Matthew Atkinson turned in a fine all round performance to help the Bishop Auckland U15 cricket team lift the Teesside Valve and Fitting Shield at Sedgefield CC's ground on Sunday, June 27.

Playing against the Willington U15 cricket XI Bishop Auckland made 214 for three wickets with Matthew top scoring with 89 runs.

Not satisfied with that Matthew then bowled six overs and finished with figures of five wickets for 14 runs which included a hat-trick. Matthew, 14, said: "When I was batting everything seemed to come off the middle of the bat and I scored a lot of runs with my favourite pull shot. I have to thank though Matthew Cowling and John Barker who gave me good support throughout my innings.

"I've never taken a hat-trick before and it was with the last three balls of my spell. I yorked the first batsman and then tried a yorker with the next two balls and they both hit the stumps."

Matthew attends Woodham Community Technology College and has been with Bishop Auckland CC since he was ten years of age.

He added; "I've had a lot of help at home from my father and brother David, while Neil Duckworth, Keith Hopper and club professional Amol Mazumdar have helped me at Bishop Auckland Cricket Club.

Scores: Bishop Auckland U15 v Willington U15 XI

Bishop Auckland 214 for 3 (Matthew Atkinson 89, John Barker 52no, Scott Oldfield 24no); Willington U15 68 all out (Matthew Atkinson 5-14 inc hat-trick, Craig Alston 4-17).