A fantastic game of cricket saw the 1st XI beat Benwell Hill to win the Banks Salver for the first time. Batting first Newcastle were having to work for their runs until a brilliant innings of 162no from 119 balls by Aussie Josh Philippe saw us achieve 284 for 8 in our allotted overs.
Benwell Hill were always up with the rate but a fine overall bowling performance led by Callum Harding (2 for 30) saw them all out for 253 and the club winners by 31 runs
On a murky Tuesday night they sadly lost in the semi final of the Smithson Cup to Tynemouth, although the game was not without its thrills. Without Philippe and Du Toit, the total of 104 for 7 in 15 overs seemed modest. Tynemouth looked to have won comfortably but some good fielding and a fine last over from Alisdair Appleby saw the scores level.
The game was decided by a “Super Over” being used for the first time in local league cricket. Sadly we came up short. Congratulations to Tynemouth who contest the final this Sunday