09/09/2026
Last week Blackhall Development XI win the Ted Hodgkiss Cup to cap off an excellent first season.
A long day began as they beat Sacriston in the first semi-final with a 10am start. Inspirational skipper Dylan Elliott won the toss and putting them into bat. Sacriston scored 117/8 in their 20 overs which was probably 20 more than they should as the early start meant our fielding was below standard. Wickets shared around including two each for our juniors Nathan de Bruijn and Tommy (Happy) Laing. We comfortably reached our target with three overs to spare, helped by an unbeaten half century from James Dawson.
Onto the final and Dylan showcased his excellent tossing skills with another win. We asked Ryton to bat hoping to replicate our earlier chase. Ryton scored 105/8. Helped by Big Fish Daniel Robson taking two early wickets and five from the Laing brothers (Alfie 3, Happy 2) and another for de Bruijn we were confident at the half way point. James Dawson anchored the innings with another unbeaten 42 aided by Daniel Robson hitting 36 off 22 balls for a comfortable win with 27 balls to spare.
An amazing end to our first year with a development side. Six juniors played in the final and more than a dozen have featured over the season. Huge thanks to everyone who has contributed in setting the team up, especially our charismatic Team Manager Michael Laing…