SUNDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER

Under 11s Create History with Grand Slam.

Their final game of the season on Sunday 30th August saw Stockton take on Saltburn in the North Yorkshire Cricket Association North v South Champions decider. Having already won the League, Gemara Cup, Regional Premier League and Indoor Kwik Cricket Stockton faced their toughest challenge yet as they chased their fifth trophy and the elusive Grand Slam. The game pitched together the two strongest sides in the area with Saltburn having won every game thus far and Stockton only suffering 1 defeat when holidays and county commitments robbed them of four first teamers.

Unsurprisingly the match was close and Stockton, batting first, struggled against very disciplined and impressive bowling. After the first 4 overs and having lost 3 wickets the score was minus 1, but thereafter with sensible and unflustered batting the score was moved onto 267 for 4 ( net 235 ) with positive contributions from Ben Stevenson (8), Ross Nicholson (8), Josh Sowerby (7), Tom Hewison (5) and Jack Burns (5).

Chasing 236 for victory Saltburn batted very correctly, hitting the occasional loose bowl to the boundary but Stockton's disciplined attack kept the pressure on the home team who by the end of the 12th over had reached 31 without loss. With 4 overs remaining and Saltburn needing only +5 to win Stockton turned to their opening attack of Matthew Gill and Ben Stevenson knowing that wickets were almost certainly needed for victory. They duly obliged taking four wickets, aided by a fine catch behind from Jack Burns and a run out following a quick pick up and throw from Luke Swann. Saltburn finished on 248 for 4 ( net 216 ) to see Stockton triumph again this time by 19 runs.

A fitting climax to a fantastic season.

Well done to all of the players for their excellent play and also their sportsmanship throughout the season. Many thanks to all the parents for their unstinting support and for helping out when required. To the club officials ( in particular Gordon and Paul Stevenson ) for their interest, encouragement, guidance and support and finally special praise to Parr family for their fine cuisine but in particular Dave without whom this success would not have been possible.

Get in there!!!!!!

 

FRIDAY 28TH AUGUST

ELEVENS CAPTURE NEPL TITLE

Fresh from winning the League title the previous Sunday, the Under 11s travelled North on Friday 28th August to take on both local rivals Norton and the host club, South Shields, in the finals of the Regional Premier League. Playing South Shields in the morning Stockton scored 288 for 3 (net 264) with the final pair of Matthew Gill (22) and Ross Nicholson (16) adding 44. In response 'Shields' only managed 247 for 5 (net 207) resulting in a comfortable 57 run victory for Stockton. Bowling honours to Luke Swann ( 1 for 2 ) and Tom Hewison ( 1 for 1 ) with Matthew Gill taking a catch and Jack Burns claiming a run out with a direct hit.

Norton claimed a narrow victory against South Shields in the second match setting up a mouth watering encounter in the winner takes all 3rd game.

Batting first the boys struggled early on and at the halfway stage were only 30 for 3 ( net 6 ). The final two pairings then added 46 taking the score to 252 with Matthew Gill again top scoring with 23, well supported by Josh Sowerby (11), Jack Burns (9) and Tom Hewison (8).

Norton set off confidently in pursuit of their 253 target and were well ahead of target until Tom Hewison and Ross Nicholson ripped into the middle order pairings and by the time Matthew Gill cleaned out two wickets in his final spell, Norton had collapsed to 276 for 9 ( net 204 ) to ensure a 48 run margin of victory for the boys. With 2 for 8 and 2 for 3 Matthew and Ross contributed greatly to the victory but the performance of the day and worthy Man of the Match was awarded to Tom Hewison for his match winning spell of 4 wickets for 7 runs.

 

FRIDAY 19TH JUNE

HAT TRICK HERO HEWISON helps elevens to another success

In a very one sided encounter at Newton Aycliffe, the under 11s continued their impressive form with another comfortable Gemara Cup victory beating their hosts by 103 runs.

