Green credentials of club’s triple winners
GREENSIDE CC Under-15s have had their opponents on sticky wickets throughout a summer of treble trophy success.
The Gateshead starlets have been bowled over by their achievements, which include lifting the Northumberland and Tyneside Senior League Under-15 Division title as well as the Willis Elliot Cup and the County Cup.
Led by captain Thomas Lugsden, the teenage team lost only one match in the 2017 campaign.
In the Willis Elliot Cup Greenside beat Burnopfield in the semi-finals to book themselves a decider against South Northumberland at Whickham.
South North batted first and posted 99-8 in their 20 overs, Dylan Murray taking 4-22 in his four overs, leg spinner Ross Whitfield 1-12 and Matty Carrick 1-15.
Greenside, batting impressively, then reached 100 without losing a wicket - Lugsden 50 not out and Whitfield 30 not out.
The following day, Greenside welcomed Seaton Carew in the County Cup final.
The Hartlepool side batted first and made just 56-7, Murray claiming 3-5 and Whitfield 2-12.
Greenside amassed 57-0, reaching their required total in 16 overs.
However, it is not only at under15 level where Greenside are enjoying success.
Under-13 squad the Tigers finished second in their league and the club’s under-nines won half of their allocated games.
The under-11s, under-13 Panthers and under-18s all produced exceptional individual performances throughout the season, all three sides finishing in the top half of their respective leagues.
Club junior coach Ross Whitfield said: “Our intake of kids has quadrupled this year - we are now running under-nine and under 11 teams, two under-13 squads, an under-15 side, under 18 girls and boys squads and an Academy team.
“Next season we hope to enter the Under-19 T20 Bash tournament after signing three new older juniors since the season ended, so things are looking fantastic.
“We are starting our indoor fitness programme on Sundays from October 8 (3.00-5.00) which will run up to Christmas and then start again in the new year.
“From January 7 we will spend a further 10 weeks working more on cricket and in the nets and will also run an winter indoor league which will keep everyone ticking over nicely until the new season.”
Any junior cricketers interested in joining the club should go along to cricket/fitness training sessions on Sundays at Kingsmeadow School in Dunston.
Alternatively, ring Ross Whitfield on 07944 516 997.