Barnard Castle just fall short in Junior 100 final

NYSD Junior 100 (U17) final Barnard Castle v Marton at Thornaby CC

Barney’s bid to win the Junior 100 ended with a narrow defeat in the final.

Marton were asked to bat and scored 124-6 with Alfie Hodgkinson hitting 63 off 42 balls and Will Poole taking 2-17.

In reply, openers Toby Gent (39) and Will Poole (43) put on 88 for the first wicket but were slightly behind the run-rate and Barney ended up finishing their innings on 110-3.

It was a valiant effort by Barney, who played some excellent cricket in reaching the final and the experience will stand the players in good stead.

A team spokesman said: “The U17s put on a great display against a strong Marton side. A highlight was that Will Poole received caps for being both the leading runs scorer and bowler. One would be an achievement but for Will to receive two is outstanding.”

Barney U17s have another chance to win silverware this season when they take on Norton in a Pallister Cup semi-final on Sunday (9.30am) at Vere Road.

The winners of that game will play Middlesbrough or Marton in the final at 4pm.

Marton 124-6 (100 balls) bt Barney 110-3 (100 balls) by 14 runs.

Premier Division Barnard Castle v Stokesley

Barney slipped further behind leaders Richmondshire in the battle for the title.

Their home fixture against Stokesley was rained off in the 14th over of the visitors’ reply.

With Richmond taking maximum points from a 10 wicket win at Marton, and Barney having to make do with 10 points from their game, the gap between the sides was extended to 15 points with just two fixtures remaining.

Barney may have taken even fewer points from the game than the 10 they ended up with had rain not intervened because Stokesley looked well placed to knock off the 200 runs required for victory.

The hosts won the toss and elected to bat, scoring 199 all out in 47.3 overs.

Suminda Lakshan top scored with 72 while Finlay Morris took 4-50.

Stokesley were 70-1 when the umpires pulled the plug after 13.2 overs.

Barney travel to Hartlepool tomorrow (noon) while Richmond are at home to Marske.

Barney 199 all out (47.3 overs) v Stokesley 70-1 (13.2 overs) – no result.

Division One Sedgefield v Barnard Castle II

Barney Seconds 80 all out (34 overs) lost to Sedgefield 82-2 (11.2 overs) by 8 wickets.