With the Clough like Dave Parr resting a couple of first team regulars the team took to the field with a mix of youth and experience including two debutants - Johnny Pritchard and Tom Swan. In total Stockton took 13 wickets during the Aycliffe innings with the home side clearly struggling to put bat on ball against a well drilled and accurate all seam attack. 19 extras were conceded and only 15 runs scored off the bat to leave the home side with a total of 234 less 104 (net 130) to set Stockton a very modest target of 131 for victory.

The wickets were shared out with the opening pair of Ben Stevenson and Josh Sowerby both taking two wickets each for only 3 runs, Hameed Ulahah took 2 for 5, on debut Tom Swan bowled impressively for figures of 3 for 7 but honours to Tom Hewison with a hat trick in his first over ( 2 bowled and 1 caught by Ben Stevenson). Tom also bagged a fine catch at mid on and wicketkeeper Jack Burns took a sharp chance down the leg side and showed reflexes on a par with James Foster to comfortably stump another victim. A direct hit from Ben Stevenson accounted for the other victim with the batsmen run out by some considerable distance.

In response Stockton were given the perfect start as Josh Sowerby and Jack Burns put on an unbeaten opening stand of 19, Jack played the anchor role contributing 4, whilst Josh attacked with relish, ending up as the top scorer in the match with 13 including a perfectly timed clip over mid wicket for 6. The remaining batsmen played sensibly and at times well within themselves with positive contributions from Ben Stevenson (7) and Johnny Pritchard (5). In total Stockton scored 257 for 3 (net 233) to win convincingly by 103 runs.

Uncharacteristically Dave Parr miscounted twice when umpiring clearly distracted by either the aroma of the hot roast beef and jalapeño sandwiches on sale in the clubhouse or perhaps more likely the 20/20 game running concurrently at Stockton. To his credit he remained unfazed and steered the boys to a convincing victory before hot footing it back to Grangefield to take his equally familiar place behind his lean mean grilling machine!

 

WEDNESDAY 10TH JUNE

UNDER 11S MAINTAIN UNBEATEN RECORD

DESPITE inclement weather on Wednesday evening, the wicket at Grangefield remained in good condition allowing the under elevens to continue their impressive start to the season with a comprehensive victory over Seaton Carew in their second match in this season's Gemara Cup.

Fielding first on a wet and slippery outfield the entire team played their part with slick fielding and tight bowling to restrict their opponents to 278 for 8 (net 214). Wickets were shared out across the team with Ben Stevenson and Tom Hewison taking two each, Matthew Gill (above), Thomas Gaffney and James Winship also contributed a wicket each and Matthew Gill secured a run out with a direct hit from the deep. Despite the testing conditions only 24 extras were conceded, a pleasing and considerable improvement on last week's effort in the same competition.

Batting with confidence and increasing power the boys accumulated 286 for 4 (net 254) to run out convincing winners by 40 runs. Batting honours to the more senior players with positive double digit scores from Luke Swan (13), Josh Sowerby (12), Ben Stevenson (12) and Matthew Gill (11).

Without doubt this was the most impressive performance of the season, with the maturity and confidence shown demonstrating the successful development strategy painstakingly designed and implemented by the committed and dynamic coaching staff.

| MATCH PHOTOS |

THURSDAY 4TH JUNE

GEMARA CUP SUCCESS FOR UNDER 11S

Due to County commitments Stockton travelled to Sedgefield with a weakened side for their first round Gemara Cup encounter. Sedgefield were also without a number of regulars so on paper the match looked to be evenly balanced.

Batting first Stockton got off to the perfect start with the senior pairing of Josh Sowerby and Jack Burns dominating the home attack putting on an opening stand of 30 without loss. Unusually Jack was outscored as Josh led by example scoring 20 with a number of powerfully hit shots on both sides of the wicket. Not surprisingly the run rate slowed but with sensible cricket from all and a mature closing stand of 20+ from James Winship (8) and skipper Tom Hewison (10), Stockton finished on 268 for 2 (net 252) to set their opponents a total of 253 for victory.

