Last
update: Thursday 2 September 2010
05:38 BST
Team selections
This week's teams can be found here.
Second's lift George Coates Trophy
David Haxon receives the George Coates Memorial Trophy
The second eleven won the George Coates Memorial Trophy for the first time since 1998. They beat Sunderland by five wickets at Stockton on Sunday (29 August).
Batting first Sunderland were made to work hard for their runs on a difficult wicket in blustery conditions. Sunderland recovered from 14 for 4, but were bowled out for 123 in the 35th over. Mark Wright and John Chambers each claiming three wickets. The Hill suffered an early setback as they began their reply losing Joe Moore in only the second over, and at 60 for 5 the game was very much in the balance, but a very mature innings from 15-year-old Jack Clark (41 not out) together with a solid 20 not out from skipper David Haxon saw the Hill home with ten overs to spare.
Benwell Hill 2nd XI,
George Coates Memorial Trophy Winners 2010
Standing (l-r): John Chambers, Leighton Hopper,
Johnny Turnbull, Mark Wright, Joe Kilpatrick, Paul Askell,
Jack Clark, Saud Shinwari.
Sitting: Matty Hynd, David Haxon, Joe Moore
Bank Holiday round up
Not a great weekend for our senior sides who were in league action on Saturday (28 August) and Monday (30 August).
The first eleven drew with Blaydon on Saturday, Ali Maiden reaching 100 for the second time this season, and somewhat surprisingly lost by two wickets to Stockton on Monday.
The second eleven suffered a three wicket defeat at Blaydon, but atoned for that defeat by inflicting a heavy defeat on Stockton on Monday. They beat the Teessiders by 163 runs with Tom Cant making his maiden 100 for the Hill and Joe Kilpatrick recording figures of 7 for 40.
The West Tyne third eleven went down for the second successive Saturday as they lost to Allendale by eight wickets, while the NEPL third eleven lost by four wickets at Blaydon on Sunday (29 August).
Food for thought?
Today’s (28 August) game between Benwell Hill and Blaydon will be well contested of that there is no doubt. But, if it was a stepping stone to an end of season play-off then perhaps there would be even more to it!
The top four qualifying for a September semi-final and then Grand Final would leave the top five teams today jostling for position. The edge is surely off at the bottom too. Currently Sunderland are lying in eighth before today’s round of games are just 29 points clear of bottom slot. There are 30 points maximum available for a win. All five of the bottom clubs must have at the back of their minds that it seems unlikely that any of the four clubs likely to win their league (Durham Senior League and Northumberland & Tyneside Senior League) will seek promotion.
This situation too could be remedied by allowing a top three club to challenge the NEPL’s wooden spoonists to a winner takes all relegation match. Thus today ten of the NEPL’s teams would have something tangible to play for, as it is there are probably only two and they are Chester-le-Street and South Northumberland, who for nine out of the eleven years of NEPL cricket have won the league.
The current situation needs to change!
Cup news
The second eleven travel to Stockton tomorrow (29 August) to meet Sunderland in the final of the George Coates Trophy. David Haxon's side are currently joint holders of the trophy. The game starts at 1.30 pm.
At Denton Bank Chester-le-Street play Newcastle in the final of the Just Sport Trophy, with a 1.00 pm start.
Keep on running
The Bupa Great North Run, the world's biggest half marathon, will take place on Sunday 19 September. Amongst those taking part are second eleven skipper David Haxon and his sister Rachel.
The brother and sister combo are hoping to raise cash on behalf of the Stroke Association. If you wish to donate to this very worthy cause you can do so by following this link.
Hill parade 'Marquee' signing
Fenham's greatest export to the New World made a much belated return to the cricket field during a recent visit to the 'Old Country'. Gavin Richmond, looking fit and trim as ever, is pictured here taking the field in a recent Hill game.
Somehow, it's just not the same without him!
Hill triumph in Smithson final
Benwell Hill retained the Bobby Smithson Northumberland County Cup on Sunday (22 August) when they comfortably beat Newcastle City by 60 runs at Denton Bank.
Man of the match Mark Dale led the way for the Hill as they total 169 for 7 off 20 overs. Mark's 69 came at just under a run a ball. Newcastle City replied with vigour as 18 came off the first two overs. However, the loss of five wickets for the addition of only 14 runs left City at 33 for 6 and the contest just about over.
Weekend Round-Up
It wasn't a great day for our senior sides on Saturday (21 August) with only the first eleven remaining undefeated.
