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Tuesday 23rd September 2014

League Averages

With another successful season at an end several of our players again feature in the League Averages.

For the 1XI Wayne Ritzema finished 4th for runs and also in the averages while in his first season in the team Dave Waters finished a highly respectable 10th. Dan Wright's 14 dismissals saw him finish 3rd in the keepers.

For the 2XI Duncan McGregor was the B1 league's standout bowler with his 31 wickets the best total and his average of 7.90 topping the averages for those with 20 wickets or more. Ian Smart finished 5th and Andy Denyer 7th. With the bat Rory Marr posted the highest score (140) by any 2XI batsman to finish 4th while James Ealey was 8th. Chris Morgan's 19 dismissals saw him finish 2nd.

For the 3XI James Ottaway finished 5th for runs scored while Sam Wood was 9th in the bowling averages.

The Eagles finished third in their first season in Division I but walked off with two end of season awards with Anthony Quarrell recording the highest score of the season with his 119 against ORP and Neil Pinnock the best bowling figures against Adders.

All the Under 18 league fixtures have not been entered on play cricket but in the incomplete table Ponteland appear to have finished in 2nd or 3rd for their first season in the West Tyne league.

The Under 15s finished 4th, Ryan Gerrard's 206 runs at 68.66 in the 6 matches topping the Division, Thomas Reeman finished 7th. With the cup matches included Thomas finished with a club record 290 runs in the season and was named the Northumberland U14 player of the year.

The Under 13s finished mid-table in the Premier League while the Under 11s had an excellent year winning 4 of the 6 league matches they played.

Friday 31st July 2014

Big win for 3rds maintains momentum

After the weather forecast had suggested the game would be in doubt the toss took place at Pont under hazy sunshine. Percy Main won the toss but found the going tough as Oli Parker settled in after a wayward over while Andy Denyer's loopy off-spin saw the opening bats struggling with both bowlers taking a wicket each and only conceding 12 in their five over spells. Any hopes the Main had of an acceleration were dispelled by Sam Wood and Alan Varley with a wicket each in their first over, before in Wood's second an excellent low catch to a well hit ball by Alan Varley saw the score on 36 for 5 off 12 overs. Wood (2-20) though then lost his line and bowled several wides and replacement Neil Pinnock (0-20) also struggled. Varley's 5 overs cost just eighteen though with the final wicket falling to a run out by Phil Barlow to see a target of 90.

Umer Farooq (2), fell in the first over but a stand of 44 put Ponteland in control before Neil Stanley (12) and Phil Barlow (0) were dismissed in quick succession to raise the opposition's hopes. The next 4 overs though saw Andy Graves on his return from injury accelerate his innings with a succession of fours and sixes while skipper for the day James Ottaway (15*) contributing 3 fours to the chase. With the target being achieved in just the 12th over Graves finishing on a season's best 48 in a 7 wicket win. With one game remaining the 3rds have a chance of equalling their highest ever finish in the division.

Monday 28th July 2014

Sunday win clinches senior clean sweep

In skiper Neil Pinnock's 100th Sunday match the team battled hard against ORP's bowling attack which proved hard to get away with only Mani Ragbir (51* retired) able to bat with much fluency. Atul More (23) and Chris Barlow (22) were the other main contributors in a total of 159-9 off 35 overs. In reply early wickets for Thomas Oliver and Shoaib Ali were then followed up by Sam Wood's 3-19 as Pont took control. Further wickets for Ragbir, Pinnock, and Rahul Vij saw the innings crumble with Pinnock's direct hit run out accounting for the 9th. The final wicket of a social friendly game gave Jack Dobbing his frst senior wicket as the innings ended on 88.

Neil becomes the 5th player to play 100 games in the Sunday team behind Chris Barlow, Tommy Oliver, Mike Watts and Tony Fagan.

The Saturday teams saw 2 centurions with Wane Ritzema's 117*, his second of the season underpinning an 8 wicket victory for the 1XI against Lanchester, Ifty Fazal's 5 for 49 having helped restrict Lanchester to 219-9. In the Second Eleven Rory Marr put his troubles of the first half of the season behind him with a stunning score of 140 against the same opposition. Support came from a first senior fifty from Ryan Gerrard (51) and an unbeaten 52 from Tom Common in a seasons best score of 278-3. In repl Lanchester raced to 150 all out off just 22 overs, 3 wickets for Duncan McGregor (3-26) and debutant Max Bell (3-30).

Three Midweek victories were also recorded with the Thirds on Thursday recording a 9 wicket win against Hexham Leazes whose total of 119-2 was comfortably overhauled with a brace of thirties from Faizal Padikaran (31), Martin Tallentyre (37*) and Simon Raw (30*). The 2XI progressed to the B Division cup final with a win at Lintz in a hard fought semi and the Eagles recorded their third win in Division I scoring 176-3 against ORP with 119 from Anthony Quarrell.

