Welcome to the history of East Rainton Cricket Club, the club started playing friendly cricket in 1849, entered the North East Durham league in 1896, and moved moved around a few leagues before settling in the North East Durham League in 1913. We won our first league championship in 1941. We had league success's in the 1940's, late 1950's and early 1960's And between 1983 and 2006.
1849 - 1857 The Rainton Bridge era
We finally have a decisive date for the formation of the Rainton club, on Friday 17th August 1849 the Durham Chronicle reported that the Rainton and Moorsley clubs met at Moorsley for their maiden games. With the "Raintonites' winning by 5 wickets. Whilst on the 25th of August we travelled to Hetton, winning by an innings and 37 runs. The Hetton innings scored 20 and 35, whilst Rainton scored 92 in their single innings. So 1849 was a good first season for the club.
The next record of ‘the Rainton club’ is 18th July 1851 when Rainton Bridge CC played Houghton-le-Spring CC at Houghton. Rainton batted first achieving 66 all out and 65 all out in their two innings. Houghton 68 runs and 45. With the bowling of Ferens taking 7 wickets and Dawson top scoring with 16 not out, being of particular note.
Friday 28th August saw a Rainton Bridge IX take on Hetton-le-Hole IX at Rainton. However Hetton complained that Rainton had selected players from other clubs and refused to play the tie.
In the 1853 season two matches were played between Field House CC and Rainton Bridge CC. (Field House being a farm located between East and West Rainton). The first fixture played a fortnight earlier resulted in a large win for Field House, the second tie (15th July) resulted in a similar result. Rainton Bridge’s two innings resulted in 19 all out and 18 all out. Field House in reply achieved 68 all out. On an unfavourable day and before a large crowd and after the game Mrs Mitchell of Old Pittington provided a supper and toasts for the players in her home. Our first recorded defeat.
1853 appeared to be a bad season for Rainton Bridge, on the 26th August Rainton travelled to Northumberland Cricket Ground to Play the Percy Club of Alnwick. Percy batting first achieved 81 all out and 108 all out. In reply Rainton Bridge struggled posting 29 and 30.
· H Hall 0 & 0
· H Wheatley 1 & 1
· W Appleton 1 & 1
· J Hall 2 & 7
· R Gray 12 & 1 n.o.
· P Urwin 0 & 1
· R Ridley 0 & 1
· LC Legge 1 & 3
· H Horn 1 & 4
· G Elliot 3 & 1
· T Wanless 0 & 1
Unfortunately a loss by 129 runs and a long travel back from Alnwick. Whit-Monday May 12th 1856 Rainton were at home to Newcastle Albion club. Rainton scored 40 and 27 whilst Newcastle 25 and 31. So three years later the club had chalked up its second recorded victory so it can only be up from here.
Another local derby against West Rainton CC Monday 24th August 1857 and the score was recorded in the Durham County Advertiser. West Rainton batted first at Home and Scored 59 in the first innings, Rainton Bridge replied with 45, T Scott top scoring with 14. West Rainton in their second innings reached 49, Rainton fell 20 runs short in their reply with 37 all out. W Watkins 12 forming the bulk of the reply.
More friendly cricket, as East Rainton CC
At this stage all records of Rainton Bridge CC disappear from newspapers, with no club present in the news - East Rainton CC then puts in an appearance after a three year gap. Once again using the Rainton ground.
On Friday 28th September 1860, a match was recorded Saturday last between Moorsley gray horse and East Rainton. The gray horse won by 6 wickets, with their bowling and both teams wicket keeping being worth of praise. Moorsley got 25 and 27 - a total of 52, whilst East Rainton got 30 and 20. Can't win them all.
A match was played on Wednesday 9th August 1865, on the East Rainton ground, between Rainton and Young England, which saw a 102 run victory for the rainton men.
Rainton batted first making 164, A Appleton 65, W Westgarth 2, J Banks 38, J Elliot 1, T Colman 0, H Horn 13, G Hodgson 9, R Turner 0, R Robinson 2, J Colman 2 and W Eddy 13. Young England were then all out for 62, the top scorer was extras on 24.
The Durham Chronicle mentions the club on the 21st August 1868, when the club thankfully acknowledged the receipt of donations to its funds. These were £1 from Lindsay Wood Esq of Hetton Hall, 10 shillings C May Esq, Rev J Croasdale 5 shillings and G Mason 5 shillings.
A few days earlier, on Saturday 15th August, a friendly match took place between East Rainton and Colliery Row CC (later Chilton Moor cc), at Colliery row, with Rainton winning by an innings and 12.
Rainton batted first reaching 81 runs, T Hudson 15, W Hudson 0, J Wilson 20, W Palmer 3, J Porter 8, J Marsden 0, W Elliot 3, W Hall 6, W Davison 2 and W Stabler 21.
For colliery row, J Ransom 1, J Colin 0 and not out 2, J Carr 4 and 1, A Gleaston 3 and 3, J Minns 0, W Collins 6, R Fatherly 2, R Oliver 0 and 3, E Pattison 0 and 2, J Bainbrough 2. And J Hibbut not 2 and 9. Total 36.
