 16th over for 13, with the score just 24 off 17 overs. 

Thornton was given LBW the very next delivery. With the fall of those wickets, this saw Peacock and Dent out in the middle. Dent showing real conviction as he slapped his first ball through the covers and scampered 2, however failed to show the same conviction the very next ball when he left the only ball which failed to swing all day, clean bowling him and leaving him looking extremely foolish. 3 wickets in one over. 

Lewis Tanney and Peacock got the innings back on track like they have in previous weeks, with quick running and punishing the bad ball for 4 and 6. Peacock going on to a well worked half century before being caught from an awful swipe across the line. Tanney was also out caught 2 balls later. Ashington RCC 144-5. This brought the two Milburn’s to the crease, one of which wasn’t too pleased to say the least. 

Just like the pair before them, they continued hitting the bad ball to all parts of the ground, which included two big sixes by Callum, before Cory was out bowled. Lawrence came and went quickly. Before Callum Milburn and Maddison got the score to 195/7 from their 45 overs. 

Both sides still opting to bring their own food saw Callum Milburn spend £17 in the Co Op on nothing but sugar when he would have been more suited to consuming fluids. 

The biggest shock to the Whitley Bay first innings wasn’t who opened the bowling but rather who was stood at 2nd slip. None other than Scott “safe-hands” Maddison. Usually hidden at square leg for his very questionable ground fielding. 

Cory Milburn and Richards started well with 5 runs coming from the first 6 overs before Milburn clean bowled Harris for 3 and then trapping the number 3 batsman McIntyre for 0 two balls later. Cory really making use of the extremely bowler friendly conditions.

Now it was Richards turn to get in on the action, or so it seemed as he had Brierley hang out his bat at full delivery, with the ball ballooning into the air towards extra cover where stood none other than “safe-hands” Maddison. The ball hung in the air for so long that the lads were almost gathered around Richards to celebrate. Maddison with the Australian technique saw the ball sneak through his hands and onto the floor to the shock horror of his teammates, opposition and anyone blessed with hands. The stunned silence turned into childlike laughter moments later when they realised, they had just witnessed the worst drop in cricket history. 

James struck the very next ball trapping watt in front. The lads still in utter disbelief as to what they had just witnessed. Cory and Richards then took another one each to leave the hosts 11/5 from 12 overs. A change of bowling then saw Greaves replace Milburn and Lawrence replace Richards. Neither of which could use the conditions to their advantage. Greaves somehow failing to swing the ball in overcast conditions and Lawrence bowling his usual seamer like darts which were failing to grip the grass covered cow pat his was presented with. 

The away side started to get frustrated that the 6th wicket wouldn’t come and after a couple of overs, Maddison replaced greaves and struck in his second over, bamboozling Wrigley with one with a bit more flight which dipped under the bat and clean blowed him for 19. A mix up in the middle 3 balls later saw Thompson run out for 0. Lawrence then managed to trap Pearson in front of something as the umpire didn’t hesitate to fire the batsman. If you don’t ask you don’t get. 

Lawrence then got J Custance to lob one up over cover’s head, where stood, yep you guessed it, safe hands Maddison once again l. Running backwards and with the sun now beaming through the sky, the money was definitely on the ball until he managed to pluck it with both hands, much to the disbelief of his team mates and even more frustrated Richards. 

Young batsman D Watt continued to frustrate the home side finishing with 26* before Maddison got the last wicket with wiles lolly popping one into the air and landing safely into the hands of Peacock behind the stumps. 

Whitely 59 all out from 34 overs. Another solid batting and bowling performance from the lads who continue to show real conviction setting totals and defending them. However the first real test of the season comes Saturday with 2nd place Berwick making the journey down to the Rec for a top of the table clash.

Whitley Bay CC 3 points

Ashington Rugby Cc 30 points

Match ball Sponsored by Colin Thornton 

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2nd team game was off against Tillside 2nds due to the weather and water on the wicket

5 points to each team

Big thank to 3C Services Ltd for sponsoring our club this season, they provide mixed concreting services on site.

Special thank you to Michael Adamson for brokering the deal.

