1st XI cricket v RGS 1st XI

The 1st XI played RGS on Saturday in a 35 fixture at Jesmond. The team was very different to the usual 1st XI due to the imminent Year 11 exams.

Bowling first, NSB reduced RGS to 68 for 5 thanks to some hostile opening bowling from Lachy D (3 for 28) and Sam P (0 for 33) and some very accurate support from Will V (3 for 18) at the other end.

An hour’s play was lost due to rain but as soon as the match resumed, Lewis R (2 for 23) took two quick wickets to reduce RGS to 117 for 7 and NSB were on top despite the damp ball and wet outfield. Josh Leslie was unlucky not to get three wickets due to dropped catches and Ed F (2 for 32) had the difficult task of bowling to the tail end who batted very well to put on 71 runs for the final 3 wickets until Lachy D finished the innings in the final over with a smart caught and bowled to leave RGS all out for 178. The highlight of the performance in the field had to be the excellent catch taken by Dan B on the boundary. It was a real pressure catch, hit high and long at a crucial stage of the game and he took it comfortably.

Opener Ed F was the anchor of the NSB run chase as he handled the pace of the RGS 1st XI bowlers with ease. He batted 31 of the 35 overs to finish with 44 runs while six other NSB batsman came and went. Josh L was the best of the rest making an impressive 27.  Cameron B chipped in with a quick 16 including two 4s and a huge 6. Lewis R smacked a run-a-ball 11 in the final overs playing some suberb shots and helping NSB to finish on 148 for 7.

This was a terrific effort by these boys to be so competitive.  They played with great energy, spirit and teamwork and should be very proud of their performance.