1st XI - Sacriston Cruise past Morpeth

Morpeth went into Saturday's clash with Sacriston in buoyant mood but ended the day feeling very different. On paper the sides are of similar quality and will both be looking to push the top few come September, but Morpeth underperformed and made it an easy outing for their Durham rivals.

Although the pitch appeared slightly seamer friendly, skipper Reagan was more than happy when losing the toss and being asked to bat. But the decision soon looked shrewd as both openers fell early doors, danger man Reynolds losing his off stump to a M Hubber delivery that kept slightly low form a good length. The gentler seam of Stephenson then had Prixton caught behind for 2. Reagan and Maxted attempted to repair the damage in the fashion they know best, and attacked wherever possible, hitting clean shots over mid-wicket and cover.

Maxted had just entered double figures when the nippy M Hubber had him caught in front and Reagan chipped a half volley from Stephenson to Burke at square leg for 16. Barry Hills and Wailes began to rebuild, ticking the strike over and playing some flowing drives through the off-side. Hills was looking particularly impressive and had thwarted Stephenson in an illegally long spell for an 18-year-old, until his chanceless and fluent innings was ended on 39, LBW to the Sacriston youngster. This was further compounded when Wailes drove Dawson to Peal at mid-off on 19.

The innings was drawing rapidly towards a close, as Goodings gave wicket-keeper Shields another dismissal from Dawson's medium pace. The returning M Hubber then clean bowled 'Dougal' Craigs after some graceful strokes and Elliott gave him his fourth wicket, feathering a wide one to Shields. Brown stuck in well as the wickets tumbled around him, ending on a courageous 30 not out, as Stuart Hills was caught in the deep off H Hubber's leg spin for a well made 13, and Morpeth closed on 174 all out.

Needing an early break through, Morpeth's seam attack did not start on song, and Sacriston raced to 63-0 from the first ten overs, with short balls occurring too regularly. Skinny Spinners Elliott and Reagan did put the brakes on, and the former removed openers Shields and Milton, caught behind
and sharply at mid-wicket by Wailes to finally apply some pressure. However, Burke and H Hubber showed the application that Morpeth's batsmen lacked and dug in to take the game away from the hosts. Reagan got the wickets he deserved, having H Hubber stumped by Maxted for 37, but Cloughton saw the job through and Sacriston coasted home with 3 wickets down and 10 overs to
spare.

Morpeth head to Annfield Plain on Saturday looking for a much improved performance and result.
 

Jonny Wailes

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