Newdigate Cricket Club

Founded 1886

Newdigate 204-3 dec. vs. Leigh 118-9

 

Newdigate visited Leigh and although it had rained heavily in the morning the sun came out and the match was played in lovely weather although a strong chilly wind persisted.

 

Leigh won the toss and invited Newdigate to bat. Sam MacDonald (47), just back from a winter of playing cricket in New Zealand, and skipper, Paul Bettesworth (44) opened the batting and looked very solid as they compiled an opening partnership of 89 in twenty overs. Dan Jones then came in and struck a powerful 76 which included six sixes and Newdigate was able to declare just before tea on a useful 204-3. Opener A.Dudley bowled a very tight opening spell but without luck.

 

In reply J. Cox and former Newdigate player, Glen Hirschfield put on a good opening partnership of 58 despite an incisive spell from Jose de Castro. It was the bowling of fourteen year old Andrew Kehl which made the breakthrough and he took a meritous 2-5 from his four overs, then it was the turn of leg spinners Jack Bowley (3-14 from 7 overs) and John Callcut (3-24 from 8 overs) to put Leigh under pressure. The Leigh batsmen batted stoicly and number ten, Reg Smith, hit an attractive 19 but it was Ben Harrinton (7 not out) who denied Newdigate the victory.