We faced a long travel to Hetton to take on Hetton le Hole youths, it was unfortunately an easy win for the home side on the 7th September 1872. Batting first Hetton posted 44, with James Todd making 20 and John Todd 15. Rainton struggled with the bat, posting 12. J Heron 0, M Clark 2, W Morrison 1, J Beeny 0, W Gibson 0, T McCelland 2, J Bage not out 0, M Coskin 0, M Waters 0, S Bailey 3. In the second innings we did post 43. J Heron 0, M Clark 15, W Morrison 0, J Beeny 2, W Gibson 0, T Mc Celland 4, J Bage 8, M Coskin 10 not out, M Waters 0 and S Bailey 0. Hetton the achieved the 12 runs needed for the loss of just one wicket.
Hetton-le Hole second’s played East Rainton on Sunday 12th June 1880, Rainton batted first reaching 30 runs, in reply Hetton posted 55. In the second innings Rainton added 30 again! Whilst Hetton passed the post at 13 for 1.
1st June 1883 East Rainton played Leamside in yet another local game (keeping the travelling expenses to a minimum!) Leamside batted first reaching 75 C. Hall posting 22 from the total. East Rainton once again struggled reaching 20, the top scorers were G.T. Moore and W. Fawcett both collecting 6 runs each.
Grange Church Institute, played East Rainton at Rainton, on the 27th July 1889. However it resulted in another loss, Rainton batted first reaching 44 all out, Robson reaching 24 not out. Grange batting achieved 45 with the loss of 8 wickets. Whilst on the 19th August 1890 Rainton were due to play East Herrington at Rainton. New Seaham MIA played East Rainton at Rainton which resulted in a 15 run win. NSMIA achieving 37. Rhodes top scored in Raintons reply with 10 runs in a total of 52.
The Durham Advertiser on Friday 27th October 1893, states that "RAINTON CRICKETERS AND THE AUTHORITY" The clerk (of Houghton urban district council) read a letter from the East Rainton CrIcket Club, accepting the authority's offer of £15 to compensate them for the loss of their field. The clerk said he had drawn a cheque for that amount." This article relates to the construction and a new sewerage farm on the Glebe at Houghton. This is an area located near the Rainton Bridge cross roads. This loss of the field, seems to knock the club with no recorded fixtures until 1895. The club moved to its current Hazard cricket field at this point as the 1901 photo of George Edwin Whitfield below, shows our current field.
In another local derby the club hosted Middle Rainton on Saturday 25th May 1895. Unfortunately it was a 3 run and 4 wicket defeat the scores were as follows:
East Rainton:
Jos Handley 10
J Murdloe 7
R White 7
J Handley 5
A Pritchard 5
R White 9
S Matthews 0
G Kirtley 1
G Green 4
T Clough 2 not out
Jos Matthews 1 - Total 60
Middle Rainton:
W Harragan 0
J Cheesney 4
T Matthews 3
R Adair not out 23
J T Cummings 8
W Hall 1
T Bennet 3
W Cummings 11 not out
S White , J Crampton, J Lumsden did not bat - Total 63
On the 26th July East Rainton hosted Bearpark. Bearpark batted first makign 55 for 9, R Patch top scoring on 11.
The Rainton innings didnt end well, with it closing on 48. R White 2, J Handley not out 25, Jos Handley 3, J Mordue 1, T Matthews 6, T Horn 4, F Croisdale 1, J Browell 0, A Pritchard 1, G Lumsden 1 and G Kirtley 1.
On the 12th January 1896 the club entered the Durham Challenge cup, and we were placed into a group with Chilton Moor II, East Rainton, Moorsley, Pittington and Sherburn II. Unfortunetly no results as yet.
We jump forward to the 15th May 1896, when East Rainton 2nd team took on West Rainton St Marys Juniors at West Rainton. "This match was played on the ground of the former in fine weather, and ended with a win for the home team, for whom John Lackey 21, S Barron 17 and R Barron 14 batted well. Scores: East Rainton 55, St Marys Juniors 75."
1898 League cricket begins
In 1898 on the 17th June East Rainton have appeared in the original North East Durham Cricket League, playing Hendon CC on Saturday 18th June. This is the first mention of East Rainton in a NEDCL. This would prove to be a hard game as Hendon were crowned league champions at the end of the season in unusual circumstances. A title play off with Lumley Thicks was abandoned due to bad light, Lumley refused to play again so Hendon were awarded the title. Rainton batted first making 38, with Handley 18, Adair 19 and R Kirtley 2 being the only scorers, with Ducks for Cummings, G Kirtley, Pritchard, Liddle, Lumsdon, Clough and Moore. Hendon closed their innings on 72 for 6, with Clavering making 38.
Also that day Murton Colliery made 134 then bowled Pensher out for 71.
By the 23rd August Rainton sat 5th in the table having played 11, won 3, lost 7, drawn 1, giving us 7 points, the same total as the two sides below us Silksworth and New Seaham MIA. Also in the league were Hendon, Murton Colliery, Pensher, Lumley Thicks.
