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The 'Eagles' resumed their NEMWL campaign after last weeks defeat to Kings School with a return to Heaton Medicals this time to take on BA's Corinthians. Early on run scoring proved difficult, when Neil Pinnock was bowled for 1 with the score on 12, ten of those had come in extras. Andy Denyer (3), Roger Bell (4) fell as well and at the midway point of the innings Ponteland sat on just 38-3. Ponteland's batsmen then contributed to their own demise with Chris Morgan run out for 0 and Chris Barlow run out without facing after an initial call for 2 runs was changed too late. Ealey and Appleby then took the score to 71 before Appleby chipped one back to the bowler and Tom Common and Keith Crerar were both bowled without the score changing. The remaining five overs however saw Ealey and skipper Craig Moffat rescue the innings with an unbroken partnership of 52. Ealey finished on 56 and Moffat 22 as Ponteland fell just five runs short of securing both batting points.
In reply BA's innings started like a rocket, Clough was extremely aggressive, especially to Jonny Appleby (0-27) in his first two overs of the season after a shoulder injury. When Tom Common bowled the other opener for just 3 in the fifth over the score was already on 44. Common then took the second wicket as well and Chris Morgan stumped Coles off Crerar (1-18) before Common (3-21) took his third wicket, all bowled, dismissing Clough for 52. With the game in the balance though it was the spin of Andy Denyer that proved crucial as the batsmen struggled with his turn and he conceded just 5 in his first two overs and took a wicket, Ealey (1-13) then dismissed Case but as the final over began Corinthians required 10 to win. Moffat ran out Hiscock for 21 off the first delivery then Morgan took his second stumping as Burnip went down the wicket to give Denyer (2-8) his second. Three singles were conceded off the remaining 5 balls and a six run win to the Eagles to push us back onto the fringes of the promotion race. Next up the Black Widows at home on Tuesday 22nd June
Words by Chris Barlow
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