Stanhope vs. Coxhoe


With all to play for, both teams assembled at Unthank Park Stanhope for game that could well go some way to deciding the eventual title race. With 16 points separating the teams it had all the makings of a tense, closely fought contest. The match did not disappoint and all who came to witness the spectacle agreed that it was a shame there had to be a winner.

For once the summer played along, perhaps it too wanted to see a game between the top teams, with a week of heavy rain the newly acquired Covers ensured that the Wicket was as dry as possible. Early in the week it was doubtful if the ground could be made ready, the outfield needed a cut and the wicket was in need of some sun to dry out. Mid-week saw a brief break in the relentless rain to enable the outfield to be cut, now all that was needed was some sun and/or wind to dry the wicket.

On the morning of the game Unthank Park was surprisingly dry and the wicket was starting to dry out very quickly --- if the expected rain (depending on which forecast and weather warning you follow!) stayed away then the game was on.

As it turned out Saturday in Stanhope was one of the few places in the North East without rain. Both teams were keen to play and Stanhope were to bat first with the opening pair of E. "Rock" Rowell and F. "Gloves" Stephenson. I should report at this point that Stanhope were without a couple of key batsmen, and S. Campbell was able to draw upon 3-young players (G. Wright, A. Kitching and W. Beale) to come into the side and make an impression.

From the start the pace was slow, runs were slow in coming and the bowlers needed to work hard to get lift and movement off the batting strip. Although the opening pair were able to stay at the Crease for a good number of overs, they simply were unable to attack the bowling of N. Lawson and N. Hughes. N. Hughes' figures aptly demonstrate the point, 9 Overs, 7 Maidens, 3 Runs for 0 Wickets. The runs were taken from the bowling of Lawson who conceded 35 off 11 Overs, mind you he also claimed the wicket of Stephenson as he edged the ball to the Coxhoe wicket keeper who took his first of 2 fine catches, exit Gloves after scoring 16. Steve Muse came to support Rowell and after settling in, an instruction to up the run rate was made. Steve looked in fine form, but unfortunately he very quickly became the second scalp for the wicket keeper, C. Mulkerrin, making 16 before catching an edge.

It was up to Chris Wearmouth to steady the ship at 4, he quickly settled in, and was soon supported by A. Robinson following the dismissal of Rowell for 12 runs. Wearmouth and Robinson looked hungry for runs, scoring a couple of boundaries and running well between the stumps. However with the recent weather shots that would normally have reached the boundary were falling short, but "it's the same for both teams" as they say. Still this pair were able to build the back-bone of an Innings scoring a total of 38 between them.

Following the removal of Robinson to an LBW appeal, S. Campbell came out to face. He very soon became the second of 4 wickets taken by W. Southern being caught for 0. Wearmouth was also soon to be removed as he was needed to carry on scoring but was bowled on 24 runs by Southern. The final 5 batsmen scored 7 runs. R. Pringle was run out and the next 3 batsmen were bowled with Ian Muse offering some resistance but the tail certainly did not wag. So the total set was 109 after 37.4 Overs, it could easily have been higher but the bowling of Coxhoe was just too good on the day.

After Tea and a team talk by the Captain, Stanhope came out to field with a determined eye to make amends. Adam Robinson was disappointed with his batting and was focused on making up the difference by posting some good bowling figures. All looked good at the start of the Coxhoe Innings, Robinson and Pringle, kept the overs ticking along with the batsmen being contained well. At drinks (25 Overs) the scoreboard looked similar to Stanhope's at the same point. All except that is for the number of wickets, the only victim being S. Ord caught and bowled by Pringle for 1.

The Umpire was heard to comment to Pringle that his drink break must have had an added effect as straight away he claimed two valuable wickets in 3 balls. The opening batsmen of I. Whitfield edged a good catch to Stephenson, causing Pringle to skip down the wicket and give a whoop for joy.

By the time the fourth Coxhoe wicket had fallen the game was looking very even. The opening 4 batsmen had been removed for 44 runs, compared to Stanhope's 68 runs, but it was the middle order that proved to be the key to ultimate success. Batsmen 5 to 8 for Coxhoe simply carried on scoring runs, albeit at a slower pace, posting 51 runs, compared to just 20 for the home side.

S. Campbell from the Railway Line end was to contain the scoring rate, but with their tails in the air and a couple of cheep wickets falling to Robinson Coxhoe jogged passed the winning line with 3 wickets in hand and 7 overs still available.

So a fine game with Stanhope collecting 6 points and Coxhoe a maximum of 20. How does the league table look now? Coxhoe have 141 points from 10 games and Stanhope picking up 6 valuable bonus points are still top of the League with 143. With just 2 points separating the teams, third placed Wearmouth being beaten by East Rainton and Houghton securing a good win against mid table Tantobie, a gap of 27 points has opened up between second and third place. Clearly an exciting second half is developing as both Coxhoe and the gallant Stanhope players continue to battle for top honours.

The next game for Stanhope, weather permitting, is again at Unthank Park and is against fourth placed Wearmouth. Stanhope will be looking to make good on their first game defeat, and what of Coxhoe? Well they play Houghton who are now in second place in the League on 114. Who said cricket is boring!!!!!!!