Mark Dale recorded his second premier league hundred for the Hill at Ashbrooke as the Hill declared on 278 for 5. Mark's 110 not out came off 118 balls and included nine fours and three sixes. In reply Sunderland were 141 for 9 at the close with David Rutherford claiming six home wickets for 34 runs.
The second eleven were skittled out of 74 on a damp Denton Bank wicket. Sunderland had seven wickets in hand when reaching their target.
The West Tyne third eleven suffered another set-back in their pursuit of the league title as they went down by five wickets to Hexham Leazes after the Hill were shot out for 71. The NEPL third eleven went down by seven wickets at champions-elect Blaydon on Sunday (22 August). John Chambers made his maiden senior hundred. He scored 129 not out out of a Hill total of 190 for 6.
Smithson Cup Final
The final of the Bobby Smithson Northumberland County Cup takes place this Sunday (22 August) at Denton Bank. The current holders Benwell Hill, take on Newcastle City in a repeat of the 2007 final which the Hill won. The game starts at 4.00 pm.
Second final for the seconds!
David Haxon's second eleven reached their second cup final of the season last night (19 August) when they beat Newcastle at Jesmond to reach the final of the Roseworth Trophy. They will now meet Ryhope, who they beat in last year's James Bell Cup final, in the final at Gosforth on a date which has yet to be confirmed.
The second eleven have the final of the George Coates Trophy to look forward to before they meet Ryhope. The final of the George Coates Trophy will be held at Stockton Cricket Club on Sunday 29 August starting at 1.00 pm.
Bamburgh 2010
The annual friendly fixture between Benwell Hill Cricket Club and Bamburgh Castle Cricket Club took place on Wednesday 18 August at Bamburgh.
It was a thoroughly enjoyable day for all those players and spectators involved. Set against the magnificent splendour of the Norman castle the game was played in a fine spirit and whilst the result was secondary, it should be noted that Bamburgh Castle won by two wickets.
Spot The Ball
A big thank you to all of those who entered the recent Spot The Ball competition. We are currently sifting through the many entries and will announce the winner soon.
A very special thank you however, to Mr. Mark Wright who sent his own special entry in. Better luck next time Coolio!
Smithson final date for first eleven
The first eleven reached their third cup final of the season as they beat Ashington this evening (16 August) in the semi-final of the Smithson Northumberland County Cup. They will meet either Benwell & Walbottle or Newcastle City in the final which takes place on Sunday 22 August at Denton Bank. The game starts at 4.00 pm.
Third's take centre stage
With both first and second eleven games washed out without a ball being bowled the spotlight fell on both of the Hill's third elevens this weekend - and neither failed to disappoint.
David Archbold's third eleven are now twelve points ahead at the top of the West Tyne League after beating Humshaugh by 107 runs. Batting first the Hill scored 179 for 7 off their allotted 42 overs with David Haxon top-scoring with 55. In reply the hosts found the Hill's experienced seam attack too much and were bowled out for 72.
On Sunday (15 August) NELP third eleven came out on top by 86 runs against South Northumberland at Denton Bank. The Hill posted 241 for 9 in 45 overs with 14-year-old Ben Mussett recording his second fifty of the season. Ben was given good support from Tom Denham and skipper Andrew Dawson who both scored 44. South Northumberland were bowled out for 155 with two balls of the game remaining.
First's triumph in Charity Bowl
The first eleven beat Morpeth in the final of the Tyneside Charity Bowl yesterday (8 August) at Longhirst by a margin of 94 runs. It's the third time in four year's that the Hill have lifted the Charity Bowl.
Batting first the Hill went off at a blistering pace against a somewhat depleted Morpeth attack. Openers Mark Dale and skipper Alastair Maiden both scored 115 in an opening partnership of 245 off 28 overs. The Hill closed at 279 for 3 off their allotted 32 overs.
Morpeth's reply was spirited and they had reached 160 for 3 with 11 overs remaining, but they then collapsed losing their last seven wickets for 25 with Peter Jones and Tom Cant each claiming four wickets.
On Saturday (7 August) the first eleven could only manage a winning draw against the Durham Cricket Academy, whilst the West Tyne third eleven suffered an unexpected setback in their title challenge when they went down by 53 runs at Matfen.
Final spot for the Hill
The first eleven reached the final of the Tyneside Charity Bowl this evening (6 August) when the defeated Swalwell by 24 runs at Denton Bank. The Hill made 148 for 3 off their allocation of 16 overs. Zohaib Khan top scored with 48 and was given good support from David Rutherford (31 not out) and Ali Maiden (30).