Also in 1898 we took on Barmston we batted first making 93, Robert White scored 54 not out, JT Cummings 12, J Handley 9, G Kirtley 10, J Browell 0 and A Pritchard 6 not out. JT Cummings then took 7 for 18 as Barmston were bowled out for 37.
The following season on the 19th June Murton Colliery hosted East Rainton. However it was a bad result with a loss by 11 runs. Murton batted first achieving 52 Gulley 15 and Gaunt 14 top scoring. In reply Rainton fell just short on 41 runs. Browell top scoring with 14. Hendon once again were crowned NEDCL champions
We finally have a decisive date for the formation of the Rainton club, on Friday 17th August 1849 the Durham Chronicle reported that the Rainton and Moorsley clubs met at Moorsley for their maiden games. With the "Raintonites' winning by 5 wickets. Whilst on the 25th of August we travelled to Hetton, winning by an innings and 37 runs. The Hetton innings scored 20 and 35, whilst Rainton scored 92 in their single innings. So 1849 was a good first season for the club.
The next record of ‘the Rainton club’ is 18th July 1851 when Rainton Bridge CC played Houghton-le-Spring CC at Houghton. Rainton batted first achieving 66 all out and 65 all out in their two innings. Houghton 68 runs and 45. With the bowling of Ferens taking 7 wickets and Dawson top scoring with 16 not out, being of particular note.
Friday 28th August saw a Rainton Bridge IX take on Hetton-le-Hole IX at Rainton. However Hetton complained that Rainton had selected players from other clubs and refused to play the tie.
In the 1853 season two matches were played between Field House CC and Rainton Bridge CC. (Field House being a farm located between East and West Rainton). The first fixture played a fortnight earlier resulted in a large win for Field House, the second tie (15th July) resulted in a similar result. Rainton Bridge’s two innings resulted in 19 all out and 18 all out. Field House in reply achieved 68 all out. On an unfavourable day and before a large crowd and after the game Mrs Mitchell of Old Pittington provided a supper and toasts for the players in her home. Our first recorded defeat.
1853 appeared to be a bad season for Rainton Bridge, on the 26th August Rainton travelled to Northumberland Cricket Ground to Play the Percy Club of Alnwick. Percy batting first achieved 81 all out and 108 all out. In reply Rainton Bridge struggled posting 29 and 30.
· H Hall 0 & 0
· H Wheatley 1 & 1
· W Appleton 1 & 1
· J Hall 2 & 7
· R Gray 12 & 1 n.o.
· P Urwin 0 & 1
· R Ridley 0 & 1
· LC Legge 1 & 3
· H Horn 1 & 4
· G Elliot 3 & 1
· T Wanless 0 & 1
Unfortunately a loss by 129 runs and a long travel back from Alnwick. Whit-Monday May 12th 1856 Rainton were at home to Newcastle Albion club. Rainton scored 40 and 27 whilst Newcastle 25 and 31. So three years later the club had chalked up its second recorded victory so it can only be up from here.
Another local derby against West Rainton CC Monday 24th August 1857 and the score was recorded in the Durham County Advertiser. West Rainton batted first at Home and Scored 59 in the first innings, Rainton Bridge replied with 45, T Scott top scoring with 14. West Rainton in their second innings reached 49, Rainton fell 20 runs short in their reply with 37 all out. W Watkins 12 forming the bulk of the reply.
More friendly cricket, as East Rainton CC
At this stage all records of Rainton Bridge CC disappear from newspapers, with no club present in the news - East Rainton CC then puts in an appearance after a three year gap. Once again using the Rainton ground.
On Friday 28th September 1860, a match was recorded Saturday last between Moorsley gray horse and East Rainton. The gray horse won by 6 wickets, with their bowling and both teams wicket keeping being worth of praise. Moorsley got 25 and 27 - a total of 52, whilst East Rainton got 30 and 20. Can't win them all.
A match was played on Wednesday 9th August 1865, on the East Rainton ground, between Rainton and Young England, which saw a 102 run victory for the rainton men.
Rainton batted first making 164, A Appleton 65, W Westgarth 2, J Banks 38, J Elliot 1, T Colman 0, H Horn 13, G Hodgson 9, R Turner 0, R Robinson 2, J Colman 2 and W Eddy 13. Young England were then all out for 62, the top scorer was extras on 24.
The Durham Chronicle mentions the club on the 21st August 1868, when the club thankfully acknowledged the receipt of donations to its funds. These were £1 from Lindsay Wood Esq of Hetton Hall, 10 shillings C May Esq, Rev J Croasdale 5 shillings and G Mason 5 shillings.
A few days earlier, on Saturday 15th August, a friendly match took place between East Rainton and Colliery Row CC (later Chilton Moor cc), at Colliery row, with Rainton winning by an innings and 12.
Rainton batted first reaching 81 runs, T Hudson 15, W Hudson 0, J Wilson 20, W Palmer 3, J Porter 8, J Marsden 0, W Elliot 3, W Hall 6, W Davison 2 and W Stabler 21.