Wednesday 16th July 2014

Last minute Apples help the Eagles soar over the bay

2014 has seen the Eagles take on Division One with many challenges with every away game clashing with another Ponteland fixture and last night was no different as both the Under 18s and Under 15s also had matches but an Eleven still took to the field to take on Whitley Bay in the battle at the bottom.

Bowling first the Eagles had the Bay in trouble at 18 for 3 as Ian Smart (2-14) recorded two consecutive wicket maidens with good catches by Jonny Appleby and Andy Morgan. Dave Waters (1-15) with the third. With the opening bowlers 4 over spells completed the run rate climbed rapidly as Terry Narine's debut over proved expensive although two catches were dropped which prevented it from being a very different story. Atul More's first over for the Eagles also cost 13 as spirited partnership developed before returning skipper Ash Parker (1-18) found the right length to bowl opener Piper for 39. Appleby (2-17) took two wickets in the final over as Turnbull (33) was then run out by Smart after confusion in the running for a 'team hat-trick' as the innings ended on 106.

In reply Phil Barlow (1) and Paul Hobson (3) were early casualties but Andy Morgan and James Ottaway put together a partnership of 68 before Ottaway fell for 38 and was quickly followed by More (1) and Morgan (30) to bring Whitley right back into the match and with 9 an over required the next two went for just 8 leaving 15 required off the final over. More drama was to follow as Chris Morgan despatched the first ball for 4 only to be out lbw to the next for 8; Dave Waters in expected fashion attempted to 'go big' off his first ball for 2 to then try to repeat the shot to be bowled by the next. Ian Smart scrambled a single off the next before going for the sacrifice 2nd off Appleby's next shot with the bowler missing the run-out chance. With two balls remaining Appleby then launched over extra cover and the ball cleared the fielder on the line for six to leave two runs off the final ball. With the field up the win was clinched as Apples flicked the ball over square leg for the winning boundary and a three wicket win.

Friday 27th June 2014

Its a funny old game, personal highs and lows but a win for the 3s

On a sunny evening with a lightning fast outfield the vagaries of cricket were there to see for members of both sides as Ponteland took on Morpeth looking to bounce back from the 10 wicket mauling the week before.

Putting Morpeth in to bat their opener Ingram was particularly severe early on towards Alan Varley, his three overs costing 33 runs. In contrast at the other end Sam Wood's five overs went for just 19 runs and two wickets, including an excellent catch in the deep by Martin Tallentyre to a ball that dipped on him at the last moment. John Hill bowled much better in his second game of the season as Neil Stanley suffered a night to forget behind the stumps although he did take the catch to dismiss Ingram (67) off Hill (1-51 off 5). Again in contrast at the other end Oli Parker, freed from the 'burden of A-level exams' produced a hostile spell taking 2 for 25 off his five overs. After a slow start to his Ponteland career Umer Farooq (1-12) then took an outstanding one handed catch off his own bowling for his first Pont CC wicket.

In reply with Andy Graves pulling his calf in the field the new opening partnership at the top of Raw and Tallentyre got off to a rocketing start in the chase of 143, Simon Raw with his fourth career six outscoring Tally early on. Some wild bowling saw the 8 run an over target easily reached and a fierce drive from Tally saw Morpeth's batting hero Ingram have to leave the field with a nasty hand injury off his own bowling. With the score on 68 Tally fell to a juggling catch and James Ottaway entered the fray at his aggressive best and speculation grew on the boundary edge as to whether a combination of Jimmy's power and the rapidly climbing extras count would deny Raw his fifty. Raw though picked up the two required to reach the landmark off 52 balls and it wasn't a surprise that the winning runs came off another 5 wides. Ottaway unbeaten on 33 off 19 and 34 extras as the total was overhauled with more than 4 overs to spare.

Wednesday 25th June 2014

U13s outgunned by South North

A beautifully sunny Sunday morning saw South Northumberland U13 visit Ponteland, with some players on both sides determined to get the better of schoolmates on the opposing team.

Batting first, several “30 and retireds” from South North’s top order saw their innings pass three figures without a wicket falling. The run rate, however, remained under control, and a very special last over from Ponteland’s left arm seamer Callum Clemmit saw three wickets fall, and a last gasp bowling bonus point – the innings ending on 129 for 4.