Ashington Rugby CC 1^st vs Blyth CC 1^st XI  

Saturday 15^th May saw the ruggers welcome our closest rivals Blyth to ‘The Rec’ in what was a much-anticipated contest. Last week was a complete fixture washout with us avoiding a trip to GEMS in what would have been a much tougher test of our early season credentials and a potential banana skin. No man was more relieved than Dean Greaves who admitted to having nightmares at the thought of bowling to Mukhtar and watching it sail back over his head 1^st ball. Colin Thornton was welcomed back into the side in place of Jarvy, who’s never ending energy and enthusiasm is always a welcome addition in the 1’s.

Skipper Dent won the toss and after what seemed like a twenty minute deliberation decided to bat first on a track that was softer than those usually found at The Rec and with plenty grass aboard. Matty Tanney and Colin Thornton opened up and we got off to a steady start (steady being very generous   – blocking the proverbial **** out of it probably something more apt). After negotiating the new ball and getting to 41-0 Colin was trapped in front for 18 from Bharti who was swinging the ball with purpose from the top end. Special mention to Colin, who’s son Sam opened bowling at him, pulled him for a monstrous six over square leg and then proceeded to tell him to never bowl that crap at him again. Peacock joined Tanney at the crease looking to inject some energy into the innings and started with a couple of boundaries. Shortly after, Tanney lobbed a caught and bowled back to off spinner Reitze and all of a sudden we found ourselves at 46-2 off 29 overs.

Dent joined Peacock at the crease and the score began ticking over until a calamity run out saw Peacock with the classic yes – no – maybe call…. end up with him being ran out at the strikers end for 23, much to the joy of the Blyth lads who all of a sudden found their voices. When Dent hauled out to mid on with a rancid shot it looked for all money an ARCC collapse may be on the cards. The Milburn brothers came and went, Cory contributing 17 and Callum with 4 off 15 balls (S/R 26.67). Superstar Lew Tan took charge and marshalled the lower order to propel us to a very competitive finishing score of 164-8 off our 45 overs, Lewis bringing up his half century on the last ball of the innings by running a four to finish 52 not out. Cracking knock!!

With sides unable to venture indoors and provide any substantial tea options during current times, the tea break has seen some questionable food choices – none more so than Scott Maddison who has ate the same Co-op meal deal 5 games in a row.

New ball pair Milburn & Richards once again opened up for the ruggaz in our attempt at defending what we had on the board. Both bowlers began economically but never really looked all too threatening, until Milburn who was Irish dancing his way to the crease with a new work in progress run up, had Pietze caught behind by for 10 by M.Tanney to get us up and running with the score on 22-1. At the other end, Asher was dropped by ‘Safe Hands’ skipper Dent at 1^st slip and then again off a difficult running catch by Lewis at mid off. Would we begin to rue missed chances?

A double bowling change saw Richards replaced at the rugby club end by Mark ‘The Jackpot’ Lawrence aka. The most hated man in Blyth who was revelling in playing against his former side. ‘The oldest swinger in town’ Dean Greaves replacing Cory. It didn’t take long for them both to get in on the action, Lawrence removing Asher LBW and Greaves seeing off the dangerous Bharti who was batting as if he had a chicken gyros on pre-order from the Greek street food vendor on site.

When Clark (0) was struck in front by Greaves and Scope (0) playing for the away swinger was comprehensively bowled, Blyth found themselves 49-4. Lawrence then dislodged Smith’s (0) furniture with an absolute snorter and finished with figures of 10-4-23-2. Chances became few and far between with the Blyth lower middle order playing stubbornly, until Scott Maddison was introduced into the attack and didn’t take long to make a breakthrough removing Kinnair, and then Thornton, who had just been dropped by James whilst doing his best Stevie Wonder impression with the ball in the air.

Blyth skipper Kemp came to the crease and bludgeoned a rapid fire 29 but couldn’t keep out MOM Lewis for long and the game was wrapped up when Cam Walker was knocked over to secure victory for the ruggaz by 39 runs.

Another solid early season performance which see’s us now sitting top of the division. Next week we travel to Whitley Bay, in which our toughest task might be seeing off the weather.

Ashington Rugby 29 Points

Blyth CC 6 points.  

Match Ball sponsor Mark Lawrence

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Bedlington 2^nd XI vs Ashington 2^nd XI

Match Ball kindly sponsored by Lloyd Julian (Retired Player)

Following an idle weekend due to inclement weather the policy of rotating the squad slightly continued with Jamie Parker and Jay Little coming into the side. 