For colliery row, J Ransom 1, J Colin 0 and not out 2, J Carr 4 and 1, A Gleaston 3 and 3, J Minns 0, W Collins 6, R Fatherly 2, R Oliver 0 and 3, E Pattison 0 and 2, J Bainbrough 2. And J Hibbut not 2 and 9. Total 36.
We faced a long travel to Hetton to take on Hetton le Hole youths, it was unfortunately an easy win for the home side on the 7th September 1872. Batting first Hetton posted 44, with James Todd making 20 and John Todd 15. Rainton struggled with the bat, posting 12. J Heron 0, M Clark 2, W Morrison 1, J Beeny 0, W Gibson 0, T McCelland 2, J Bage not out 0, M Coskin 0, M Waters 0, S Bailey 3. In the second innings we did post 43. J Heron 0, M Clark 15, W Morrison 0, J Beeny 2, W Gibson 0, T Mc Celland 4, J Bage 8, M Coskin 10 not out, M Waters 0 and S Bailey 0. Hetton the achieved the 12 runs needed for the loss of just one wicket.
Hetton-le Hole second’s played East Rainton on Sunday 12th June 1880, Rainton batted first reaching 30 runs, in reply Hetton posted 55. In the second innings Rainton added 30 again! Whilst Hetton passed the post at 13 for 1.
1st June 1883 East Rainton played Leamside in yet another local game (keeping the travelling expenses to a minimum!) Leamside batted first reaching 75 C. Hall posting 22 from the total. East Rainton once again struggled reaching 20, the top scorers were G.T. Moore and W. Fawcett both collecting 6 runs each.
Grange Church Institute, played East Rainton at Rainton, on the 27th July 1889. However it resulted in another loss, Rainton batted first reaching 44 all out, Robson reaching 24 not out. Grange batting achieved 45 with the loss of 8 wickets. Whilst on the 19th August 1890 Rainton were due to play East Herrington at Rainton. New Seaham MIA played East Rainton at Rainton which resulted in a 15 run win. NSMIA achieving 37. Rhodes top scored in Raintons reply with 10 runs in a total of 52.
The Durham Advertiser on Friday 27th October 1893, states that "RAINTON CRICKETERS AND THE AUTHORITY" The clerk (of Houghton urban district council) read a letter from the East Rainton CrIcket Club, accepting the authority's offer of £15 to compensate them for the loss of their field. The clerk said he had drawn a cheque for that amount." This article relates to the construction and a new sewerage farm on the Glebe at Houghton. This is an area located near the Rainton Bridge cross roads. This loss of the field, seems to knock the club with no recorded fixtures until 1895. The club moved to its current Hazard cricket field at this point as the 1901 photo of George Edwin Whitfield below, shows our current field.
In another local derby the club hosted Middle Rainton on Saturday 25th May 1895. Unfortunately it was a 3 run and 4 wicket defeat the scores were as follows:
East Rainton:
Jos Handley 10
J Murdloe 7
R White 7
J Handley 5
A Pritchard 5
R White 9
S Matthews 0
G Kirtley 1
G Green 4
T Clough 2 not out
Jos Matthews 1 - Total 60
Middle Rainton:
W Harragan 0
J Cheesney 4
T Matthews 3
R Adair not out 23
J T Cummings 8
W Hall 1
T Bennet 3
W Cummings 11 not out
S White , J Crampton, J Lumsden did not bat - Total 63
On the 26th July East Rainton hosted Bearpark. Bearpark batted first makign 55 for 9, R Patch top scoring on 11.
The Rainton innings didnt end well, with it closing on 48. R White 2, J Handley not out 25, Jos Handley 3, J Mordue 1, T Matthews 6, T Horn 4, F Croisdale 1, J Browell 0, A Pritchard 1, G Lumsden 1 and G Kirtley 1.
On the 12th January 1896 the club entered the Durham Challenge cup, and we were placed into a group with Chilton Moor II, East Rainton, Moorsley, Pittington and Sherburn II. Unfortunetly no results as yet.
We jump forward to the 15th May 1896, when East Rainton 2nd team took on West Rainton St Marys Juniors at West Rainton. "This match was played on the ground of the former in fine weather, and ended with a win for the home team, for whom John Lackey 21, S Barron 17 and R Barron 14 batted well. Scores: East Rainton 55, St Marys Juniors 75."
1898 League cricket begins
In 1898 on the 17th June East Rainton have appeared in the original North East Durham Cricket League, playing Hendon CC on Saturday 18th June. This is the first mention of East Rainton in a NEDCL. This would prove to be a hard game as Hendon were crowned league champions at the end of the season in unusual circumstances. A title play off with Lumley Thicks was abandoned due to bad light, Lumley refused to play again so Hendon were awarded the title. Rainton batted first making 38, with Handley 18, Adair 19 and R Kirtley 2 being the only scorers, with Ducks for Cummings, G Kirtley, Pritchard, Liddle, Lumsdon, Clough and Moore. Hendon closed their innings on 72 for 6, with Clavering making 38.
