Date for the Diary - Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd September - The Lord's Taverners

The weekend of the 1st and 2nd of September will see the famous and prestigious Lord's Taverners come to Longhirst for what is sure to be an event not to be missed.

The Taverners are the official charity for the game of cricket, raising money to create opportunities for ‘giving young people, particularly those with special needs, a sporting chance.’

The Saturday night will feature dinner at the Hall, followed by a Taverners side taking on a Longhirst Invitational XI in a 50 overs match.     Read More Information

28th July - 1st XI - Morpeth return to winning ways

A welcome win saw Morpeth rise towards safety, as Annfield Plain were well beaten at Longhirst. On a day that had spells of blistering sunshine, and patches of murky grey clouds, Morpeth won the toss and skipper Reagan chose to bat.
 
Openers Blake Reynolds and Mikey Craigs set there stall out for a lengthy stay at the crease, and looked solid against pace and spin bowling. Both players worked the ball into gaps, and Reynolds in particular punished anything full with some handsome extra cover drives.          Read Full Match Report

30th June - 1st XI - Ben Blasts League Leaders with Champagne Style

Morpeth went to league leaders Leadgate on Saturday with hopes of being able to complete their first game in three weeks due to the adverse weather. However on arrival things were not looking promising with a wet pitch and rain in the air, the toss would have been an excellent one to win, with bowling first the only option on what would be a lively pitch. However the toss was won by the Leadgate skipper who inserted Morpeth into bat.

Play started on time at 1:30 and the pitch proved to have a bit of life in it with some signs of uneven bounce, Morpeth openers Reynolds and Michael Craigs were watchful early on and with only 4 completed over’s and 1 run on the board the rain began to fall heavily and play was stopped. With the continued rain play was halted until 4pm.    Read Full Match Report

30th June - 2nd XI - Morpeth can't Beat the Showers

Morpeth 2nd XI were in action against Seaton Burn on Saturday at Longhirst Hall. Despite the best efforts of the grounds men to prepare the wicket and the two captains to get the game on, no more than 24 overs of play were possible. Morpeth won the toss and inserted Seaton Burn, and this proved to be a good decision as Ben Jones removed Blacklock for 3 in the third over. However, Dixon and Weldon then dug in and posted a fifty partnership, which was far from chanceless, to frustrate the Morpeth bowlers.

Embley did snare two late wickets by having Dixon caught at point by Loz Brown, and then bowling Sinton. However, in the process of being bowled Sinton managed to perform the splits and at that point the Umpire and Captains decided the conditions were too dangerous to continue. The game being abandoned with Seaton Burn 65 for 3 after 24 overs.

Date for the Diary - Sunday 12th August - Northern Universities Elite vs Longhirst Allstars

On Sunday 12th August, Longhirst will be hosting an Invitation XI from around the world which will be taking on the Northern Universities elite in a Charity event for the Great North Air Ambulance fund. The Longhirst team will include several ex-Durham players including Martin Speight and Nicky Phillips along with professional cricketers playing in the region including our very own Blake Reynolds.     Read More

23rd June - 1st & 2nd XI - Another Washout, but the Hog Roast is a Great Success

Both Morpeth's First and Second teams were washed out again this weekend without a ball being bowled. Despite sunshine during the week, the heavens opened on Saturday morning and Longhirst was left under water by the scheduled start time for the derby game with Ashington Firsts, while the Seconds game at Consett had been cancelled mid morning due to thunderstorms.

However, on Saturday evening the club had a Hog Roast evening which was a great success. Over a hundred people turned up to enjoy pork sandwiches, prize draws and competitions. The event helped to support the clubs fundraising activities and peoples attendance and generosity is much appreciated. Hopefully some pictures from the event will appear here soon.

16th June - 1st & 2nd XI - It's a Damp Squib

Both Morpeth's First and Second teams were washed out this weekend without a ball being bowled, the heavy rain that had fell from Tuesday making grounds around the North East unfit for cricket.

9th June - 1st XI - Morpeth Fall Short in Mammoth Run Chase

Morpeth more than played their part in one the best games seen at Longhirst in recent times. It was not a day to be a bowler, as the ball flew to all parts throughout the day, with the sun beating down on a hard and flat surface.

It was opponents Newcastle City that got first use of the conditions, and they showed their intent early on, flying away at over a run a ball, riding their luck on numerous occasions. Horner took the early wicket of Kashyap, as he played an ugly swipe to a short-ish ball, Jonny Craigs taking an easy catch at mid-off. But the visitors were not to be deterred and continued to through the bat at anything vaguely off target. Other opener Hussain was run out for 40, as Barry Hills’ good work let ‘Palamino’ Paul Elliott take the bails off.    Read Full Match Report

9th June - 2nd XI - Centurion Poxton Leads the Way for Morpeth

Morpeth Seconds continued their excellent start to the season with another victory on Saturday. This time they had far too much for local rivals Alnwick and claimed the maximum 20 point victory. Morpeth scored 212 for six from their allotted overs, with Andrew Poxton carrying his bat for a brilliant 108. In reply Alnwick were dismissed for 128, with the gentle off-spin of Elliott proving far too much for half the Alnwick batting line up, as he returned 5 for 28.