A rapid and classy “30 and retired” from Joe Boaden, against some of the league’s quicker bowlers, got Ponteland off to a good start. A dependable 11 runs from fellow opener Ben Walker likewise kept the scoreboard ticking, and at the 8 over mark Ponteland were well in the game. Hopes soared with an early boundary from big-hitting Toby Morrison, fresh off the back off a “30 and retired” at Benwell Hill a few nights earlier. In the end, however, he and others could not get the better of some very good bowling, with only Hugo MacGowan (14 not out) finding the boundary in the final overs. At 78 for 8 Ponteland fell well short – but with the consolation of a batting bonus point.

Report by Jon Boaden

Monday 23rd June 2014

N-ifty performance caps a good weekend

The 1XI recorded another hard earned win with victory over Alnmouth & Lesbury in the first meeting between the clubs first eleven's since 1973 - not the first time ever as our Twitter postee claimed on Friday - alway check with the club statto prior to making claims !

Batting first with a fast outfield and a firm pitch Wayne Ritzema continued his good form posting his fourth fifty of the season, reaching 86 before being dismissed LBW. Support came from Paul Lindsay with a 60 ball 64 and Dan Wright with 27 before Ifty Fazal light the proverbial blue touchpaper, blasting his way to 49 off just 16 balls before taking a further 4 to get to fifty, his dismissal off the penultimate ball for 55 saw Ponteland's youngest ever first team deutant, Ryan Gerrard make it to the crease although unfortunately at the non-strikers end as Pont finished on 268-7.

In reply Ponteland's bowling seemed lacklustre early on and at 154-1 Alnmouth were well placed to chase down the imposing total before Ritzema (3-54) made the breakthrough with Paul Straker dismissed for 78 then Batey stumped by Wright for 53. Regular wickets then started to fall as Ed Common (3-54) and Ifty (3-46) chipped away before man-of-the-match Fazal took his second catch of the game off Waters (1-29) to complete a 29 run victory.

The 2XI recorded a more comfortable victory at Greenside, with Andy Morgan skippering the side in Chris' absence they batted first and recorded 142-7 on what by all accounts was a tricky surface, Tom Common with 41, Thomas Reeman with a career best 26 and a rapid 36 from John Gardner. Pont's attack then steamed through Greenside to bowl them out for 44, Gardner (3-6), Duncan McGregor (2-13), Mark Waters (2-11) and Ian Smart (2-14) with a couple of catches to Andy Denyer who took on the keeping duties.

Andy by captaining the side plugged one of the few remaining gaps in his Ponteland resume having now Captained all five senior sides, the first person to do so.

Thursday 19th June 2014

Records tumble in 2XI cup romp

Once again the sun shone this evening as the 2XI took on Alnwick in the opening round of the cup. Batting first Ponteland had an early setback as Rory Marr had to retire hurt on 6 and soon after Parag Chauhan followed lbw for 6 to leave the score on 28. Tom Common found useful support in Paul McReady, whose impressive start at the club continued as the two quickly started to dominate the bowling, at times the most likely dismissal was looking like a run out. With the partnership on 75 McReady was dismissed for 33 and then Common was bowled for 48. Any hope that Alnwick had of a slow down were soon dispelled as John Gardner was at his aggressive best with 2 of his sixes seeing the ball disappear over the Sports Centre, the partnership with Andy Morgan raced to 54 as the innings finised on 183-3, Gardner unbeaten on 37, Morgan on 19.

In reply McGregor struck with the first ball, although technically the 0th ball with Chris Morgan completing a leg-side stumping off a wide. McGregor produced a miserly spell as he tore through the top order with 4 for 8 off his five overs as Alnwick collapsed. After a hand injury forced Sam Wood out of the bowling attack Ian Smart's leg-spin proved too much as he took 4 for 14 and Neil Pinnock chipped in with 2 for 11 with Alnwick 46 all out.

The 20 over total of 183 surpassed the previous record of 172-0 which was set in 1989 against Kirkley by Richard Welbury and Tony Murphy. The win margin of 137 runs and the 34 extras conceded by Alnwick were also new 20/20 cup records.

Wednesday 18th June 2014

U15s and U18s win

A week of promised sunshine saw the Under 15s thrash Newcastle City on Monday night. With retire at 50 in their games Ponteland actually batted their 20 overs without losing a wicket. Ryan Gerrard 50*, Thomas Reeman 52*, Luke Hudson 33* off 19 setting up a score of 154. In reply Max Bell with 3-7 and Ben Roberts 2-8 were followed by Jake Roberts 2-7 in reducing City to 25-7 before some late hitting took their score to 80.

