Blyth show better form
by Paul Barker, 13th July 2004

Blyth who are stuck right near the foot of Division 2 put their abject league form behind them and showed what they are really made of in the first round of the Mallen Trophy at Oldcotes Road on Sunday.

Batting first Blyth showed a massive improvement on their woeful batting form and ran up an impressive 186 for 3 when their 40 overs ran out. It has always been a mystery how their batting could collapse so much with players in the side who have scored runs in Division 1 in their ranks.

Two of them have represented the League in the Presidents Trophy so nobody can say they are bad players and their lack of form is inexplicable to anyone who knows their real capabilities. In this match Pete Jones made an excellent 40, and wicket-keeper Martin Court 32 and this is much more in keeping with what one would expect.

In reply opponents North Wheatley with Leverton made a great effort to eclipse this total and only failed by 9 runs in the end. Wayne Harrison who has had a brilliant weekend and found himself on the losing side twice scored 31 and Nick Purkiss added 32 before the overs ran out with the score on 177 for 7. Pete Jones completed a fine all round showing by taking 4 for 28 for Blyth .

North Wheatley are going through a period where nothing seems to be going right for them but they have enough ability to turn the corner it would seem, but things need to change pretty quickly before they lose track from the others. Blyth of course are in a worse mess, but this win and their improved batting form must have given them a major confidence boost. With the side they have got they should be able to do it, but they have rather a lot of catching up to do.

At Ryton Road , Anston took on the might of Bridon and were soundly thrashed by 107 runs in a good performance by the Division 1 side. Batting first Bridon found the boundary with amazing rapidity clocking up a huge 293 for 6 in their 40 overs.

Australian Justin Miller who has been a revelation for Bridon added to his growing reputation with a magnificent 105 and excellent support was provided by Craig Saxelby (59) and Darren Spooner (33) as the mammoth total was achieved. Neil Froggatt with 3 for 77 was the best of the Anston attack but the whole side were under enormous pressure from the first ball of the match.

In reply Anston made 186 for 7 which represented a good effort because nobody could have expected them to knock off this colossal total. 17 year old David Stoneman battled superbly to make 59 but Bridon were always in command and go through to the Quarter Finals where they will play the West Indian Cavaliers.