Stanhope Vs. Kibblesworth

Saturday 14th June

Saturday saw the gallant Stanhope eleven travel out of the Dale to Kibblesworth, a new ground for the team and one that was met with a good deal of approval. A nice setting, well maintained and prepared for a good days competition. Both team captains had their eye on the weather, with showers expected later in the afternoon to possibly disrupt play forcing a draw. However, as it turned out, it rapidly became another day-at-the-office for our boys in white.

With the British weather looking as if it was to become a major fact, the Toss was a critical part of the game. More so than normal in this instance. The home team were victorious and elected, unsurprisingly, to bat first.

A. Robinson opened the bowling attack for Stanhope, more than ably backed-up by R. Pringle and it was evident that runs were not the prime concern. With a particularly dark cloud rolling in from the direction of Gateshead the batsmen were concentrating on protecting wickets. Not a good ploy as its runs that win games ultimately! At one point the home team were reduced to 15 runs for 5 wickets after 21 overs. Wickets falling cheaply, the first fell in the third over to Robinson who ultimately went on to claim 4 for 15 of 12 overs (3 overs being Maidens).

The Kibblesworth captain, whilst at the crease was almost looking over his shoulder before each delivery, longing for the clouds to come and rain stop play. But as happens all to often the best laid plans go astray. The wind direction changed and sunshine and whitish clouds resulted. With the weather behaving and half the overs bowled it become time for Kibblesworth to score runs and post a respectable score. In the end it fell to just 3 home team batsmen to push the score with G. Sanders eventually caught by the cunning Kiwi, S. Campbell, for 43 from a well delivered ball by R. Young. L. Davidson and G. Wilson both reached double figures posting scores of 30 and 13 respectively.

At the end of the 45 overs Kibblesworth were 121 for 9, the Stanhope bowling was respectable with A. Robinson taking 4 wickets and R. Young collecting 3. What is apparent is that with only 24 overs left to bowl the home team were able to take the game to the Stanhope bowlers and score well. Still our bowlers have little to prove as to-date they have been able to deliver (sorry-!) the goods when asked by Stanhope Captain. Most of the dismissals were to fine catches in the field, with Campbell managing a catch to his own bowling.

One moment of interest was the sight of E. "Rock" Rowell staying so focused that he completely forgot all sense of direction and timing by wandering around the outfield before deciding exactly where to stand in the highly likely event that a left handed batsmen replaced a right handed batsman at the crease.

Stanhope after tea were given the task of achieving 122 runs to win from 45 overs on a nice wicket in good evening sunshine. A situation R. Young took as being perfect conditions to demonstrate his true batting ability. Rob quickly got stuck in as they say, and with the boundary being reached on regular intervals laid the foundation for the Stanhope innings. His score of 35 proved to be the highest score of the innings. Rob was more than supported by those around with each Stanhope batsman reaching double figures. P. Fitchett reached 15 before being caught as he looked to move his own total forward. Stanhope took 38 overs to reach the winning post in a solid display of batting from all those who walked out to the crease.

It was an all round solid performance from a team currently enjoying the top spot in Division 2 with 107 points. As each game is played, it gets slightly harder for the players, but with the new players adding more depth to the side they are slowly but surely carving a solid reputation within the league itself. I have been asked to point out that J. Thompson of Kibblesworth who took 2 wickets for 7 runs is a player to note, being only 11 years he managed to scupper out two of Stanhope's more solid batsmen, R. Young and J. Ivil.

Next match for Stanhope is against Houghton at Unthank Park this Saturday. We tried to get Sky to keep their TV crews in the north east following the recent Test. So to get the latest in live "as-it-happens", ball-by-ball coverage you just need to come along and see the game unfold for yourself.

Another date for your cricketing diary is Sunday29th June, when two local teams do battle for the Weardale Ashes. Stanhope take on Wolsingham at Unthank in a game where to-date honours are even.