Cricket -“Cec Leece Trophy
CLIFFE and Middleton-in-Teesdale produced the game of the night in the second round of this year’s Cec Leece Trophy – the cup in which teams from all three Darlington and District League divisions are entered.
Batting first, Middleton knocked up a workable total of 134 in their 20 overs, with Kamran Ibberson the pick of the batsmen and Matt Robertson picking up three late wickets for hosts Cliffe, in what would turn out to be a vital spell of bowling.
Cliffe kept up with the run rate in reply and the game came down to final over with eight runs still needed for victory.
The scores were level at the end and Cliffe progressed through to the quarter-final by virtue of having lost fewer wickets – six, compared to Middleton’s seven.
Elsewhere, Haughton’s Mark Dobinson whacked an unbeaten 87 out of 185-3 against East Cowton, who replied with 113-7.
C Division Eryholme posted 97-5 at West Park RA, Colin Harker top scoring with 28. Sahil Sharma hit 53 as West Park got home by seven wickets with five over to spare.
In a low scoring game, Middleton St George’s 84-9 proved enough against Nunthorpe, whose reply closed on 77-8.
Lands, buoyed by success in the C division cup, accounted for Spennymoor. Lands made 85-9 and then bowled their A division opponents out for 80.
Unfortunately, three games were conceded, which meant Barningham, Raby Castle and King James all progressed without a ball being bowled.
The quarter finals will take place on Monday, July 15.
Stuart Laundy