For the 3^rd game in a row skipper Stu Rosser lost the toss and we were predictably asked to bat on a green and damp looking deck the result of unsettled weather during the last few weeks.  Thankfully there was no rain around and the forecast had improved enough for there to be optimism that a full days play was in store.

Chris Harwood once again continued his so far profitable opening partnership with Rosser with scoring difficult early on, however he failed to add to his recent run of good scores bowled for 7 attempting a lazy offside push.  Stu wasn’t to last much longer bogged down by both the conditions and tight bowling and he was caught at Mid off attempting to take the game to the bowlers.  This brought Michael Adamson and Jay little together for the 1^st time this season and for once there wasn’t much on the board following the departure of both openers.

Whilst Jay was next to go for only 2 (The wicket taker 13 year old Charlie Harmison – son of England’s Steve) he was instrumental in seeing off the opening bowlers along with Midge who despite the slow scoring had hit a couple of pleasing boundaries to show the others it wasn’t impossible to bat on. Kevin ‘Tucker’ Hetherington was next in and out unfortunately trapped LBW for 0 with Bedlington skipper Hutchinson the bowler to leave us teetering on 25 for 4.  

This brought big Tom More to the crease for his 1^st knock of the season, now a shadow of the portly gentleman most remember having shed an incredible 8 stone during lockdown(s).  Settling immediately and looking assured alongside Midge the little and large combo progressed us to 61 for 5 by picking up singles and putting away the bad ball until Midge looked for a sweep and was trapped lbw for 20, an underrated knock in the context of the game.  Tom was joined by Paul Hollywood lookalike Jamie Parker and they continued in the same vein the highlights of this period a couple of meaty sixes down the ground from the big fella.

With overs running out Parker was bowled for 12 looking to increase the scoring rate on an attritional pitch but as him and Tom had put on 50 for the 6^th wicket there was a growing sense we were in the game.  We scrambled around for the last few overs picking up what we could with the Bedlington opening pair back into the attack who had been tidy innings and we finished on 127 for 6 with Tom going through to his 1^st 50 for the club off 86 balls including 4 boundaries and 2 maximums.

It should be noted that upon reaching his milestone Tom neglected to go for the traditional bat raise and milking of rippled applause, instead jogging through for a single whilst frantically removing garments from his upper layers, in the process exposing what is now, to be fair a presentable torso and revealing a T-shirt given to him by his best friend, lunch buddy, cycling pal and chauffeur Jonny Acaster.   As Tom flexed his guns with confused looks from crowd and players alike Jonny overcome with emotion revealed the T-shirt was a picture of a larger version of Tom and a reference to some other game that Tom plays.  Aside from this ‘middle finger to the establishment’ of a celebration this was an outstanding knock from Tom made in difficult conditions on his 1^st bat of the season and had put us in the game after a shocking start.

We knew that we needed to bowl well from the off and the team was given its usual pep talk from skipper Rosser which seemed to do the trick as new ball pair Mason and Jobson were on the mark straight away taking a wicket apiece in the opening few overs then another from Jobson left the home side floundering on 7 for 3.  Mason got through his five over spell and was replaced by Gary Mordey  who didn’t take long to get in on the action and him and Jobson combined with Bedlington slumping further to 28 for 6.

Having finished an excellent spell Jobson, 3 for 23 off 9, was replaced, for his first bowl this season, by man of the moment More.  Whilst understandably a little rusty big Tom strengthened his grip on the MOM award by picking up a couple of wickets in a 4 over spell that only went for 3 runs but by now with 13 year old Sam Alderson looking impressive and assured on his debut for Bedlington, Rosser made a change.  As Mordey finished his impressive spell (3 for 13 off 9) Rosser was heard in dulcet welsh tones saying ‘Garree I’s going in for the kill’ to the experienced bowler and brought Mason and Acaster into the attack.

Fittingly it was Acaster who picked up the final wicket, the man who had commissioned the XL t shirt for his buddy (minus a few XXX’s these days), leaving Bedlington 61 all out and the Ruggaz winners by 66 runs.  Tom picked up the MOM award for a stand out knock but the bowlers could also take a bow having followed Stu’s instructions to the letter.  Credit to Bedlington also who had a weakened side out and in fact fielded 4 players barely into their teens who all acquitted themselves well.  It was also refreshing to see the willingness of both teams whilst umpiring to adhere to fairness and call the decisions how they see them which is not always the case at this level.