Also that day Murton Colliery made 134 then bowled Pensher out for 71.
By the 23rd August Rainton sat 5th in the table having played 11, won 3, lost 7, drawn 1, giving us 7 points, the same total as the two sides below us Silksworth and New Seaham MIA. Also in the league were Hendon, Murton Colliery, Pensher, Lumley Thicks.
Also in 1898 we took on Barmston we batted first making 93, Robert White scored 54 not out, JT Cummings 12, J Handley 9, G Kirtley 10, J Browell 0 and A Pritchard 6 not out. JT Cummings then took 7 for 18 as Barmston were bowled out for 37.
The following season on the 19th June Murton Colliery hosted East Rainton. However it was a bad result with a loss by 11 runs. Murton batted first achieving 52 Gulley 15 and Gaunt 14 top scoring. In reply Rainton fell just short on 41 runs. Browell top scoring with 14. Hendon once again were crowned NEDCL champions
As a new century dawned East Rainton once again entered the North East Durham League, by the 19th June 1900 Rainton sat second bottom of the league with 2 points. Having played 4, won 1 and lost 3. The league contained Murton Colliery, Harraton, Lumley Thicks, Seaham Ernest and Penshaw.
East Rainton started the season well, beating last seasons play off finalists Murton Colliery, Murton batted first, making 34 all out, Whitfield took 5 wickets, Doxford 2 and Kirtley and White 1 apiece. Handley opened the batting making 20, White 7, Whitfield 0, G Kirtley 0, Doxford run out for 6, J Matthews 2, Pritchard 1, Kirtley 0, Matthews 2, Clough not out 0 and Browell absent. A total of 40.
East Rainton had a close game on 25th August against Seaham Ernest, turn out on the wrong side of a 9 run loss. Ernest batting first reached 88 for 8, in reply Rainton reached 79. Handley’s 43 runs proved useful but not quite enough to provide a victory.
East Rainton started the season well, beating last seasons play off finalists Murton Colliery, Murton batted first, making 34 all out, Whitfield took 5 wickets, Doxford 2 and Kirtley and White 1 apiece. Handley opened the batting making 20, White 7, Whitfield 0, G Kirtley 0, Doxford run out for 6, J Matthews 2, Pritchard 1, Kirtley 0, Matthews 2, Clough not out 0 and Browell absent. A total of 40.
East Rainton had a close game on 25th August against Seaham Ernest, turn out on the wrong side of a 9 run loss. Ernest batting first reached 88 for 8, in reply Rainton reached 79. Handley’s 43 runs proved useful but not quite enough to provide a victory.
The North Durham League seasons
Another year (1901) and a new league Rainton had left the North East Durham league and had entered the larger North Durham League. In the league that season were Littletown, East Rainton, Lumley Warriors, Birtley, South Hetton, Hetton Lyons, Silksworth, Felling Temperance, Chilton Moor, Houghton Athletic, Hetton Primitive Methodists, Wheatley Hill and Hylton Colliery. Both of our recorded games were against Silksworth Home and Away both saw victories. Firstly at Home Silksworth recorded 39 all out with George Whitfield taking 6 for 15 in reply Rainton posted 170 with Whitfield also top scoring with 45. In the reversed fixture on the 17th June Silksworth again batted first reaching 59 and Rainton winning again with 74.
On December 6th December the AGM of the club was held, the members were thanked for donations towards the ground improvements. With the new pavilion hopefully ready for the new season, those who had loaned horses, carts and rollers for the work were thanked also. Josephs Handley and Matthews, were captain and Vice, W Clough was the groundsman. It was again decided to join the North Durham League. The passing of former player Robert White was also noted, "the club had lost, in his prime, one of the best all round cricketers that the old village has ever produced".
Another year (1901) and a new league Rainton had left the North East Durham league and had entered the larger North Durham League. In the league that season were Littletown, East Rainton, Lumley Warriors, Birtley, South Hetton, Hetton Lyons, Silksworth, Felling Temperance, Chilton Moor, Houghton Athletic, Hetton Primitive Methodists, Wheatley Hill and Hylton Colliery. Both of our recorded games were against Silksworth Home and Away both saw victories. Firstly at Home Silksworth recorded 39 all out with George Whitfield taking 6 for 15 in reply Rainton posted 170 with Whitfield also top scoring with 45. In the reversed fixture on the 17th June Silksworth again batted first reaching 59 and Rainton winning again with 74.
On December 6th December the AGM of the club was held, the members were thanked for donations towards the ground improvements. With the new pavilion hopefully ready for the new season, those who had loaned horses, carts and rollers for the work were thanked also. Josephs Handley and Matthews, were captain and Vice, W Clough was the groundsman. It was again decided to join the North Durham League. The passing of former player Robert White was also noted, "the club had lost, in his prime, one of the best all round cricketers that the old village has ever produced".