In reply Swalwell were restricted to 124 for 7 with Peter Jones returning figures of 3 for 12. The Hill will now meet Morpeth in the final on Sunday (8 August). The final will take place at Longhirst with a 2.00 pm start.
Cup News
The second eleven swept aside Bill Quay last night (3 August) to reach the last eight of the Roseworth Trophy. Batting first, the Hill's openers, Fenwick Frisken and Joe Moore, took full advantage of a very compact ground. They added 175 in 18 overs with ball after ball disappearing over the boundary fences. Fenwick hit five sixes and seven fours before falling for 93. Joe finished 90 not out which included seven sixes and five fours as the Hill closed on 205 for 1. The hosts were then bowled out in the last over for 94 with Paul Askell and Dave Archbold each claiming four wickets. They now travel to Stockton on Monday (9 August) in the quarter-finals. Three days later they go back to Teesside, this time Norton provide the opposition in the semi-finals of the George Coates Trophy.
On Friday (6 August) the first eleven are in cup action against Swalwell for a place in the final of the Tyneside Charity Bowl.
Weekend Round Up
It was a largely successful weekend for our senior sides with only the NEPL third eleven unable to record a victory.
The first eleven swept aside South Shield by seven wickets at Denton Bank on Saturday (31 July) and in doing so moved into third place in the North East Premier League. The visitors had been bowled out for 181 earlier in the day with David Rutherford (4 for 35) and Zohaib Khan (3 for 46) the major wicket-takers. In reply the Hill lost both openers for only 33, but a third wicket partnership of 132 between Mark Dale (86) and Zohaib Khan (70 not out) ensured that the Hill reached their target with little difficulty.
At South Shields a fine individual bowling performance from Paul Askell enabled the second eleven to bowl out the home side for 110 inside 44 overs. Paul claimed six South Shields wickets with an exhibition of excellent swing bowling. The Hill reached their target with five wickets in hand.
On Sunday (1 August) the West Tyne third eleven crushed Newton by 122 runs to open the gap at the top of the West Tyne League to eleven points. Batting first the Hill posted 259 for 6 in their 42 overs. Openers Barry Evans (53) and Glenn Robertson (96) set the tone with an opening partnership of 138. A quick 42 from David Haxon and some late hitting left the visitors with a daunting total to chase. Newton showed some early resistance, but with only twenty minutes of the game remaining and the weather rapidly closing in, the Hill claimed maximum points as Lalith Siriwardana ran-out the last Newton batsman.
The NEPL third eleven went down by 47 runs at Stockton. Chasing 234 for victory they were bowled out for 186 with skipper Andrew Dawson contributing 60.
The under 15 eleven were well beaten by Washington in the City of Durham cup final on Friday (30 July).
At Tynemouth on Friday, in the under 11 NEPL competition, we witnessed one of the all time great cricketing debuts. In his first ever game of organised cricket, the latest off the Shinwari production line - Umar aged 10 - contrived to be out bowled first ball and later on bowled an opponent with his first ever ball. Not content with that he took two good catches, ran two opponents out with direct hits, whacked a few boundaries and was bowled a couple of other times in the pairs format of the game!
Considering four out of eight under 11’s were making their big match debuts the boys all did very well - convincingly beating Tynemouth and losing narrowly to Chester-le-Street.
Which all augers well for the future of Benwell Hill Cricket Club.
An apology
Due to the threat of immediate legal action we wish to place on record our sincere apologies to Mr. Philip James Nicholson.
In our recent report about the Bunbury ESCA Under 15 cricket festival we ended our report by listing a number of eminent cricketers who had taken part in the festival. We failed to include Mr. Philip James Nicholson in that list, who was part of a victorious North side at Somerset in 1989. Clearly an omission of such magnitude is unforgivable. For that we unreservedly apologise once again.
It is well documented what happened to Messrs Vaughan, Trescothick and Flintoff, but as yet, we are not sure what happened to that Nicholson chap. I'm sure someone will let us know!
Representative Cricket:
The 24th Bunbury ESCA Under15’s cricket festival opened in Chester on Monday (26 July) morning with England fast bowler Jimmy Anderson presenting regional caps to the 56 young cricketers. Amongst those young cricketers receiving their caps was Benwell Hill Cricket Clubs’ Jack Clark.
48 boys have sunsequently gone on to represent England after taking part in the festival. The last was fast bowler Steve Finn who played in the 2004 festival in Nottingham. Four regional sides play round robin 50 over games throughout the week together with a 20/20 play off on Friday.