Uncharacteristically Stockton bowled erratically, struggling to control their line in unfamiliar conditions that facilitated excessive swing, and ended up conceding 36 extras in their 16 overs. Fortunately they fielded well and only 13 runs were scored off the bat. Losing 3 wickets Sedgefield finished on 249 for 3 (net 225) resulting in a relatively comfortable 27 run victory for the boys.

The game was very evenly poised until around the half way point in the Sedgefield innings when a run out and consecutive maidens put the home side behind the scoring rate. In the penultimate over James Winship found his line and length clean bowling one batsmen and having the other very well caught at short fine leg by Hameed Ulahah. The loss of 16 runs proved too much for the home side as Stockton ran out convincing winners.

SATURDAY 30TH MAY

FIRED UP ELEVENS WARM TO SEATON CHALLENGE

THIS eagerly awaited fixture afforded both Coach Dave Parr and a number of the current team the opportunity to avenge last year's controversial and ultimately costly narrow defeat! Despite a mild coastal breeze the weather was perfect for cricket as the boys took to the field following one of Dave's more animated pre-match team talks.

With Seaton batting first it didn't take long for the boys to show how much they too wanted a victory as Matthew Gill struck with the first ball of the match and the entire team celebrated enthusiastically. Thereafter aided by 2 run outs and some very tight bowling, including consecutive maidens from Josh Sowerby, Seaton were restricted to 265 for 3 ( net 241 ) to set Stockton a target of 242 for victory.

From the off Stockton played exactly to orders. With Jack Burns regularly finding the boundary his opening pairing with Luke Swan posted a healthy total that then allowed Josh Sowerby to guide his inexperienced partner Hedar Shaffiq through an unbeaten stand and thereafter Tom Hewison and Thomas Gaffney manipulated the ball around the field to further add a positive total to the score. By the time the powerful final pairing of Ben Stevenson and Matthew Gill marched confidently to the crease around a dozen runs were needed. Well disciplined running and excellent timing of the ball saw Matthew score 21 and Ben 7 which combined to take Stockton to a total of 283 for 2 ( net 267 ) and a winning margin of 26 runs.

A very satisfying day indeed as the team maintained its unbeaten start to the season.

 

SATURDAY 23RD MAY

UNDER 11S PREVAIL IN TOUGHEST TEST TO DATE

Batting first against a very strong and well organised Sedgefield side, the under 11s accumulated 278 for 4 ( net 246 ) to set their opponents 247 to win. Batting honours to Ben Stevenson for his powerful 17 and Jack Burns who contributed a useful 9 runs in an unbroken first partnership stand of 16 with Luke Swan.

Defending 246 was never going to be straightforward and it wasn't until the second half of the Sedgefield innings that Stockton finally took a grip on the game inspired by a run out from a Ben Stevenson direct hit, all round tight bowling and two fine catches from Thomas Gaffney and Matthew Gill. From a position of relative strength Sedgefield suddenly found themselves under increasing pressure and eventually scored 262 for the loss of 5 wickets to register a net score of 222. Stockton winning the game by a margin of 24 runs.

Ben Stevenson capped a fine all round display by taking 2 wickets with Luke Swan and Matthew Gill also contributing a wicket a piece.

Finally it's time to acknowledge the magnificent efforts of Parr's Catering Services for their ongoing provision of traditional cricketing fayre.Thanks to Sue, Dave and Chris.

Under Elevens Crowned Kwik Cricket Champions

In advance of their impressive start to the league campaign, the under 11s triumphed in the Tees Valley Leisure Kwik Cricket League defeating a strong Saltburn side in a close fought final at Eston Leisure Centre.

