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| Falcons Claim Cricketing Honours |
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| The crowd enjoys a balmy evening at South Northumberland Cricket Club |
| 4 August 2008, 9:58 pm |
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| Newcastle Falcons recorded an emphatic victory over Australian side Western Force on Monday, as the two sides did battle in a charity Twenty20 cricket clash. |
The match at South Northumberland Cricket Club was in aid of the Falcons Community Foundation, with Aussie legend Matthew Burke skippering Newcastle to victory one last time as part of a week-long farewell to the club's fans.
With a strong crowd enjoying the sunny conditions the Falcons chased down the Force's total of 106 for 17 with ease, reaching their target with six overs still to go.
Falcons director of rugby, Steve Bates, said: “It was a really fun evening for a great cause, and it's one of those things that's brilliant for team spirit as well.
“It was good to see so many fans here on the night, it's a chance for them to meet and chat to the players in a more relaxed setting and it was a thoroughly enjoyable match.
“The Western Force boys really entered in to the spirit of things and seemed to enjoy playing their part, but it came as no surprise that a team captained by Matt Burke ended up victorious!”
The signs were ominous for the Force as early as the second ball, as Andy Long clean bowled the opening bat for a golden duck, while the spin bowling of Mark Sorenson – a former age-group provincial cricketer in his homeland of New Zealand – was to the fore.
Burke got in on the act with an extraordinary lobbed delivery to outfox one of his countrymen as he got among the wickets, with James Grindal providing outstanding service behind the stumps.
With the Force losing their ten wickets for just 60 runs the teams agreed to let them bat on for the full 20 overs, with some big hitting in the latter stages leaving a target of 107 for the Falcons to chase as the Aussies lost a total of 17 wickets!
An accomplished 20 not out from Steve Jones was followed up by Grindal's 20 not out from just seven balls, as the teams agreed to retire their batsmen on the 20-mark.
Sorenson was next to retire after clearing the boundary rope with a massive six to reach his 20, setting the stage for Burke to enter the fray.
True to form the Aussie dominated the bowling attack to produce a string of fours and sixes, before being caught on the boundary by his former Wallaby team mate Scott Staniforth for 17.
It was left to Phil Dowson and Mark Laycock to hit the winning runs with six overs to spare, as Newcastle recorded an ultimately comfortable victory.
The two teams do battle on the rugby field at Kingston Park this Friday at 8pm, with tickets still available by calling 0871 226 60 60. Those buying before Friday will enjoy big discounts, with normal match-day prices applying on the night itself.
The Falcons' line-up
Inside the changing room
The side runs out for battle
A splendid setting
Western Force entered in to the spirit of the occasion
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