Next week the 2nds are at home to Tillside.

Ashington Rugby 2s 127 for 6 (28 points)

Bedlington 2s 61 all out (3 points)       

The full round of league games were off due to the heavy rain.

Our 1st were meant to be playing GEMS away (Match ball sponsor was Callum Milburn)

2nd Team fixture at home was against Warneford 1sts (Match ball sponsor was Bernie and Ros Tanney) 

Ashington Rugby CC 1st vs Alnmouth 2^nd XI (H)

A couple of changes to the team this week. Colin Thornton was unavailable and we were a batter short. The selection committee called upon Owen Jarvis to fill the void. Jarv hadn’t cut his Hair since the outbreak of the pandemic and arrived looking like the lovechild of Jürgen Klopp and Robbie Savage, both glorious and horrifying in equal measure. Cory was the other change, welcomed back into the team following his romantic weekend away,

Captain David Dent won the toss and broke the clubs ‘always bat first’ mantra to have a bowl, the wicket had a lot of grass and there had been rain around most of the week so in fairness it seemed the sensible decision. Cory Milburn & James Richards took the new ball for the home side.

Milburn bowled with good pace in the opening exchanges and had both opening batsman backing away and looking uncomfortable. Shortly after however he soon begun to struggle with his run up and lost his rhythm, the scoring wasn’t significant by any stretch but a no ball full toss through gully for 4 was the cue to change things around. With the COVID regulations preventing saliva to shine the ball it’s especially important to make an impact while the ball is still new and no side can afford to waste overs.

The introduction of Dean Greaves sparked the home team into life and Richards was the first to strike removing danger batsman Robinson for 6, superbly caught by Lewis Tanney running in taking a low catch at mid-off. Both bowlers settled into a rhythm and hit consistent areas, Alnmouth were finding scoring difficult and a few more wickets followed as Alnmouth crawled to 30-4 off 20 overs.

Richards finished a fine spell with figures of 10-7-6-2, he had the ball on a string at times and his out swingers were simply too good on this occasion. He’s asked me to let everyone know it would have been 2-4 if Callum Milburn & Greaves due to a horrendous overthrow in his second over.  Fine for both players afterwards.

The experienced Ben Oliver (42 off 35) came to the crease and immediately took the counter attack to the home side, despatching Mark Lawrence & Greaves to all parts of the ground as Alnmouth accelerated to 75 off 25 overs. Lawrence was hit for 20 off his first 2 overs and was extremely lucky to stay in the attack as he struggled with a series of half trackers and full tosses, Dent being especially lenient on this occasion allowing him to continue. Greaves finished a solid spell with figures of 10-6-31-2, everyone very happy to see him back in form.

Number 2 spinner Lawrence was joined by Number 1 spinner Scott Maddison and the pair continued the theme of the season so far by taking control of the game as Alnmouth lost 3 wickets for no runs to collapse to 77-8. Adam Peacock took a fine catch in the process running back over his head at mid-on to help remove Elliot off the bowling of Lawrence. Peacock nearly had another catch moments later running in and diving full stretch, the ball landing in the webbing and bouncing out with applause and gasps from the watching crowd. A catch that only a few in the team would have got anywhere near.

Credit to Andrew McDonnell & James Anderson who added some respectability to the Alnmouth innings with some enterprising shot making and good running between the wickets to take the final score to 106. Lawrence & Maddison were both relatively expensive but took wickets regularly which will have pleased their captain. Scott claimed robbery of the day, removing the dangerous Rich Neil (4) to a half tracker caught by Jarvis at cow corner. Jarv deciding to catch it in his ribs rather than use his hands! Alnmouth 106 all out.

Captain David Dent shamefully decided to hide himself at 4 rather than Open in Colin’s absence, doing so to protect his early season record where he has yet to be dismissed. Callum Milburn was given the opening nod after his fine innings at Benwell in the previous game, Callum was seen visibly shaking as he padded up outside his 1994 Vauxhall Corsa.

