Last updated at 10:14, Friday, 19 September 2008

THE popular Armstrong and Nichol sponsored Tynedale Cricket Club knockout competition has been defeated by the summer rain.

After multiple postponements because of the weather, the competition has been suspended until next season, with six matches still outstanding.

Battle will recommence at Priors Flat, Tynedale’s home ground in Hexham, next May when the remaining matches will be played, and a winner decided.

The postponement is particularly unfortunate, for both the teams which have dominated the competition in recent years, the Rugby Club and The Feathers, were knocked out in early rounds.

The three quarter final matches to be played are Pink Venom v The Craftsmen; Dale Garage v Dalesmen and Wentworth v Dyvels.

Sean’s Lot are already through to the semi-final.

Pink Venom proved to be too youthful for a maturing Rugby Club team and handed out a comprehensive beating, and deservedly became the competition favourites.

Willies Warmers were no match for the experienced Craftsmen team, and fell at the first hurdle.

For the first time in the history of the competition, a ladies team from Hexham Leazes competed, but their lack of experience told, and they could not cope with a very strong team from Allendale.

John Fox led his team from Wentworth, that included ex Tynedale skipper Edwin Bell, to a first round victory over the Half and Halves, who included two of Tynedale’s promising under 13 players.

Sean’s Lot laid down their golf clubs and took up cricket bats to defeat The Tannery before beating The Feathers, the current holders of the trophy.

The Dyvels, minus Richard Dyer for the first time in a couple of decades, fought hard to beat the OJs and earn the chance to face Wentworth in the next round.

Tynedale Cricket Club would like to thank all of the teams that entered, as well as Peter Armstrong of Armstrong and Nichol for their sponsorship, and look forward to much improved weather conditions next May.

First published at 13:35, Thursday, 18 September 2008
Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk