BISHOP Auckland 1st Xl kept up their unbeaten league record under new skipper Keith Stones with a battling draw at home to leaders Redcar in the Darlington Building Society North Yorks and South Durham premier division on Saturday.
The match ended in controversial fashion, the umpires bringing the game to a premature halt for bad light with nine balls remaining. Bishops were on 169-8, following Redcar's opening 50-over total of 249-8.
The last ball bowled was a bouncer by Redcar's 16-year-old Australian amateur fast bowler Mark Cosgrove after he had been warned over an earlier short-pitched ball to Auckland teenager Anthony Tait. Steve Ayre held Bishops together in the latter stages as Redcar threatened to force a win. Ayre was 48 not out at the close. Auckland pro Steve Chapman scored 34 and captain Stones 21.
In the first innings Ayre took 3-45 and Chapman 3-69. C Lumsden top scored for Redcar with 61, M Higgs taking 4-39 in the second innings.
The previous day, Bishops 1st Xl lost their delayed Austin Trophy game at Annfield Plain by 37 runs. Scores: Annfield Plain 146-2, S Ackerman 83no, P Brown 30, S Chapman 2-66; Bishops 109-6, S Chapman 33, K Stones 34, A Ayre 22no, S Ackerman 4-26, D Brown 2-31.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article