The reply started patiently as the home side reached 10-0 off as many overs, Rich Neil & Declan Mark bowled well and gave very little away with the new ball. It was Callum who pressed his foot on the accelerator as he opened up with a number of crunching boundaries, topped off with a fine 6 over mid-wicket. That’s pretty much all she wrote as the game was soon over as a contest, the home side raced through knocking off the runs with 20 overs to spare.

Matthew Tanney finished 43 not out and looked very accomplished in both defence and attack operating as the traditional opener, complemented by the attacking intent shown from Callum. The only slight on the chase was that both batsman didn’t finish not out, Callum jibbed a 50 which forced Adam Peacock to go out and hit the worst 12 runs you’ve ever seen in your life.

Huge game next week as Ashington travel to GEMS who are one of the contenders to win the league this year. Fingers crossed that the weather holds and that GEMS have managed to locate some covers to put on the wicket, although this writer won’t be holding his breath!

Ashington Rugby CC 30 points

Alnmouth & Lesbury CC 2 points

Match Ball Sponsor David Dent

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Ulgham 1^st XI  vs Ashington Rugby CC 2^nd XI  

Match ball kindly sponsored by Bernie & Ros Tanney 

As in the previous week skipper Stu Rosser and his merry band of selectors shuffled the pack with Owen Jarvis called up to the 1^st team & Jamie Parker unavailable, in came Tom More recalled and Ricky Gibson for his 1^st game of the season. 

Again as per the previous week Rosser lost the toss and on a pitch he would have preferred to bowl on was unsurprisingly asked to bat by the Ulgham skipper with the pitch looking good but a little damp and green and the expectation would be of some assistance for the bowlers early on.   

Regular openers Harwood & Rosser found the opening exchanges difficult on a tacky wicket following midweek rain with Kris and Ian Harrison keeping things tight for Ulgham with the rate below 2 an over for the 1^st 10. 

Rosser was 1^st to break the shackles and take the attack to Ulgham hitting a succession of boundaries and a maximum off Jordan Cowe who had replaced Kris Harrison.  Whilst Harwood despite offering a couple of half chances hitting a couple of uppish boundaries began to follow suit and for the third game in a row the pair passed 50 for the opening stand. 

After Ian Harrison was replaced by Chris Cowe (father of Jordan) the score progressed to 90 when Stu went for 49 top edging a full toss to short fine leg to end a good innings consisting of only 52 balls and containing 7 fours and 2 sixes.  Michael Midge Adamson once again in at 3 was quickly away and he and Harwood continued to accumulate with Harwood bringing up another half century albeit not as fluent as the previous weeks. 

The run rate began to climb with both batsmen finding their range as the now dryed out pitch was good to bat on with little incentive for the bowlers now.  Max Stenberg was brought into the attack and he caused both batsmen problems with his extra pace but he couldn’t find a breakthrough and the last 10 overs went for 87. 

We finished on 221 for 1 an excellent total considering the slow start with Harwood once again going through to 100 finishing 117 not out, hitting 14 fours and 3 sixes from 131 balls despite using up several lives along the way.  Adamson also pleasingly returned to form batting well for 45 not out from 57 balls with 6 fours in an unbroken partnership of 131. 

Following the tea break Ulgham needed to score at 5 ½ per over and we perhaps started a little overconfidently, despite Jobson removing opener Adam Tait within the 1^st 5 overs we were guilty of a little complacency and allowed Colin Tait & Roy Haygarth to get in and keep in touch with the rate. 

Ricky Gibson was brought into the attack and despite going for a couple of boundaries was able to account for opener Colin Tait for a well made 46 and shortly afterwards Gary Mordey dismissed Haygarth. 

This brought Stenberg to the crease and he turned out to be even more impressive with bat than ball.  With Acaster now into the attack Stenberg attacked and was well support by the Ulgham middle order and brought his 50 up from only 32 balls including 2 huge sixes somewhat wasted on the short boundaries in play. 

The run rate was now under 6 an over for the 1^st time in a while and despite Mordey having a lid on things from his end Rosser shuffled his bowlers trying to try and find a wicket.  Step up Owen Mason running in hard and attacking the stumps managed to sneak one through Stenberg’s defences to end a fine innings of 50. 

