Review of the winners and losers of the cricket season
With the local cricket season now complete, here we recap all the winners and unfortunate losers after a hectic season and catch up with a number of captains to hear what they had to say on their season.
Seaham Park were crowned champions of the Readers Durham & North East Cricket League Division One and went on to beat Consett in the play-off match by 38 runs, and will now play in the Dukes ECB North East Division One in the 2022 season.
Skipper Dale Shaw said: “We have achieved what we have wanted not only as a first and second eleven, but as a club as a whole.
"Our junior section has done very well this season and this is a testament to the club and the committee for all their hard work and efforts.”
Ushaw Moor and Bill Quay were relegated, while Division Two champions Seaham Harbour and runners up Ryhope, will take their places in Division One.
Champions - Seaham Park. Runners Up - South Shields. Relegated - Ushaw Moor and Bill Quay.
Seaham Harbour had a great title win in Division Two of the Readers Durham & North East Cricket League.
Seaham skipper Stewart Pattison admitted after the final game: “It has been a real life pleasure this season watching the team lift the title.
"Everyone at the club has worked so hard and that in turn brings success.
“We actually had a tremendous year all round with four senior sides gaining promotion in their relevant leagues!
"Ryhope and Mainsforth pushed us hard all the way, but we won the league in the end with one game to spare, which was a huge relief.
"Next year will be a challenge as the league looks very strong, but we are really looking forward to 2022.”
Ryhope chairman Ian Lawrence said: “Our suc
cesses this season were the first and second team both gaining promotion and our third team winning the league.
"We are hoping to bring our professional Sagar Udeshi back next season after his very successful year when he was the leading wicket taker in our league.
"We also hope to gain more junior members through our winter coaching programme.”
Silksworth were relegated alongside Horden and Silksworth skipper Andy Barrass said: “We won two of our last three games to give us a fighting chance, but unfortunately found our form too late in the season.”
Champions - Seaham Harbour. Runners Up - Ryhope. Relegated - Silksworth and Horden.
Frank Lees Cup: Winners - Mainsforth.
Glenn Pattison Cup: Winners - Esh Winning.
RH West Cup: Winners South Shields.
The Vinton Trophy: Winners
- Mainsforth.
15/15 Cup: Winners Brandon.
Bobby Smithson County Cup: Winners - Newcastle.
South Northumberland were crowned champions of the Dukes ECB North East Premier League and skipper Adam Cragg said: “What a season we have had, I can’t express how proud I am of the players.
"We have worked so hard as a team and I felt like we thoroughly deserved it.
"When you just lose one league game all year, it shows how consistent we have been.
"There are always twists and turns in the NEPL and luckily we were on the right side of it this year and we go again next year.”
Runners-up Burnmoor skipper Alec Linsley said: “This season has seen us continue to develop as a club with a number of success stories from all our junior teams, right through to the first team.
"It’s been a pleasure for me to captain the side which is full of potential and quality.
"We will be going all out to try and win the trophy next season and I can guarantee we will be challenging at the top again next season, with this great crop of players.”
Sacriston and Washington were relegated to Division One, while champions Sunderland and Newcastle will take their places with the elite.
Champions - South Northumberland. Runners Up - Burnmoor.
Relegated - Sacriston and Washington.
In Division One, Sunderland and Newcastle will join the ‘big boys’ in the Premier League next season.
Sunderland were crowned champions and skipper Greg Applegarth said: “We are delighted to have finally secured promotion after missing out on the final day in 2019.
"It’s been a long time coming having to rebuild the club over the last seven years and all the effort has paid off within the club.”
Newcastle director of cricket Phil Hudson said: “It’s been a great year for Newcastle.
"We’ve been promoted to the Premier Division after a great end to a successful season.
"Our young side will hopefully stay together and only get better.
"Our seconds finished second in their league and our Academy won their division, so we’re delighted with where we’re heading.”
Champions - Sunderland. Runners Up - Newcastle. Relegated - Boldon. Roseworth Trophy: Winners - Benwell Hill
The Banks Bowl: Winners - Benwell Hill
The Banks Salver: Winners - Chester-le-Street
1st Team T20: Winners South Northumberland.
2nd Team T20: Winners Hetton Lyons.