The U18s faced Corbridge and after a slow start totalled 102-3, Ryan Gerrard at 14 years 6 days passed Jon Horrocks mark from 1988 to become the youngest to score 50 for the Under 18s with 59. Jonny Mole with some late hitting helping the score to 102-3. In reply Ponteland's bowlers made early inroads into the Corbridge line-up with Mark Waters 1-18 and James Mole 2-20, with good catches from Shoaib Ali and Mark himself. The crucial moment came in Gerrard's first over as the Kiwi opener skied one to be well caught by Tom Morgan. Gerrard's two overs saw him finis with figures of 3-3. The quality catching continued with another to James Mole as Dan Carruthers (1-13), Jack Dobbin (1-5) and Simon Hirst (1-2) ended the innings on 70.

Monday 16th June 2014

Vics batsmen rub it into the Sunday bowlers

Cloudy skies and a moist outfield greeted the sides as the Sunday side met Victorians in a game switched to Ponteland. The familiar face of Ifi Fazal skippered the opposition, and upon winning the toss elected to bat first. Max Bell and James Mole opened the bowling, and it was the latter who struck in the second over, having the opening bat caught at point by captain Neil Pinnock. A steady partnership built until first change Dave Waters dismissed the other opener with his first delivery. Out strode Fazal, up for the challenge of taking on first eleven team mate Waters. Neither Dave nor Jonny Mole were able to dislodge either man, so it was left to captain Pinnock to remove Fazal as he trapped him plumb in front LBW on 42. Jeff Oliver then got in on the act as he took 2-45, but he like most others were put to the sword by Sami who swiftly reached 50 and retired with lusty blows down the ground. Only Pinnock was able to keep him in a check finishing with figures of 2-35 off his 8. Waters (2-46), James Mole (2-48) and Max Bell (1-33) each claimed a further wicket each, leaving Sami to return to finish unbeaten on 86, as Victorians closed on an imposing 244-9.

In reply Pont lost Luke Hudson in the second over without troubling the scorers. Jeff Oliver and Paul McReady then steadied the ship, putting on 83 for the second wicket. When Oliver fell for 28 a procession then followed as 5 wickets fell for just 4 runs as McReady (42) was caught behind and Will Newbigin, Andy Bell and Jonny Mole all came and went without requiring the scorer to expend any ink. Drinks were taken as Mums and Dads were frantically applied. Waters and Pinnock then combined and a flurry of boundaries followed as the score progressed to 133 before Pinnock was cleaned up for 26. Chris Barlow added 14 before he fell caught and bowled to some Fazal filth, and Waters departed soon after LBW for 34. The innings was wrapped up when Fazal bowled James Mole for 2 and Pont ended up 68 runs short on 176 all out.

Report by Neil Pinnock

Sunday 15th June 2014

City slicker downs the 13s

Sun cream and a mid-innings drinks break were needed (for once) as Ponteland U13 travelled to Newcastle City CC on a glorious Wednesday evening. Some beautiful length and line from Rory Nicholson, bagging 4 wickets for 8 runs, saw Ponteland on top in the early stages. Lurking halfway down the Newcastle CC order, however, was an U13 player good enough to play U15 cricket for the county – as he showed with some savage hitting. In a game of cat and mouse, however, spinner Joe Boaden tied him down at the end of the innings (well, most of time) finishing with figures of 3 wickets for 15.

Chasing 87 to win off 20 overs, the Ponteland top order ran into the fastest bowling they had ever seen (to the extent that any of them could see the ball) from the same player. Wickets clattered until Callum Clemmit appeared and, with great application and support from Sam Burren, held the innings together. With 3 overs to go and more than 20 runs to get, he and Ollie Bell perished doing the right thing and throwing the bat. Chris Mason hit a couple of impressive fours, batting at the end with Patrick Laws, but it was not enough to bring about the win – the innings ending on 75 for 8.

Report by Jon Boaden

The weekend saw wins for the 1XI and the 2XI but defeat for the Sunday team. No further details available

Wednesday 4th June 2014

Bowlers set up first win for the U18s

The Under 18s took on Benwell & Walbottle last night having lost their opening 3 fixtures of the season. Winning the toss Oli Parker put them into bat and alongside fellow opener Mark Waters they soon had Walbottle in trouble as regular wickets fell so after the opening 10 overs the score was on 20-4, Waters (2-11) and Parker (2-9). Thomas Reeman (2-13) took over and his flighted spin tempted two batsmen down the wicket to be stumped by Luke Hudson. At the other end Thomas Oliver was more expensive in claiming 3 for 27 as the remaining member of the top order scored 41 before being caught by Jonny Mole as the innings ended on 63.

The batting fragilities of the top order were soon exposed with Jonny Mole (0), Tom Morgan (5) and Ryan Gerrard (8) all dismissed as the innings slipped to 20-3 off 10 overs. Luke Hudson's arrival at the crease to partner Dan Gallagher helped settle the situation, with the two adding 27 before Hudson (15) was lured down the pitch and stumped. Gallagher added 10 more before he was caught for 25 and the runs dried up with just 6 needed, Simon Hirst (0) also falling as just 3 more runs were added in the next 14 balls before Oli Parker launched the penultimate ball of the 18th over the heads of the cover fielders to the boundary to seal a 6 wicket victory.