Despite this Ulgham were still in the game and continued to play shots prompting Rosser to gamble and swap Mordey ends with Acaster who had been vulnerable to the short boundary meaning Mordey our most consistent bowler on the day wouldn’t get through his compliment. 

This paid off initially as Mordey picked up 2 in 2 balls and continued to keep a lid on things meaning Ulgham needed 11 off Acaster’s final over.   

He kept a lid on things bowling well and to his field and picked up a wicket in the process but Ulgham were still in it needing 5 off the last ball.  Kris Harrision who had already clubbed a couple of meaty blows connected and the ball sailed toward the leg side boundary seemingly on it’s way for 6.  Luckily (for us) Mason was in the vicinity and he made good ground and had the presence of mind defying his years to save the boundary and not attempt the difficult catch meaning we snuck home by 2 runs in what was an excellent game. 

A fine performance with the bat where we had to negotiate some tricky conditions early on and then show some desire and cool heads towards the end (particularly Mason and Acaster) to get over the line.  Mordey was the pick of the bowlers showing his experience in the heat of battle and Rosser controlled things brilliantly and perhaps the gamble he took proved to be the difference. 

Ashington Rugby 2^nd XI 221 for 1 (29 points) 

Ulgham 1^st XI 219 for 8 (5 points)        

In the first two weeks of the season, our club has had 3 players hit the magic 100 number.

1st Team Adam Peacock 100 not out off 63 balls v Stobswood 1st Team 17/4/2021 at home.

1st Team David Dent 100 not out off 90 balls v Benwell & Walbottle 1st Team 24/4/2021 away.

2nd Team Chris Harwood 117 not out v Monkesaton 1st Team 24/4/2021 at home.

Well done boys great effort.

Ashington Rugby CC 1^st XI away Benwell Walbottle CC

Just the one change to the team who beat Stobswood in the opening fixture, Cory Milburn was on a romantic weekend away with his new Mrs, immediately incurring max fines in the process. In came Jay little who’s last outing at this ground was a match winning 50, a more than able replacement.

Captain David Dent won the toss and chose to bat first. Matthew Tanney & Colin Thornton opened up, Tanney in particular made a great start capitalising on some loose opening bowling with an array of cut and pull shots. A rush of blood enticed Tanney to call through for a tight second run down to fine leg, he managed to pick out the one Benwell player with a gun arm and was convincingly run out for a run a ball 26. Thornton followed soon after trapped on the crease by Stephen Reed and Ashington were 51-2.

Peacock and Dent started to rebuild until Reed struck again, this time a half tracker which skidded on and hit Peacock below the knee roll, no repeat of last week’s century and he was sent packing for a painful 5 off 32 balls. Reed was outstanding and he finished with 10-6-10-2, to bowl those figures in a total of 245 was incredible, we were very happy decided to bowl him through so early in the game.

Lewy Tanney arrived for his first bat of the season and together with Dent they started to press the foot on the accelerator. With Reed now bowled out the pair took the attack to the remaining Benwell bowlers. Dent carried on his momentum from the previous week with a number of crunching drives through cover and looked in great touch. Lewy not to be outdone was playing a fine knock, cutting especially well off the back foot through cover. Tanney was bowled by Ali for 43 (46). Ashington 173-4 with 9 overs left.

Thankfully for his teammates, this brought Callum Milburn to the crease, Callum had started to sober up after beers the night before. Despite a lack of practice Callum picked up where Lewy left off, hitting a couple of fine sixes over mid-wicket on his way to a fine 47 off 34 balls.

Despite hitting 16 boundaries and with minimal running involved, fatigue had set in and Dent was now struggling as he made his way into the 90’s. He was in danger of running out of overs to make his century, the penultimate over going for only 3 as Dent played and missed repeatedly. Thankfully he made it with a ball to spare and brought up his 3 figures (90 balls), a fine captains innings met with a chorus of well-deserved applause. All of our top 6 have now passed 40 within the first 2 games and it’s encouraging to see different batsman contributing. 249-4 at half way.