The second league meeting of the North Durham League was held on Tuesday 21st January 1902. It was decided that with the growth of the league clubs should be grouped by area. East Rainton found themselves in the East Group with: Chilton Moor, Hetton Lyons, Hylton Alma, Hylton Colliery, Littletown, Seaham Ernest, South Hetton, Wheatley Hill and Murton.
The 1902 season was relatively successful finishing mid table:
· Murton Colliery (52) vs East Rainton (57)
· East Rainton (21) vs Hetton Primative Methodists (39)
· Seaham Ernest (83) vs East Rainton (44)
· East Rainton (28) vs South Hetton (36)
· Hylton Alma reserves (47) vs East Rainton II (36)
At the end of the season we finished 6th out of 10 clubs. Having played 18 games won 8, lost 9, drew 1, 17 points, South Hetton were the champions.
On the Wednesday 29th October the Sunderland Echo reported that ERCC had distributed prizes amongst its players, Mr T Fawcett won a bat for the highest batting average. Mr J Cummings was also given a bat for topping the senior teams bowling average. Mr Joseph Handley won the second best bowling and top of the catches table. G Liddell and W Kirtley won the top of the 2nd team bowling averages and Mr J Brown won the second team batting. Whilst the same evening was recorded in detail by the Durham County Advertiser, with over 40 members meeting at the clubhouse. Mr G Robinson took the chair for the evening, whilst Mr John Bailey presented the bat the T Fawcett. Mr J Craig from Rainton brewery presented the bat to J Cummings. Whilst Handley was recorded as taking 12 catches that season. Mr T Moore the clubs longest standing memer (over 40 years). Songs were then sung by Jos Handley, Jos Matthews, J Craig, D McBriar, and T Sutheran, with a duet from J Bailey and J Handley. Whilst the evening closed with T Langley playing some violin Solos.
The 1902 season was relatively successful finishing mid table:
· Murton Colliery (52) vs East Rainton (57)
· East Rainton (21) vs Hetton Primative Methodists (39)
· Seaham Ernest (83) vs East Rainton (44)
· East Rainton (28) vs South Hetton (36)
· Hylton Alma reserves (47) vs East Rainton II (36)
At the end of the season we finished 6th out of 10 clubs. Having played 18 games won 8, lost 9, drew 1, 17 points, South Hetton were the champions.
On the Wednesday 29th October the Sunderland Echo reported that ERCC had distributed prizes amongst its players, Mr T Fawcett won a bat for the highest batting average. Mr J Cummings was also given a bat for topping the senior teams bowling average. Mr Joseph Handley won the second best bowling and top of the catches table. G Liddell and W Kirtley won the top of the 2nd team bowling averages and Mr J Brown won the second team batting. Whilst the same evening was recorded in detail by the Durham County Advertiser, with over 40 members meeting at the clubhouse. Mr G Robinson took the chair for the evening, whilst Mr John Bailey presented the bat the T Fawcett. Mr J Craig from Rainton brewery presented the bat to J Cummings. Whilst Handley was recorded as taking 12 catches that season. Mr T Moore the clubs longest standing memer (over 40 years). Songs were then sung by Jos Handley, Jos Matthews, J Craig, D McBriar, and T Sutheran, with a duet from J Bailey and J Handley. Whilst the evening closed with T Langley playing some violin Solos.
The first news from the club in 1903 was that Mr D McBriar was gifted a gold albert watch chain for his services to the club - he was leaving the Rainton Brewery company for the Monkseaton Brewery. However he decided to remain with the club despite the move.
Once again Rainton found themselves in the North Durham League, the first game recorded was against Hylton Alma. Once again however Hylton Alma won the day, this time however by a tiny 3 run margin. Hylton batted first reaching 40 for 7 wickets, East Rainton were however all out for 37. Yet another bad day at the office for the Rainton men.
The 1904 season dawned and once again we remained in the North Durham League, playing once again in the Senior division. Some of the fixtures were as follows: Saturday 30th April Hetton Lyons v East Rainton, Saturday 11th June South Hetton vs East Rainton.
However on Saturday 9th July another loss was notched by East Rainton, this time at the hands of old North East Durham stablemates Seaham Ernest. A game was played at Seaham in ‘somewhat sultry weather’. Rainton batted first, J Matthews run out 24, G Matthews caught 3, G Liddell caught 2, W Kirkby bowled 0, J Clough run out 2, G Higgins bowled 6, E Matthews caught 4, D Scott caught 0, E Kirkby not out 0, 9 extras total 59. Seaham Ernest however reached 95 for their 10 wickets.
1905 season saw Rainton in the North Durham league, North East group, with Chilton moor, Hebburn, Washington, South Hylton, Hylton colliery, East Rainton, Boldon colliery and Lumley Warriors.
On August 18th we took on Hebburn colliery, we lost a close game by 6 runs. They scored 79 and we posted 73.
By the end of the season, we finished mid table, having played 11, won 4, lost 5, drawn 2 and with 10 points. 7 behind table toppers South Hylton.
