On an unusually bright June afternoon Bishop Middleham cricket team gained their first victory of the season with a comprehensive victory over Fir Tree Lions. This was Fir Tree's last ever game under that name and the event turned into an emotional occasion. The Lions had been held together for a number of seasons by the redoubtable Harry French.

Fir Tree won the toss and put Bishop Middleham into bat with the opening partnership being that of David Shaw and Ron Woods. A steady start was disrupted with Shaw being run out going for a never achievable second run. This set back was quickly recovered by a couple of good partnership between Ron, Phil woods and David Boorman. Ron Woods reaching a total of 27 not out and Boorman making 26 not out. Phil Woods reaching 12.

Hugh Boorman made a good 14 before being caught and bowled. Once the top order had set the platform then the lower order were able to go on and try and boost the run rate. The ever dependable Derek Shaw held the bottom order with 20 not out at the end of the innings. Harry Davison made a quick 9 including two fours before being caught behind going for the big heave. New comers Mike Connelly and Paul Wetheridge made their mark on the game scoring their first runs for Middleham (4 each). The only person not trouble the scorer being David Hutton. At the end of the innings Middleham produced 132 off the allocated 30 overs.

The end of the innings saw the fielding side being given a guard of honour as they left the pitch.

The Fir Tree lions team took the field after yet another good tea. The first ten overs saw the fall of 4 wickets due to the accurate and unpredictable bowling of those who are regarded as the weakest bowlers. This was a situation that the batting team never fully recovered from and they were eventually all bowled out for 102 off 27 overs. Once again the Middleham bowlers kept a tight line and were also quick in the field.

Harry French had not put himself down to bat for the Fir Tree innings but as a final gesture he played out the 3 remaining overs and scored 8 not out. Harry and Ken Hockey have joined Sedgefield winkers for the remainder of the season.

Overall this was a sound performance by the Middleham team and if they continue in this vein of form then I am sure more victories will come their way this season.

A small item of note was that David Hutton, wicketkeeper turned sports photographer, has captured some action pictures of this game and it hoped that they will be up on this site in the next few weeks.

Bishop Middleham

Extras 10

Total 132 off 30 Overs

Fir Tree Lions

Extras 9

Harry French not out 8

Total 102

Bowling

M.Smith 4-0-20-1, H.Boorman 2-0-8-1, Da Shaw 2-0-3-1, P.Woods 2-0-13-1,

R.Woods 2-0-13-1, P.Wetheridge 4-0-15-1, D.Boorman 4-0-10-2, M.Connelly 3-0-10-0

H.Davison 3-0-9-1, De Shaw 4-0-21-1