James Richards & Dean Greaves took the new ball, we made a poor start as both bowlers struggled to find their line and length. Despite looking suspect initially Ashraf Rahman began to find his feet and punished both bowlers, he was especially strong down the round hitting over the top with ease and with power. The heads began to slump and momentum was being taken away as Benwell made a good start 45-0 off 9 overs. Richards eventually took the big wicket bowling Rahman for 37 (39) as he shuffled across his stumps. Mark Lawrence earned himself the captains fine for a completely unnecessary send off for Rahman, Marks only involvement to this point had been to dive over a few at backward point with his retractable arm. Rahman looks a decent shot maker and he’s bound to ruin a few peoples Saturdays this year!

Spin twins Lawrence & Maddison put the choke on Benwell’s reply as the runs completely dried up, the game now looked to be a battle for bonus points. We were hoping to avoid a repeat of the previous week where the last 3 batsman blocked out the last 20 overs for 15 runs, and yes that actually happened! At Drinks Benwell were 80-1.

The skipper dished out a well-deserved dressing down at drinks to the lads for an ordinary collective bowling & fielding performance so far. The talk worked almost immediately as Lawrence struck twice in quick succession removing the Smith for a patient 43 and Bell for a short lived but entertaining 0. Bell possibly demonstrating his frustration at the lack of intent shown from his fellow batsman which had now made the chase near on impossible.

Maddison was bowling beautifully at the other end, hitting a perfect length and beating both sides of the bat regularly. Scott looked a completely different bowler, one suspects he’s had Jess padded up in the back garden over lockdown getting the overs in. He finished his spell with 2 wickets for 39, but it could easily have been a 5fer on another day. Not to take Mark for granted as he finished with 4-18 off his 10 overs and was once again excellent.

The game was somewhat petering out with Benwell 125-7 and only 5 overs remaining, so Dent decided to roll the dice and throw the ball to messers Tanney & Milburn for some part time filth. That’s slightly harsh on Lewy who can clearly bowl but has been used sparingly by a succession of captains in the last few seasons.

Well show them he did! Lewy somehow managed to swing a lifeless 40 over ball both ways, at a decent pace and quickly removed the tail with ease to wrap up a 10 wicket victory. The only slight on his bowling performance was a truly awful hatrick attempt bowling a drag down wide.

A great win and contributions all round, the fielding was poor and needs considerable work. Not to single anyone out but there was some questionable ground fielding. So still things to work on when we welcome Alnmouth to the rec next Saturday.

Ashington Rugby 30 points

Benwell & Walbottle 5 points

Match Ball Sponsor Ogon Fire Pits (Adams mate)

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Ashington Rugby CC 2^nd XI vs Monkseaton 1^st XI

24 April 2021 – ‘The Rec’

Match ball kindly sponsored by Michael ‘Midge’ Adamson

Skipper Stu Rosser shuffled his pack slightly with Jamie Parker making his seasonal debut in place of the unlucky Tom More.

Rosser lost the toss & was unsurprisingly invited to field by his Monkseaton counterpart Windass on what was a cool but bright day on a belting looking track.  The ground looked a picture as spectators began to drift into the ground, credit to groundsman Paul Milburn for maintaining his usual high standards.

Once again young duo Craig Jobson & Owen Mason took the new ball but found the going a little tougher this week against the Monkseaton opening pair.  Ord looked solid but it was the experienced Tony Lion, boasting an impressive resume, who took the attack to the home side.  Anything short he was quick to put away and over pitched adjustments were also timed nicely often to the boundary despite some excellent interventions in the covers by Owen Jarvis & Jonny Acaster.

Acaster himself was introduced early but was unable to stem the flow of runs, however despite going wicketless Jobson had managed to complete his 9 overs in economical fashion only going for 32.  This brought the evergreen Gary Mordey into the attack who immediately found his line & length and despite both batsmen passing 50 and the 100 coming up there was a growing sense of urgency from the Monkseaton batsmen.

With the home side committed in the field and Rosser’s field placings limiting scoring options both openers lost their composure somewhat looking for the big shot.  At this point with Acaster completing a wicketless 9 over spell for 45 runs Parker was introduced from the rugby club end and struck immediately dismissing both openers in his 1^st 2 overs.

With Mordey now squeezing the Monkseaton middle order with his accuracy picking up a wicket in the process panic set in slightly for Monkseaton.  Acaster’s superb chase and throw from the boundary brought a run out and Parker picked up another going through his repertoire of variations and though slightly expensive him & Mordeys’ styles complimented each other perfectly.