Tuesday 3rd June 2014

Under 13s match reports

The Under 13 co-ordinator, Jon Boaden, has sent in two match reports covering the opening two fixtures and will continue to keep us informed about there progress this season.

PONTELAND U13 –v- ASHINGTON U13 Sunday 1st June 2014

An idyllic Sunday morning at Ponteland CC – complete with scorer in Panama hat - was shattered as Ashington U13 clubbed runs to all parts of the ground. Their exploits were brought to an end, however, by some safe catching (Hugo MacGowan, Lucas Eden, Eddie Gilhespy) and some unsafe catching (a memorable collision between Joe Boaden and Ben Walker). Tidy bowling from Callum Clemmit and Chris Mason, and a solid display from Nathan Fisher behind the stumps helped restrict Ashington to 86 off their 20 overs.

Good length and line from Ashington’s opening bowlers saw the back of Ben Walker and Lucas Eden, before Joe Boaden and Eddie Gilhespy dug in and steered the innings past the 50 mark. The acceleration required to win, however, accounted for Gilhespy (unluckily run out) and Boaden (retired at 30 not out). Some harum-scarum hitting and running from Toby Morrison (10 not out) and Hugo MacGowan (8 not out) entertained the spectators in the final overs, but was not enough to secure the win. A loss by 10 runs – but 2 valuable league points for the wickets taken and runs made.

CORBRIDGE U13 –v- PONTELAND U13 Sunday 18 th May 2014

A match against Corbridge, who have several of the best U13 players in the county, was always going to be a big ask for a Ponteland team consisting entirely of first year U13s – and so it proved. As successive Corbridge players scored 30 runs and retired, however, the Ponteland team remained positive and – to the delight of their onlooking fans – secured themselves a first league point by taking 4 wickets. A stunning over the shoulder catch from Nathan Fisher and some lightning work in the field from Lucas Eden and Joe Boaden were the highlights. An accomplished wicketkeeping display from Tom Hewson suggested years of experience that he didn’t have.

A string of early wickets in the Ponteland U13 innings saw them adjust their sights from a target of 158 to a target of reaching double figures. Dogged survival at the crease by Ben Walker and Hugo MacGowan, however, saw the innings into the 20s, and towards respectability. A further collapse, however, plunged things back into crisis. A hero was called for, and duly arrived in the form of Robbie Redman. With a bewildering mix of lusty blows, misfields, byes, crazy running and overthrows he and Nathan Fisher clawed their way to a 50 run total – and a priceless batting point – with 2 balls to spare.

Monday 2nd June 2014

Sunday win at Kings but Saturday suffering at the hands of Tynedale

After nearly a month the Sunday team finally took to the field again, this time at Tynemouth to take on Kings Old Boys.  Winning the toss, and wary of falling into the usual trap of being 30-6 when batting first at Priors Park, skipper Neil Pinnock elected to field first.  Richard Wilson continued where he left off against Bamburgh with a tidy line, his new ball partner Pinnock, coming off the long (relatively speaking) run for the first time in a decade faired less well. It wasn't until the 10th over when first change Jeff Oliver (1-25) struck, bowling Moir with the score on 28.  Wilson (1-11off 8) then took his wicket to a stupendous left handed grab by Jeff in the gully, the ball having coming straight off the middle of no.3 Devlin's bat. Andy Denyer (1-21) took over from Wilson, and bowled 3 overs of "Adam Hollioake-esque" medium pace, grabbing an LBW in the process, before reverting to his usual spin.  It was the introduction of Mani Ragbir that changed the game, as he took the crucial wicket of opposing skipper Peter Coyne for 48.  Mani added a further 2 wickets in his 8 overs to end with excellent figures of 3-6.  Dan Carruthers and Atul More then bowled the final overs from each end.  Dan went wicketless, but Atul took 2-2 (including an excellent catch by Jack Dobbing on senior debut), before the Kings effort was ended by a second run out for Ragbir with the score on 101 on the penultimate ball of the innings.

In reply Ponteland opened up with the combination of More and Stanley, who found the going tough against perennial adversaries Ian Black and Brian Walker.  Crucially though no wickets fell until the 15th over when More was caught at point off Black for 17 with score on 44.  Paul McReady entered the fray at 3 for his first knock for Ponteland (and his first in over a decade), and he immediately looked at ease, striking Memon for a huge six over square leg.  Stanley departed for 38 with the score on 71, bringing Jack Dobbing to the crease.  A composed innings followed, and as the field neared ever closer, Dobbing responded by launching the returning Walker over mid-wicket for 4, before falling to the same bowler for a promising 8.  Fellow debutant Andy Bell came and went for 2 and Pont crept towards the victory target on a slow pitch and a slow outfield.  Jeff Oliver then accompanied McReady to score the remaining 10 runs required, McReady (28*) scoring the winning runs with a forcefully struck boundary back over the bowlers head.