Jack is following in some pretty distinguished footsteps - Michael Vaughan, Marcus Trescothick and ‘Freddie’ Flintoff all took part in the festival.
You can read more about the Bunbury festival here.
Saturday round-up
The first eleven recorded their first ever NEPL win at South Northumberland yesterday (24 July) when they beat the six-times winners by four wickets.
The home side batted first and were restricted by accurate bowling by all the Hill bowlers to 159 for 9 in 65 overs. David Rutherford sent down 16 overs, including six maidens, for a miserly 3 for 14. He was given excellent support from the other Hill bowlers, particlularly Zohaib Khan, 5 for 45 off 20 overs.
In reply the Hill lost Phil Nicholson early in the innings, but contributions by all the other batsmen enabled the Hill to win by four wickets with more than 12 overs in hand.
At Denton Bank the second eleven yet again had the better of a drawn game with South Northumberland still 41 runs short of their target with the last pair at the wicket. Earlier the Hill had scored 236 for 7 in 55 overs.
The third eleven continue to set the pace in the West Tyne League with another victory. They comfortably beat Stocksfield by 29 runs, the feature of the day being Fenwick Frisken's 113. Fenwick's 100 came off 87 balls and included seven fours and three sixes.
Third's lift West Tyne Cup
David Archbold receives the West Tyne League Division 1 cup from league chairman Mike Baker.
The undoubted highlight of this weekend's cricket was the third eleven's winning of the West Tyne League Division One Cup at Tynedale on Sunday (18 July) afternoon.
Back (l-r): Vikram Narula, Geoff Chambers, Andrew Dawson, Chris Dunlop, Glenn Robertson, Fenwick Frisken, David Ladd, Rory Drainer.
Front (l-r): Martin Coy, William Archbold, David Archbold and Lalith Siriwardana.
David Archbold's side beat Stocksfield by eight runs in front of a large crowd - the Hill fans easily outnumbered by those from Stocksfield.
Batting first the Hill scored 119 for 9 in their 20 overs, a total thought by many at the time to be at least 30 too short! However, the Hill bowlers excelled where their batters had struggled and Stocksfield found themselves falling behind the over rate as each over passed by. That they came within eight runs of the Hill's total was due to 36 off 17 balls by their number nine batsman Reid.
The NEPL third eleven went down by five runs at Tynemouth.
On Saturday (17 July) the first eleven won at Newcastle whilst the second eleven had the better of the drawn game against Newcastle. The third eleven comfortably beat South Northumberland to remain top of the West Tyne League.
Super, Smashing, Great!
From our Darts correspondent
The 2009/10 Newburn and Gosforth Darts League finally came to an end on Friday 25th June. The team performed better than last year in the league, finishing second behind a very strong West Denton Nomads ‘A’ team. If it had not been for an erratic start to the season the final positions might have been a little closer. The top three were;
1st Nomads ‘A’ 241 Points
2nd Benwell Hill 222 Points
3rd Marlborough 218 Points
In the league competitions top performance must go to sixteen year old Andrew Gradwell who reached the semi finals of the singles. He played some fantastic darts and was narrowly beaten to a place in the final by his older brother Michael (Westfield Social Club). Andrew and Michael both progressed further than their much more fancied father Davey, who fell to the eventual winner at the quarter final stage!!
In the team of fours, the ‘B’ Team of Matty Pattinson, Brian Angus, Jonny Turnbull and Nigel Turnbull reached the semi stage, again missing out to the eventual winners from West Denton Nomads.
Benwell Hill, were the holders of the team cup having won the competition for the past two seasons. Unfortunately despite a late tactical substitution in the final it was not to be a hat trick of wins as the team went down to Marlborough Social Club.
Despite the lack of silver wear there are many plus points to take from the season. The ‘Benwell Hill Darts Academy’ is beginning to show signs of success with John Chambers, Andrew Gradwell and Jonny Turnbull rolling off its production line. All three performed really well throughout the season representing the club in the right manner. Benwell Hill scored more 180’s (17) than any other team with Davey Gradwell scoring 8, which is a magnificent achievement considering the difficult format played on Friday nights. Other players to achieve the maximum were Spencer McGarry, Kevin Brown, Andrew Gradwell, Richie Archbold, and Nigel Turnbull.
The new season starts in September and with a better start than last year lets hope we can go one better in 2010/11. New players are welcome as is your continued support.
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