In 1907, along with South Hetton, Seaham Ernest, Wheatley Hill, Littletown, Belmont, Hetton Lyons, and Horden Colliery, we were playing in the North Durham Junior Division, South Eastern Group. On the 13th July we welcomed Horden to the Hazard, they batted first reaching 92 all out. T C Fawcett then top scored with 18 as we were bowled out for 48. We were roundly beaten by Hetton Lyons on the 17th August by Hetton Lyons. We batted first being bowled out for 41. In reply Lyons batted through for 117. This is still the period when teams batted through until all out, or they declared.
The Durham North Eastern league
1908 saw us move to the Durham North East senior league, and on the 3rd July we were beaten by local rivals Chilton Moor. We batted first making 75, however the moor ended the game on a Nelson of 111.
By 1909 we found ourselves in the Durham North East league, with Seaham Ernest, Littletown, South Hylton, South Hetton, Washington, Silksworth, Hetton Lyons, Chilton Moor and Thornley. On the 24th April we narrowly defeated Thornley CC at home by 4 runs. Rainton batted first making 80, all out.
S Hunter 3
J Handley 7
G Matthews 43
S Walker 8
R Barron 2
W Wilson 4
G Weatherill 0
G Liddell 2
D Scott 0
J Swindler 9 not out
C Bartley 0
Thornley were then bowled out for 76.
The 8th may saw us host Wheatley Hill, S Hunter got 22 out of our total 94. Wheatley Hill then got 151 for 8. So another loss.
In the Durham North East league on Saturday 7th May 1910 we were due to play Gosforth. Meeting at Rainton at 2:30 prompt. The team was: Hunter, Henderson, Matthews, Handley, Liddell, Wilson, Reed, Fox, Robinson, Walker and Swindler, Reserve Kelly.
Once again Rainton found themselves in the North Durham League, the first game recorded was against Hylton Alma. Once again however Hylton Alma won the day, this time however by a tiny 3 run margin. Hylton batted first reaching 40 for 7 wickets, East Rainton were however all out for 37. Yet another bad day at the office for the Rainton men.
The 1904 season dawned and once again we remained in the North Durham League, playing once again in the Senior division. Some of the fixtures were as follows: Saturday 30th April Hetton Lyons v East Rainton, Saturday 11th June South Hetton vs East Rainton.
However on Saturday 9th July another loss was notched by East Rainton, this time at the hands of old North East Durham stablemates Seaham Ernest. A game was played at Seaham in ‘somewhat sultry weather’. Rainton batted first, J Matthews run out 24, G Matthews caught 3, G Liddell caught 2, W Kirkby bowled 0, J Clough run out 2, G Higgins bowled 6, E Matthews caught 4, D Scott caught 0, E Kirkby not out 0, 9 extras total 59. Seaham Ernest however reached 95 for their 10 wickets.
1905 season saw Rainton in the North Durham league, North East group, with Chilton moor, Hebburn, Washington, South Hylton, Hylton colliery, East Rainton, Boldon colliery and Lumley Warriors.
On August 18th we took on Hebburn colliery, we lost a close game by 6 runs. They scored 79 and we posted 73.
By the end of the season, we finished mid table, having played 11, won 4, lost 5, drawn 2 and with 10 points. 7 behind table toppers South Hylton.
In 1907, along with South Hetton, Seaham Ernest, Wheatley Hill, Littletown, Belmont, Hetton Lyons, and Horden Colliery, we were playing in the North Durham Junior Division, South Eastern Group. On the 13th July we welcomed Horden to the Hazard, they batted first reaching 92 all out. T C Fawcett then top scored with 18 as we were bowled out for 48. We were roundly beaten by Hetton Lyons on the 17th August by Hetton Lyons. We batted first being bowled out for 41. In reply Lyons batted through for 117. This is still the period when teams batted through until all out, or they declared.
The Durham North Eastern league
1908 saw us move to the Durham North East senior league, and on the 3rd July we were beaten by local rivals Chilton Moor. We batted first making 75, however the moor ended the game on a Nelson of 111.
By 1909 we found ourselves in the Durham North East league, with Seaham Ernest, Littletown, South Hylton, South Hetton, Washington, Silksworth, Hetton Lyons, Chilton Moor and Thornley. On the 24th April we narrowly defeated Thornley CC at home by 4 runs. Rainton batted first making 80, all out.
S Hunter 3
J Handley 7
G Matthews 43
S Walker 8
R Barron 2
W Wilson 4
G Weatherill 0
G Liddell 2
D Scott 0
J Swindler 9 not out
C Bartley 0
Thornley were then bowled out for 76.
The 8th may saw us host Wheatley Hill, S Hunter got 22 out of our total 94. Wheatley Hill then got 151 for 8. So another loss.
In the Durham North East league on Saturday 7th May 1910 we were due to play Gosforth. Meeting at Rainton at 2:30 prompt. The team was: Hunter, Henderson, Matthews, Handley, Liddell, Wilson, Reed, Fox, Robinson, Walker and Swindler, Reserve Kelly.