Report by Neil Pinnock

The 1XI bowled Tyendale out for 140 but only scored 99 in reply while the 2XI conceded 225 against the same opponents and could only muster 151.

Wednesday 28th May 2014

Smart work sets up Appleby breaks the players

With the weather having again forced all games since last Wednesday off cricket finally resumed with the Eagles facing a new opponent for the club in the Old Recorcd Players. Batting first the Players made a confident start and the opening overs went wicketless as the score passed 60 in the first 5 overs before Mark Turnbull (1-29) took his first wicket on his Eagles debut. The remaining opener Omer then took 22 off Martin Tallentyre's first over before he was caught by skipper Dave Waters off Ian Smart for 46. Smart then took two further wickets in the over as the balance of the game changed as Smart's 4 over spell saw him take 4 wickets for just 15 runs. Tallentyre then had Hassan well caught by Rory Marr as 'Tally' only conceded a further 11 off his next two overs (16 balls). Waters (2-30) then returned to bowl the final over and was successful with 2 LBW appeals as the innings ended on 118-8.

In reply the Eagles lost Andy Morgan to the second ball but Marr and Appleby steadily accumulated and when Marr was dismissed for 24 the score had climbed to 48 before Appleby accelerated to his fifty and accompanied by James Ottaway (27*) the stand of 80 saw an 8 wicket win with an over to spare, Appleby unbeaten on 60.

Wednesday 21st May 2014

Two games in one night, 22 players, 3 debuts but 2 defeats

The hectic shedule continued tonight with the 1XI facing Ashington in Group 1 of the A division cup. Batting first Ponteland scored 148-3 with Anthony Quarrell 64, Dan Wright 41 and Tom Seymour the main contributors. An Early wicket for Ed Common (1-26) to a catch by Johnny Mole in his first senior game gave the team hope but a strong stand saw Ashington in control. For the second night in a row Under 15 Max Bell (1-24) bowled well, this time the catch off his bowling was held for his first wicket for the team and that of their pro Anirudh Singh, Ed Common the safe pair of hands. Other bowlers were less successful, 4 overs between Tom Common, Dave Waters and Ian Smart yielding 72 runs as they won with 2.2 overs and 8 wickets to spare.

The Eagles were the first Ponteland side to visit Whitley Bay since 2001 with a team featuring 9 changes from the last game with Eagles debuts for new player Rob Scanlon, Thomas Oliver and Under 18 Dan Gallacher making his first senior appearance. Batting first Whitley got off to a rapid start with Oli Parker and Thomas Oliver both wicketless at the start. Martin Tallentyre (2-26) made the breakthrough with two towering catches taken first by Oli Parker then by skipper for the night Andy Morgan. With the two openers gone the innings slowed slightly as they finished on 144-2 off their 14 overs.

The Eagles started with flurries of boundaries but Neil Pinnock (13), James Ottaway (18), Martin Tallentyre (12) all fell when set while Gallacher was bowled on 2. A running mx-up between Scanlon (14) and Rafter then saw Scanlon depart. Rafter though went on the offensive, smashing 25 off one over as from 80-6 the score raced to 105 with 4 overs to score 40. The gap continued to narrow and off the first ball of the final over Rafter reached his fifty only to fall to the next ball, another single to Andy Morgan narrowed the margin further but then Chris Barlow's first delivery faced plonked straight back to the bowler who ran Morgan (16) out. Only 1 more run followed off the remaining 3 balls as the Eagles fell 4 runs short of the victory target.

The stand of 69 was a record for the 7th wicket for the Eagles and now means there has been a fifty partnership for the first 9 wickets, given the length of most games there cannot be many teams that have achieved that.

Tuesday 20th May 2014

The busiest week ever begins !

The busiest week the club has this season started on Monday with the Under 15s defeated by 9 wickets to Stocksfield despite Ryan Gerrard's 50. The Under 18s then had to concede their fixture on Tuesday night to Tynedale as unavailabilities due to exams saw few players free.

The 1XI did manage to raise a side to face Cowgate in the Smithson's County Cup but despite 44 from Stuart Taylor and 37 from Anthony Quarrell only posted 114-6 off their 20 overs. Cowgate raced to victory by 7 wickets in the 15th over. Praise is due though to Under 15 bowler Max Bell, debuting in the 1XI without even appearing yet for the 2XI, his four over spell deserved better figures then he ended with as former IPL player Jaswinder Singh hit three huge sixes in his final over.