Finishing second behind Saltburn in the qualifying stages, Stockton were set to face Seaton Carew in the semi-finals but were awarded a bye when their opponents failed to put out a team! Saltburn defeated Norton in the other semi-final setting up a mouth watering final between the competition's top two sides.

Weakened by the loss of their captain Matthew Gill (holiday) and James Winship (injury), Stockton went into the match as clear underdogs having already been convincingly defeated by their opponents when meeting during qualification. Batting first and showing a maturity beyond their tender years the boys all performed admirably to lose only 1 wicket and set the opposition a total of 245 for victory.

In defending their total skipper Ben Stevenson set the tone with his usual high octane performance and with inspirational tactical awareness from Coach Dave Parr Stockton fielded superbly and with flawless and economical bowling throughout always kept Saltburn well behind the required run rate. Despite a late flurry from their final pair Saltburn fell 4 runs short and against all the odds Stockton were crowned worthy victors.

Congratulations to the entire squad - Ben & Toby Stevenson, Josh Sowerby, Tom Hewison, Luke Swan, Thomas Gaffney, Jack Burns, and Jonathan Pritchard.

 

SATURDAY 16TH MAY

BRIGHT FUTURE FOR THE UNDER ELEVENS

Despite being without three of their more senior players the Under 11s again romped to a convincing victory this time beating Newton Aycliffe by 81 runs.

First team debuts were handed to youngsters Toby Stevenson, Hedar Shaffiq and Hameed Ulahah and all repaid the faith shown in them by coach Dave Parr. Fielding a side that included 6 players younger than the respective age group, Stockton batted first and accumulated an impressive 94 runs without loss for a total of 294 having started on 200. Batting honours to Tom Hewison with a brilliant 24 and Jack Burns who added 14. All the other batsmen contributed positive totals and with extras providing 42 Aycliffe were set a very challenging 295 to win.

As the weather deteriorated and the ball became extremely difficult to grip, the whole team performed admirably in the field to restrict the opposition to 277 for the loss of 8 ( -64 ) to record a final total of 213. The wickets were shared out with Toby Stevenson leading the way with figures of 2 for 13 from his two overs. Other wicket takers with one each were, James Winship, Tom Hewison, Luke Swan, Thomas Gaffney and Hedar Shaffiq.

The promising start to the season continues and with the big guns back next week expectations are high for another fine performance!

 

SATURDAY 9TH MAY

A PROMISING START FOR THE ELEVENS

In bright but breezy conditions the boys opened up this season's league campaign with a comfortable 76 run victory against a young and relatively inexperienced Blackhall side. 

Fielding first, Stockton's bowlers all maintained a tidy line and length restricting the opposition to only 29 runs of which only 10 were scored off the bat! The fielding was tight througout and Jack Burns, behind the stumps, capped a fine performance with a neatly taken chance off Thomas Gaffney and a couple of run outs ably assisted by laser like throws from the ever alert fielders. Bowling honours to Thomas Gaffney who flighted the ball impressively throughout his two over spell ending with figures of 3 wickets for 2 runs. Other wicket takers were Matthew Gill (2) and Ben Stevenson.

In summary Blackhall accumulated 29 runs for the loss of 8 wickets ( -64) so having started on 200 recorded a total of 165 to set Stockton a modest target of 166 for victory.  

Batting sensibly throughout on a difficult pitch with little bounce, the boys coasted home scoring 58 for the loss of only 2 wickets (-16) to finish the match on 242. Extras top scored with 28 whilst Matthew Gill recorded the highest individual net score of 5 (13 - 8). The remaining runs were shared out across the team with positive contributions from all.         

All in all it was a promising start to the season with the side looking very competent and especially strong on the bowling front.  

A special note of thanks to Billy Webster for his willingness to assist and his impeccable umpiring! Furthermore, well done to Paul Stevenson who in Dave Parr's absence demonstrated his increasing tactical acumen and motivational qualities. 

Blackhall 166 net (T Gaffney 3-2)
Stockton 242 net
Stockton won by 76 runs