The thrilling North East Series ends in the first-ever tied result.
The two-day 1124 run North East Cricket Series came down to the last ball, and a one-run win for the British Army ensured a tied series for the first time in the series long history.
Enjoying superb conditions at Billingham Synthonia CC, day 1 under the watchful eye of Stockton North MP Chris McDonald, the UK Minister for Industry, the local NUSC players win both T20S with ease, thanks to some power hitting led by Sam Ewart, Corne Nel, and debutant Robin Smith.
Smith, a quietly spoken left-hand batsman, soon ensured he was well known for leaving his mark on whatever the ball hit, be it fielders' hands, bodies, or houses around the ground as the ball flew from his bat, and ensured a surprise double opening day win for the local NUSC players.
Day 2 saw the Army, strengthened by three overnight players arriving, post a highly competitive 276 from 50 overs, thanks to runs from Mitchell 58, Bevan 38, and Boynton 58, if from 100-1, and 170-3, a fine comeback of 6-106 led by the excellent bowling of Lukas Culley (2-26) and a maiden five wicket haul from spinner Chris Goede (5-55) ensured the 320-350 that the platform suggested was not reached.
276 looked to be well over 80 too many for the local players as the fine 80 run opening stand turned sour as the Army spinners Simon (3-35), Patel (3-35), Benson and Boynton weaved their spells to bring up 184-6 as the critical Smith (32) fell LBW.
It simply produced a remarkable fightback led by captain Culley, going unbeaten for the full 50 overs to reach 118* off 139 balls, and a 73-run, 8th-wicket partnership between Culley and Yarm-based cricketer Harry Wilson, who smashed 39 off 32, including two lost-ball sixes, to bring the game down to 3 off 3 balls.
Wilson, going for the win, picked out the one off-field fielder who took a fine catch before two very smart wide Yorker balls from Richards, ensuring a heartbreaking 1-run loss, but as competitive a match as the Army could have hoped for moving into their Inter Services on Monday.
Player of the series was unanimously selected as Lukas Culley for his outstanding captaincy, bowling, and hundred, which has again served notice of the talent that Guernsey and the Netherlands have seen over the past two series.
Some felt a 2-1 series win for the locals, others a net run win for the locals, others a 1-point win for the Army, and others it should have been a bowl-out for the title, but a tied series, played in a great spirit, in superb conditions, was perhaps the right result.
Dr Harper, Billingham Synthonia CC committee member, was delighted with the series, adding, “We pride ourselves on providing facilities that help showcase talented players. 1124 runs in just two days, a superb hundred from Lukas, and bowlers taking five-wicket hauls, and seamers with economy rates under 5 in high-scoring T20S, show we have achieved our goal again that the North East Cricket Series is at its strongest when hosted at Billingham Synthonia. Can I also express how much we appreciate John Holland and the North East Series management team entrusting our British Army’s only North East tour in any sport to be hosted by our club, and be clear that we stand ready to support you again in 2027”.
For the Army, they head into the Inter Services Championship in Wiltshire next week, fully battle-hardened, and for the local NUSC players, it is all eyes on the 2027 programme and who will be here to do battle for the 2027 North East Cricket Series trophy.