With Mordey completing his 9 excellent overs (1 for 26) Mason was reintroduced to bowl the death overs.  Having not been at his best in his 1^st spell he once again demonstrated a bit of fight and maturity belying his age to keep things tight picking up a couple of wickets in the process to finish with 2 for 18 off 5

Parker picked up another finishing with headline figures of 4 for 42 off 8 and the Monkseaton innings ended on 170 for 8 off their 40.  This was an excellent fightback from the Ruggaz after a score well in excess off 200 looked inevitable for long periods.  For Rosser it was good to find out that as well as having a reasonable side at his disposal this year, there is also a willingness to fight in difficult situations and he was confident that should his team bat to their potential they had a great chance to win.

Following tea during which a couple of players treated themselves at the now pitched up Greek Gyros vendor it was once again skipper Rosser & Chris Harwood who strode out the middle to face new ball pair Hewitt & Gowar.  A healthy crowd had built up taking advantage of the ‘largest beer garden in Ashington’ and the decent weather, the second half now set up perfectly with the result in the balance.

The opening overs were nothing to write home (other than an extravagant Goweresque waft from Harwood 1^st ball of the innings) with both openers happy to accumulate, get themselves ‘in’ and despite a couple of pleasing looking boundaries Monkseaton could be content they hadn’t taken any significant damage at a time when it seemed the pitch was at its best for batting.

This changed however as Harwood, once again profligate on the legside, received a heavy blow on the foot and from there decided to take the attack to the Monkseaton bowlers.  Hewitt over pitched a couple of times & was launched down the ground & through cover, then the shorter adjustments were smashed through point to the short boundary that was proving difficult to defend.  Rosser, usually the aggressor was un-characteristically becalmed but used his experience to hold up his end as a consecutive 50 partnership came and not long after Harwood brought up his half century from 46 balls.

With Ashington now ahead of the rate Monkseaton turned to Doyle who despite going for a couple of boundaries off short balls induced a healthy nick from Harwood which perfectly dissected the gap between keeper & slip, both looking accusingly at each other whilst performing plausible impersonations of ‘Christ the Redeemer’.  Not to be put off, to his credit, next over produced a beauty to Rosser that pitched and seamed cleaning him up for 7 and 2 balls later repeated the feet bowling Adamson for nought to leave the home side 64 for 2.  At this point it should be said, Midge despite falling for 0 2^nd ball had played a sumptuous on drive 1^st ball that stung the hands of the fielder and was perhaps a little starstruck attempting a repeat 2^nd ball.

Next to the crease was Paul ‘Mr ARCC’ Milburn a man for such occasions, a cool head with vast experience in successfully navigating such situations.  Indeed he and Harwood settled for quiet accumulation in the following overs as Doyle continued to bowl well but unfortunately (for them) in the main Monkseaton struggled to find a combination to contain Harwood who continued to peppar the offside boundary.

As the 100 came up then the 50 partnership, Doyle finished his spell and heads began to drop in the field as Milburn started to get in on the act with a couple of offside boundaries of his own.  A highlight of this spell an all ran 4 from 2 lads who are 100 not out between and not known for bringing salad for tea.

With the score on 134 having put on 70, Milburn who had batted beautifully for 27 aimed an ugly hack toward cow & was bowled by Varier.  As disappointing as it was to see a fine innings under pressure come to an end in this way with Harwood going well and new batsmen Kevin Hetherington settling immediately it was a fine match turning knock from the chairman in his 1^st hit of the season.  It should also be noted whilst others have practiced pre season Paul is seen working on the ground be it with one of his toys or helping get set up for practice, so credit to him.  

With the result seemingly in the bag all that was to remain was whether Harwood could complete a deserved century and see the game through which he did to finish 117 not out off 109 balls with 20 fours and it was left to Hetherington to hit the winning runs with a trademark square cut for 4.

A great win for the Ruggaz against a 1^st XI and one of the favourites for promotion Harwood rightly taking the headlines added to significant contributions from Jobson, Mason, Mordey, Parker and Milburn but the application and togetherness in the field particularly in the 2^nd 20 overs was the difference between the sides in the opinion of this writer.

Monkeaton 170 for 8 (6 points)

Ash Rug 174 for 3 (29 Points)