Stanhope vs, Belmont

With an eye on the weather, and showers threatening to either delay the start or force an early finish Stanhope played host to Belmont C.C. With the top of the league table very close and every point counting it was with some sense of relief that the weather cleared and the summer sun shone at Unthank Park.

Stanhope lost the toss and were asked to take the field by Belmont, opening the bowling for Stanhope from the Railway Line end was C. Wearmouth. Wearmouth was possibly playing his last game for the season as he now needs to prepare for the up-and-coming Rugby Union Season and Stanhope naturally wish him well. He will return ……

Wearmouth was supported by A. Robinson bowling from the River Wear end and it soon became very apparent that this was not going to be an easy game. Both opening bowlers could be accused of trying too hard. Despite forcing the batsmen to play nearly every delivery the Belmont opening batsmen did not want to take any risks. Picking up singles and the occasional two it became a dogged start to the game.

After 10 overs the visitors were on 24 runs for 0 wickets, a run rate that by the end of the game had crept up to just over 3 runs and over. However that increase only occurred around the 30 over. Out of nowhere it fell to F. "Gloves" Stephenson to break the opening pair. Sensing a camera being used, Gloves found the ball in his hand and A. Reynolds bearing down on him. Not too sure if he should dive at the stumps or throw, he made a strange variation of both and run out Reynolds for 23. Welcome relief to Stanhope, P. Welsh was next at the crease who after scoring a boundary and a well run 2 was run out by S. Wilson who taking the ball on the chin, literally, found the ball removing the bails and Welsh at the same time.

A. Robinson, acting as Captain in the absence of S. Campbell got a well deserved wicket by bowling A. Thompson who posted a dogged 24 runs. However the game was still moving along at a slow pace, with M. Kipling and J. Halliday seeing out the remaining overs. M. Kipling was the only Belmont batsmen to attack the Stanhope bowling, scoring sixes and fours regularly to post an impressive 63 at stumps.

Belmont managed to score 155 runs for 4 wickets, extras of 22 after 45 overs. A good score to chase and one that should make for an interesting afternoon for fans of leather on willow.

Opening for Stanhope was C. Wearmouth and E. "Rock" Rowell, with just a single taken from the first over, Wearmouth decided to attack the opening bowling attack from the second over. This he did in style and after 6 overs our one-man-team had the home team on 37 runs for no wickets. It really is a sight to see when a batsman relaxes and opens their shoulders. Using his upper body strength he even managed to hit two 6's over the roof of a nearby barn causing one match ball to be lost forever. Lets not forget the Rock, at the other end supporting and running between the wickets well. Rowell was required to accompany Wearmouth in the runfest, this he did taking the odd single to keep Wearmouth on target.

Wearmouth was eventually removed by a fine delivery by P. Welsh after hitting 2 boundaries in a row. His total was 80, with eight 6's and five 4's he will be missed I can tell you.

Walking out at number 3 to cries of "Follow That" was Stephenson. He did in his own way and was bowled for 2 by S. Nash a couple of overs later. Rowell did not last much longer and was eventually caught by Nash 3 overs later after scoring 11 runs.

It fell to Robinson to form the back-bone of the tail end scoring 16 not out, helping Stanhope over the winning line was N. Page and R. "Ironman" Pringle. Both these tow batsmen scored runs to bring about another win for the Gallant Boys in White.

What about Coxhoe who were to travel to Simonside in another critical game in the Division II title chase. At the start of the day only 2 point separated Stanhope from Coxhoe. Stanhope advanced by 20 points to 168 and Coxhoe managed to take 5 points as their game was abandoned due to rain.

So the points difference is now 17 a good buffer of points but still Stanhope need to win games to make sure of the title and more importantly promotion.

Next game for the team is away at East Rainton on 9th August, I think it worth missing the Olympics for – don't you? Coxhoe take on Tantobie so once again it is going to be a very close weekend for our very own Weardale Team.