Hodgson Century Guides NUSC To 238-Run Victory

Hodgson Century Guides NUSC To 238-Run Victory

century-maker Daniel Hodgson

©NUSCC-Elite

Hodgson Century Guides NUSC To 238-Run Victory

Craig Marshall

©NUSCC-Elite

A maiden century of 116 (76) from Daniel Hodgson helped NUSC open the ‘Salute Our Hero’s Cricket Festival sponsored by Hilton Newcastle Gateshead’ with a resounding 238 run victory over SportsCentral at Richmondshire CC.

After some overnight and morning rain SportsCentral on winning the toss asked the students to bat, a decision that almost paid off first ball when Hodgson edged just over the slips but one which as the morning continued they would rue.  Hodgson joined by the attacking Cuckney batsmen William Ullyott 65(59) who also scored his career best to put on an opening stand of 154 in 17 overs containing over 20 boundaries as the students used Richmondshire’s fast outfield to good effect.  Debutant Joseph Kennedy 46(46) then joined Hodgson to put on 85 in 11 overs but in all honesty after his early life, he never looked likely to score anything but a century as the wicket and outfield dried out going through to his three figures off just 72 balls with fourteen fours. 

When Hodgson fell to a fine catch from Corder for 116 it brought in players seeking quick runs which saw the rate climb but also the wickets.  The success story was easily Craig Marshall who entertained with a quick fire 39(19) including four fours and two mighty sixes as he outscored his more illustrious brother Dale to take Marshall bragging rights for the week.

SportsCentral owed much to the fine bowling of Smith 5-44 for bowling out the students for 345 in the 40th over but one or two batsmen may look back on a missed opportunity to have shined with the bat.

In reply, wickets were shared around the students attack.  Hymers picked up the early wicket of Watson to a fine slip catch from Tom Ullyott while Tweedie 29(56) and Bell 20(29) looked to have SportsCentral on the way to a solid total the rain brought about a quick demise.  Hamilton’s 17(14) including without doubt the most entertaining moment of 2010-having been peppered by the aggressive Bailey (2-29) his response was to advance, back away and dispatch him way out of Richmond for a huge straight six.  Tom Ullyott 3-14 picked up the bulk of the wickets in the rain thanks to fine keeping from Hodgson and a stunning slip catch from brother William.  Craig Marshall was the other to benefit picking up 2-2 thanks to a fine low catch from skipper George Hazel-Owram and a stumping from Hodgson to ensure he had the last word in what has been a personal triumph for the Richmondshire based cricketer.

Fine and generous captaincy from George Hazel-Owram batting himself at 11 despite his own personal batting form ensured all players could take something from the day.

SportsCentral donation of a signed bat from Bangladesh ensures that the ABF will have a welcome addition to its auction prizes during a gala dinner at Hilton Newcastle Gateshead.

NUSC would like to wish SportsCentral all possible success on their Yorkshire tour and look forward to seeing them again in 2011.