On a warm and humid day underneath grey sky's Morpeth Captain Maxted called correctly and promptly choose to make first use of the wicket, which looked slow and crumbly before a ball had been bowled. Opening pair Cowell and Poxton set off steadily with some watchful batting as the track did prove to be slow and at times low bouncing.     Read Full Match Report

2nd June - 1st XI - Maxted blasts Morpeth to victory

Morpeth brought their recent run of defeats to a welcome end against a struggling Percy Main side on Saturday. After a disciplined bowling performance, the visitors were indebted to wicket-keeper batsman Ben Maxted after a fluent knock of 69 took Morpeth home.

The day started in slightly surreal circumstances as star Aussie bat Blake Reynolds sustained an eye injury in the pre-match warm up, impairing his vision and looks considerably. With that in mind, skipper Reagan inserted the hosts Percy Main to bat on an even but low track. Jimmy Craigs broke through immediately in the second over as Wailes caught one handed diving low to his right at gully, sending Lindley back to the pavilion without scoring.     Read Full Match Report

2nd June - 2nd XI - Morpeth Batsmen Struggle, as Percy Main 'Edge' Victory

Morpeth seconds lost their unbeaten start to the table as Percy Main edged home to victory. Morpeth batted first on a hard Longhirst track and posted 157, with Sandy Meikle being the highlight of the batting with a well constructed 46. However, in reply Percy Main reached 160 for four in the 39th over, with the game being a story of missed chances for Morpeth as two edges were dropped and numerous others went through the slip and gully region.     Full Match Report to Follow

26th May - 1st XI - Morpeth Slide to Loss at Annfield Plain

Morpeth First XI were short of runs on Saturday as they lost to Annfield Plain. Morpeth managed to post 161 all out in 40 overs, with Ben Maxted top scoring on 32 and Khan being the pick of the Annfield bowlers, returning 5 for 18. In reply Annfield managed to make the necessary runs for the loss of just four wickets.

26th May - 2nd XI - Morpeth Make Hay While Sun Shines

Morpeth Second XI played their first home game of the season against Whickham on Saturday, and with sunny conditions and a good pitch everything was set for a competitive match. Morpeth won the toss and choose to bat first, piling up the runs in the first 25 overs with plenty of boundaries, both fours and sixes. Despite losing wickets late on, Morpeth still posted an excellent 247 for four of 45 overs. The Morpeth bowlers took some stick early on, but the introduction of off-spinner Craigs slowed the Whickham run rate, whilst also regularly chipping away with wickets. All though some late showers threatened to ruin the day, Morpeth ran out comfortable winners with Whickham closing on 209 for eight after their 45 overs.

Morpeth Captain, Chris Maxted, had no hesitation in choosing to bat after winning the toss on what looked like a good batsmen's pitch and with Whickham still 5 players short due to poor map reading skills. Stephen Cowell and Jonny Craigs opened the batting and began well, with any poor deliveries dispatched to the boundary with a touch of class.    Read Full Match Report

19th May - 1st XI - Morpeth take Lintz to the Wire

Morpeth looked to end their recent slump when high flying Lintz visited Longhirst on Saturday. With a green looking wicket the product of a rainy week, Lintz skipper Christie inserted the home side and the innings began in familiar fashion. Aussie duo Reynolds and Reagan were looking solid enough when Captain Reagan was bowled not offering a shot on 14. And Wailes soon following trapped in front by the experienced but lively Christie, who also sent Maxted back to the pavilion with a well disguised slower ball getting through the wicket-keeper’s defences in the next over.

Palmer then strode out to rebuild with Reynolds looking solid. The pair gradually began to turn things around, and after a watchful start the Western Australian began to branch out with shots all around the ground. At his graceful best, Reynolds produced masterful cuts and drove strongly, with anything too straight disappearing through the on-side.     Read Full Match Report

19th May - 2nd XI - Morpeth Snatch Victory from Ryton

Morpeth Second XI went in search of their second consecutive victory away from home when visiting Ryton, after last weeks disappointing rain off at Longhirst. Conditions were sunny but very windy and the pitch was poor to say the least. Ryton had first use and from the outset the bounce was variable. Morpeth bowled good lines and took regular wickets to restrict Ryton to 125 for 8 after 45 overs. Morpeth struggled in reply, before the tail end mounted a late surge to push Morpeth to victory with one wicket and two overs to spare, finishing on 127 for 9.

