The Netherlands Youths are undefeated after two days of the North East Cricket Series.
Two days in, and the Netherlands youth team is undefeated at the NECS.
In weather which mixes thunderstorms, 40-mile winds and glorious sunshine, the cricket has been thrill a minute with more than 100 fours and sixes in just the four games, a record for the series.
Day 1 saw an exciting finish as the Netherlands chased down 172 with minutes to spare before the thunderstorm arrived, with Wiesmeier's 61 off 32 an example of the speed of cricket being played.
Day 2 saw the Netherlands easily defend 181 again by 66 runs against the local NUSC team, but who turned in a sensational bowling performance defending 135 by 81 runs against the powerful British Army in what counts as one of the biggest shocks in the series' long history.
It seemed the local players had learned how to put their plans into action led by Culley 2-10 (4 overs), and Slane 3-20(4 overs), taking 6 wickets including a bizarre run out, come stumping, come falling over by both players in the first 8 overs to leave the Army unable to fight a major chase.
It also marks the return of the Hilton Newcastle Gateshead Trophy after 8 years in Army hands and a lovely joint photo presentation as the players joined together to show cricket was the winner.
The evening action continued with the Netherlands hitting 180 in their 20 overs, thanks to another impressive innings from captain De Lange 72 (44), and despite some top order fireworks from Preston 30(21), and Lewis 41(29), the Army came up 40 runs short, as the Netherlands young bowlers, led by McArthur, again knew how to play the conditions to their advantage.
Wednesday sees the start of the ODI leg switch in, leaving both cups all to play for, and in effect, winner takes all on the final two days, with 6 points a match on offer.
Match highlights are available at https://matchcentre.kncb.nl/matches/?entity=134453&grade=80481&season=19, and thanks once again to Billingham Synthonia CC, NECS, and KNCB for working to provide this service, which has seen a global audience tuning in.
