No luck in draw for an oh so frustrated Felling side

DUKES NORTH EAST PREMIER

FELLING were left feeling frustrated after drawing their game at home to high-flying Benwell Hill when they were not far away from victory.

It is now 10 games without a win for the Tynesiders since gaining promotion from Division One.

However, this was a good effort against a very strong Hll side and Felling can take heart from their performance.

They are currently 41 points from safety approaching this weekend’s halfway point of the season.

The Hill batted first and made 171-8, James Schofield contributing 43 not out.

Craig Stephenson bowled brilliantly, returning 5-14, and Anthony Trotter supported him well with 3-38.

In reply, the home side made 165-8 - coming up just seven runs short of their first success.

Opener Gary Scott (pictured) led the way with a superb 75 and Joshua Mason made 35 in support with a partnership worth 75.

However, once they were both out the runs dried up and Felling had to settle for a draw, Haseeb Azam claiming an excellent 5-38 for the visitors.

Felling’s Barry Norman said: “It was a very frustrating game from our point of view.

“We established two excellent positions in the match - we had the Hill 76-7 at one stage and we were then 132-2 - but we failed to capitalise on both opportunities..

“We would probably would have taken a draw before the game but in those two positions it was a bit disappointing.

“However, it was a good result against a very good side and we knew what to expect in this league.

“All the teams bat down to nine and 10 and have excellent bowlers and professionals, who can turn a game on its head.”

Newcastle moved into second place with an eight-wicket win at Whitburn, who batted first and made 183 all out - Brydon Carse scoring 37 and Paul Shields 44 while Jacques Du Toit claimed 4-46.

Newcastle batted superbly, opener Ben McGee scoring 51 not out, Michael Richardson making 31 and Joshua Phillipe smashing 97 off 53 balls - including 18 fours and a six - to win the game.

South North remain top with a healthy 18-point advantage after they drew at home to the Durham Cricket Academy.

The home side posted 213-9 declared, opener Simon Birtwisle scoring a solid 63 off 127 balls and then John Graham hitting 69 from 84 balls, with nine fours and a six.

Haidar Shafiq returned 3-49 and Christopher McBride took 3-27.

In reply, the Academy put on 63 for the first wicket, Scott Steel making 38 and Ross Greenwell an excellent 64 off 124 balls.

Birtwisle then ripped through the middle order, taking 3-33 - but the Academy held on for the draw with 176-7.

Tynemouth travelled to Hetton Lyons and ended up facing a huge 240-8 declared.

Jonathan Malkin contributed 54, Chris Martin 50 and Jarvis Clay a quick-fire 60 off 72 balls, David Hymers claiming 4-40.

Lyons’ opening bowler Robert Talbot then tore into the Tynemouth batting with a brilliant 6-22, leaving the visitors in real trouble at 35-8.

Niall Piper, batting at number nine, topscored with 20 and Hymers with 16 batting at No 10 only held off the inevitable for a short while, Tynemouth eventually being bowled out for just 72.