Wednesday sees another 1XI cup match at home to Ashington while the Eagles visit Whitley Bay. The 3rds then face new opposition for the club in the shape of Hexham Leazes then on Friday the Eagles are in action again with Adders visiting Pont.

Friday 16th May 2014

A match at last

The season finally got going again for the 3rds at home against Humshaugh, batting first Ponteland were pinned down early on and lost Simon Raw (10) and Andy Graves (9). James Ottaway and Phil Barlow had no problem hitting the ball but the soft conditions meant it was hard to get the ball past the fielders before Phil launched a straight six down the ground. Momentum in the innings stalled again though with Ottaway (12), Pinnock (5) and Barlow (20) falling. With debutant Faooq stranded by a broken down car last minute replacement Chris Barlow (7) then despatched his second ball of the season for six over midwicket in a brief innings and Martin Tallentyre's two sixes in his 19 saw the final score reach 102-8.

John Kirton, returning to action for the first time since 2006 opened the bowling but Humshaugh's aggressive approach paid off as neither John (0-27) and Tallentyre (0-24) could get a breakthrough as the opening stand reached 66. Sam Wood thouh then produced an excellent spell, taking 3 for 19 in his five overs including a sharp catch for John Kirton at short fine leg and Alan Varley (1-21) claimed a fourth with a one handed grab by Tallentyre but Humshaugh won by 6 wickets in the 17th over.

Tuesday 6th May 2014

When a debutant shines "That's Amore" (and Wilson)

Despite the overnight rain the Sunday team were able to get their season underway at Bamburgh.

Batting first Pont lost an early wicket with Neil Stanley’s missed sweep seeing the finger raised for lbw. Jeff Oliver and debutant Atul More steadied the ship with a 70 run partnership before Oliver (35) was dismissed. Dave Waters then came and went, entering the duck cup in the process and with Andy Denyer (8) and skipper Neil Pinnock (6) also falling the innings was wobbling. Another Sunday debutant Richard Wilson helped calm the innings down as More passed fifty. Wilson hit several boundaries in his 28 and Ponteland ended on 188 for 6 with More unbeaten on 88 and Anthony Quarrell on 7, although batting in a bobble hat will probably get Quaz some form of fine !

In reply the under strength Bamburgh line-up had no answer to our two junior bowlers with U-15 Max Bell (3-7) and U-18 Thomas Oliver’s (2-6) accuracy reducing the innings to 12-5 off the opening 10 overs. Another U-18 Thomas Harrison (1-24) mixed a nervous start with some good deliveries while Wilson (2-3) rounded off an impressive debut which also included a catch and a run out. Quaz then picked up the final wicket with his first delivery to end the innings on 44.

Monday 5th May 2014

Weekend round up, a bridge too far for 1XI, 2XI sneak over in last deliveries

The 1XI were dismissed for just 54 by Shotley Bridge, Ed Common (12) and Dan Wright (11) the only batsmen in double figures. Despite an early wicket for Liam Cosgrove (1-9) and a later one for Wayne Ritzema (1-22) the visitors to Ponteland completed a comfortable win.

The 2XI successfully chased down 167 to win with two balls to spare to open the defence of their title.

Saturday 12th April 2014

Under 13 & Under 15 practice details

The Under 15s will practice at the ground on a Thursday night from 6pm to 7.30 the first session on 17th April

The Under 13s will practice at the ground on a Friday night from 6.15pm starting on 25th April

Sunday 23rd March 2014

Under 18s join new league, all fixtures now available

With our Under 18 section being one of the largest in our juniors the club has joined the West Tyne League to get some extra fixtures. The team also remains in the Northumberland League's cup competition with 3 group matches in June and July.

All the fixtures for Seniors and Juniors are now available on the respective team pages except for the new cup competition for the 2XI where the draw has yet to be made.

Tuesday 31st December 2013

Indoor Net Details

A slight revision to the indoor nets schedule for this season with just 8 weeks this year instead of 10 starting on 18th February.