The day began with Morpeth Captain, Chris Maxted losing the toss, but to his surprise Ryton chose to bat on a damp and soft wicket. From the outset Nick Rose bowled some good areas and was rewarded when Williams tried to force one of the back foot but could only find Maxted at gully who took the catch high to his right. Scott came to the wicket to join Johnson, and Embley was unlucky not to cling onto a return catch from Scott in the sixth over.    Read Full Match Report

12th May - 1st XI - Morpeth Crumble at Shotley Bridge

Morpeth succumbed to a third defeat in four with a disappointing display at > Shotley Bridge. The game appeared unlikely to go ahead in the morning after torrential rain, however only half an hour was lost and a 45 over game was completed.
 
Reagan lost the toss and Morpeth were put into the field, on a green but even wicket that would offer a bit for both batter and bowler. Young seam hope Ben Jones deputised for Chris Horner with aplomb and shared the new ball with Jimmy Craigs. Both extracted movement and Jones in particular beat the bat several times, but Openers Brown and Collingwood, brother of local test hero Paul, were quick to latch on anything loose and got off to a good start.    Read Full Match Report

12th May - 2nd XI - No Play Due to Rain

Morpeth Cricket Club's second team were defeated by the rain on Saturday, as the heavy downpour on Friday night and into Saturday morning had left the Longhirst square waterlogged and unplayable.

5th May - 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 from 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.         Read Full Match Report

5th May - 2nd XI - Morpeth Batsmen Prosper to Setup First Win

Morpeth Second's got their season under way on Saturday with an away game against Greenside, the team that finished third and one place above Morpeth last season. A superb batting performance saw Morpeth post 200 for 3 from their 45 overs and then the bowlers took over and made light work of Greenside's batting, dismissing their hosts for 136 and claiming a maximum 20 point win.

On a warm and sunny early May day the Greenside pitch and outfield looked in excellent condition, Morpeth were missing a couple of their regular batsmen, but had a strong bowling line up and Captain Tom Wright was planning on fielding first if he won the toss. Fortunately the toss was lost and Morpeth were inserted.         Read Full Match Report

28th April - 1st XI - Hat-trick Hills Sets up First Win

Morpeth got their season going on Saturday, in an eventful encounter with Benwell and Walbottle. In an action-packed afternoon, awash with runs, wickets and incident; Morpeth ended as comfortable victors.

Chris Reagan kept a 100% record as far as tosses are concerned and chose to give his batsmen first use of a flat but low wicket. The chief threat to openers Reynolds and Ruckspin was the consistent and brisk Graham Angus, with the latter losing his off-stump to a length delivery that barely got above boot lace height, for just 4 runs. Reynolds and new partner Reagan remained watchful, and once coming to terms with the conditions began to look assured.

Read Full Match Report

21st April - 1st XI - Morpeth Show Promise in Defeat

Morpeth began the season with a challenging tie, playing host to reigning champions Tynedale. It was clear from the outset that their Northumbrian rivals, who have won the league on four of the last five campaigns, would provide stiff opposition.

Skipper Chris Reagan won the toss, and on a murky day with slightly green conditions, sent Tynedale into bat. New boy Chris ‘Fruit Corner’ Horner and seasoned pro James Craigs took the new ball and showed promising early signs.     Read Full Match Report

2007 Membership Fees Now Due

All Senior and Junior membership fees are now due. These fees can be paid through the online shop, or through the paper membership form attached to the April newsletter. The club would prefer that you use the website to pay, as it reduces our administrative burden. The website is a fully secure application, which accepts all major debit and credit cards. The applicable fees are:

Senior membership                                                 

Junior membership playing senior cricket                

Junior membership playing junior cricket only         

Social membership

Club officials                                                  

£65

£60

£30

£10

£5

These fees must be paid before 31st May 2007, after this date all fees for players will increase by £10, so please ensure you pay early. Parents / Guardians please note that one parent must join the club as a social member, this will help support the future development of the club, and also means that the club complies with Government guidelines.

New Club Shop is Now Open!!

The club shop is now open, reachable through the link at the top of this page. The club shop is where you can renew your membership's for the 2007 season and where club clothing can be purchased. There is an excellent selection of playing wear, including sweaters and shirts. There is also training and casual wear which includes tracksuits, polo shirts, and fleece's. All of the clothing is embroidered with the club logo and current sponsors logo.

Our supplier has requested that we have three cut off dates, these are the 20th April, 20th May, and 20th June. Orders up to these dates will be processed after the cut off date, with the supplier aiming to source the products and embroider with in a two week period. The clothing will then be distributed at practice sessions.

2007 Natwest Cricket Force

Morpeth Cricket Club will be participating in the Natwest Cricket Force in 2007. The support of all members will be welcome as the club gears up for the new season.

Activities to be completed include cleaning up litter and waste around the Sports Club pitch, painting of the Pavilion at the Hall Pitch, and retrieval, dismantling and disposal of aluminium posts from damaged netting. The Cricket Force will be taking place on Saturday 7th April and all members are invited to attend and help the club out.

Letter from Chris Reagan, 1st XI Captain

2006 Season Review