Captains take a lead in Tynemouth’s win

MATTHEW Brown led by example as he began his reign as Tynemouth captain with an impressive Banks Salver North group victory over Newcastle, writes TONY HODGSON.

A superb opening partnership of 154 between Brown and his predecessor as skipper Ben Debnam set up the nine-wicket win at Preston Avenue.

Tynemouth’s bowling attack reduced the visitors to 67-6 before Ross Sinclair (28) and Ben Quirk (37) enabled them to rally to 155.

In reply, Debnam was in terrific form, making 79 and hitting the ball cleanly to all parts of the ground, while Brown contributed 67 off just 63 balls.

The partnership took the home side to the very brink of victory in just 22 overs.

A delighted Brown (pictured below) said: “It was a really good start to the season for us.

“We bowled very well as a unit and restricted Newcastle to a total which we were able to knock off relatively comfortably.

“It was a great partnership between myself and Ben and I was pleased for him because he had a difficult summer last year,

“He hit the ball to all areas of the ground and looked in great form – and our partnership proved the foundation for the victory.”

As well as pleasure at winning, Brown admitted to a feeling of relief at finally hearing the sound of ball on willow again as league cricket resumed.

He added: “It was such a nice feeling to be playing again after all that has happened recently. All credit to the league for getting things up and running – the format is different to what we are used to but it is a lot better than nothing at all.”

Elsewhere in the North Group, South Northumberland started their campaign with a 165run victory over Ashington.

They made 281-4 thanks to half-centuries from Simon Birtwistle, Christopher Hewison, and Jacques Du Toit, then Ollie McGee took 3-13 as Ashington were bowled out for 116.

At Denton Bank, Benwell Hill’s Rory Hanley

and Max Williamson took three wickets each to bowl Blaydon out for 135.

Opener Kyle Coetzer then made an unbeaten 54 from 70 balls in their eight-wicket victory.

Felling also started with a win, beating Gateshead Fell by 98 runs. Dale Shaw made 72 in their total of 225-7 before Alasdair Appleby took 3-11 to bowl the visitors out for 127

In the West Group, Ash Thorpe inspired Washington to a two-wicket victory over Crook, taking four wickets as they were bowled out for 169.

Washington collapsed to 69-6 in reply but Thorpe hit an unbeaten 44 from 71 balls and they won with two overs to spare.

Half-centuries from Jacob McCann and Quentin Hughes helped Chester-le-Street to a decisive 107-run victory over Sacriston, while Burnopfield beat Willington by six wickets.

In the East Group, Graeme Bridge took 4-18 as Burnmoor bowled Castle Eden out for 117. Ryan Pringle made an unbeaten 66 from 24 balls as Burnmoor chased down the total inside 15 overs.