The Juniors return to the Newcastle Cricket Centre from 8-9pm and the Seniors 9-10pm

Friday 6th December 2013

1XI & 2XI rule changes for 2014

There are some significant alterations to the Saturday league rules for both the 1XI (A1) and 2XI (B1), these are listed below

League Rule Changes

  1. Maximum overs per bowler to be 12 overs in Divisions A1 & A2 and 10 overs in Division B1 & B2 – with maximum reduced if weather interrupts the first innings of match.
  2. If tea interval is taken during 1st innings of a match that interval is not counted as playing time lost.
  3. Use 30 yard circle in all Division A1 and A2 League games (not used in Division B1 & B2).
  4. No longer fine clubs who concede two or more League games – will still have points deducted.
  5. Umpires car mileage expense rate to be set in same way as umpire fees.
  6. Division ‘B’ cup to revert to knock out format – Division A1 & A2 Cups remain round robin (Tyneside Charity Bowl remains knock out).
  7. Losing teams in Division ‘B’ Cup Preliminary Round enter Plate competition.
  8. For all games using the 30 yard circle, maximum of 5 fielders may be outside circle, either umpire may call no ball for the infringement and use of discs is no longer compulsory.
  9. The Executive shall determine dates of all Cup competitions.
  10. Eligibility rule for 2nd team players in ‘B’ Cup competitions simplified.
  11. Tyneside Charity Bowl to adopt same rules as Divisional Cups – length and duration of innings, 1 minute for new batsmen and ‘free’ hits.
  12. Tyneside Charity Bowl Final can be 20 overs and in mid-week.

Management Committee Decisions

League fixtures will start on Saturday 26th April 2014 with last fixtures on Saturday 20th September 2014.

Dukes County International ‘A’ balls are to be used in all Division A1 & A2 games although clubs will be permitted to use their remaining stock of other balls left over from season 2013 – clubs will be required to notify the League of what stock remain.

Dukes Special Crown Match ‘A’ and Dukes Special Crown ‘A’ are to be used in Division B1 & B2 although clubs will be permitted to use their remaining stock of other balls left over from season 2013 – clubs will be required to notify the League of what stock remain.

Friday 6th December 2013

3XI rule changes for 2014

There were also several rule changes for the Thursday night midweek league at the C Division AGM.

1. Bowler limits for all matches in the League and Ian Appleby Cup are now reduced to a maximum of 5 per bowler not 6

2. Player eligibility rules tightened up to prevent anyone who played over half a team's 1XI fixtures the previous season from being able to play the opening 3 weeks of the season in the 3XI until they make a 2XI league appearance during those weeks to become eligible.

3. Ian Appleby cup rules to come into line with the other knock-out cups of the league with a fielding circle and free-hits for front foot no-balls.

Wednesday 20th November 2013

Review of AGM and Presentation Evening

The AGM took place last night and was a well attended event, the temptation of a buffet and the addition of the presentation of the awards after the normal night had to be cancelled this year helping to swell the numbers, with several of the successful Under 15s team also in attendance.

The business was conducted first starting with the Chairman's report which highlighted the on-field success of the club. Andy Morgan also specifically thanked Tommy Oliver for his work on the construction of the electronic scoreboard and confirmed to the members that Tommy had been awarded the highest honour available to the club of Life Membership. Andy then also thanked the several club officers that are standing down from their posts with groundsman Geoff Appleby, Vice Chairman Mike Barlow and Sunday Captain Chris Barlow all relinquishing their posts after 10, 8 and 13 years respectively. Andy also referred to the strong involvement of juniors in the senior sides, highlighting our current strength in depth.

The Captain's then reviewed their seasons, albeit a written message from Second Eleven skipper Chris Morgan who was away competing on BBC tv show Pointless.

The committee was then reformed with the following changes

Max Taylor - Vice Chairman
Stuart Taylor - 1XI Vice Captain
Dave Waters - 2XI Vice Captain (also remains Eagles Vice Captain)
Ashley Parker - 3XI Vice Captain (also remains Eagles Captain)
Neil Pinnock - becomes Sole Captain of Sunday Team
Sam Wood - Sunday Vice Captain
Chris Morgan - League Representative
Tom Seymour - Additional Committee Member

The trophies were then presented by Phil Mustard of Durham County Cricket Club, a full list of winners are available here

Main awards
Jameson Cup for Contribution to the Club: Tommy Oliver
AW Morgan Cup: Dave Waters
Lawson Rosebowl 1XI Performance: John Gardner 6-34 vs Lanchester
Bowyer Memorial Trophy 2XI Performance: Jonny Appleby 67* v Shotley Bridge
Tom Barlow Cup 3XI Performance: Max Bell 3-4 v South Northumberland
Roy Storer Cup for Fielding: Ashley Parker

A new award for 2013 was the U15 player of the season that went to Joe Bell

Finally the chairman revealed two further awards of life membership, Geoff Appleby and Mike Barlow, two of the longest serving members of the club, Geoff debuting in 1966 with spells as 2XI captain and groundsman while Mike debuted in 1959, playing 54 consecutive seasons for the club to 2012 also fulfilling the roles of Vice Chairman, Club Vice Captain, 2XI Captain and Assistant Treasurer a role he has held since 1979.