1910 saw a huge upheaval in North East cricket. The Durham County league, North Durham league and Durham North Eastern leagues all merged to form the new Durham County league. The league was to have two divisions (senior & junior) with these divided by area, Central, Eastern, North Eastern and Darlington. The Sunderland Echo on Monday 9th May states “The Eastern Division comprised entirely of last season’s Durham North Eastern league - except for East Rainton who have fallen out of the scheme”.
For 1910 the club returned to playing friendly matches, with two recorded games being away at Lambton Castle on the 2nd July. It wasnt exactly a day in which Rainton covered themselves in Glory. Lambton Castle batted first, they were all out for 45. In reply Rainton were all out for 16.
G Hunter 1
G Mathers 7
G Liddle 0
J Handley 3
W Wilson 0
G Henderson 1
C Browell 1
J Swindler 1
J Robinson 0
T Nicholson 0
G Scorer 0.
Whilst a game was also arranged against Hetton Lyons seconds on Saturday 11th July. This resulted in a win, with Hetton Lyons all out for 18, G Matthews top scored on 8, as we were all out for 25.
1911 saw us once again playing friendlies only. The Rainton men travelled to Horden to take on their second team on Saturday 3rd June 1911, it didn't end well, Horden batted first making 117, with R Wigzell 16, F Lincoln 55 and Bell not out 14. R Crake did however get 17, but we were skittled out for 41. Whilst we hosted Sherburn seconds they arrived with ten men and were all out for 44. Rainton then won by 5 wickets and 27 runs. reaching 71 all out. With G Matthews top scoring on 33.
By 1912 we had joined the new Durham County league which we had dropped out of two years earlier. We were then placed into the Eastern junior division. Alongside team such as Sherburn, South Hetton and Wheatley Hill. The 11th May 1912 saw us travel to Wheatley Hill, Rainton were bowled out for 40, thanks to the efforts of D Cowan who took 4 for 9. In reply Wheatley Hill declared on 41 for 6.
The North East Durham league again - 1913
After one season a number of clubs - Seaham Park, Wheatley Hill, Horden Colliery, Chilton Moor, Silksworth Colliery, Hetton Lyons, Moorsley, Seaham Ernest, East Rainton and Littletown. Split from the County league and formed the Durham North Eastern League. Rainton found themselves in the Junior division. The league would develop into the North East Durham League have played in since 1913. So East Rainton have been founder members of the league not just once but twice. And we have been proud to call the NEDCL home since 1913.
On Saturday 31st May, East Rainton were to play Littletown II, the team were to meet at Raintons ground at 2.30. The team was R Crake (Captain), R Barron, GH Matthews, F Clark, B Cook, S Pine, W Laing, D Scott, W Kirtley, B Richardson, W Patterson. Reserves G Hepple & G Robinson.
On Saturday 5th July Rainton travelled across to Hetton Lyons to play their second team. Rainton won the day posting 57 in total with S Pine 22 and E Robinson 17 top scoring. In reply Hetton Lyons were bowled out for 34. A much better result for the Rainton men.
Saturday 2nd August Cold Hesledon Unitary Methodists vs East Rainton, meet at the village tavern 12.30 for the brake to Hesledon!
As the Great war dawned East Rainton once again found themselves in Durham North Eastern league, Junior division, the team for the game against Silksworth on the 25th April 1914 was R Crake (capt), G Matthews, T Thornton, W Rennie, G Robinson, J Robinson, R Brown, J Bailey, Sidney Fox, H Atkinson, and Another. Umpire J Swindle. So once again Rainton could only turn out ten men (its rather amusing that the paper published A N Other as a player). The other teams in the league were South Hetton, Murton Colliery, Hetton Lyons, Horden, Silkworth, Seaham Park, East Rainton, Littletown, Wheatley Hill & Ryhope Colliery.
Saturday 11th July saw Rainton hosting South Hetton II and once again we saw a victory. South Hetton reaching 62 and Rainton reaching 74.
On the 15th August we were stuffed by Murton Colliery, the home team reaching 205 for 6, Rainton were in reply all out for 32.
The 3rd April 1915 saw the meeting of the league at Hetton, East Rainton were placed into the west group, with Hetton Lyons, South Hetton, East Rainton, Littletown, Sherburn and Chilton Moor.
At the NEDCL league meeting in April 1916 East Rainton and Ryhope both stated that they could not meet their fixtures as so many of their men had joined the army. At the second meeting on the 17th April, East Rainton were missing. The league however did continue. Rainton were missing until the 1919 season owing to the conflict.
However a number of East Rainton club members paid the ultimate sacrifice during the great war:
17th May 1919 Rainton faced a visit to Hetton Lyons. The team had to meet at the reading rooms at 1.30. The team was: R Watson (captain), S Hunter, S Myers, C Watson, G Potts, G Matthews, R Crake, T Bainbridge, G Robinson, J Robinson, R Robinson. Reserves G Browell, W Matthews, Scorer W Langely, Umpire R Brown. 1919 was the provide the East Rainton Club with its first silverware! As Rainton went on to win the West group of the league, a brilliant achievement as the club was still recovering from the war. Rainton finished ahead of Chilton Moor, South Hetton, Wheatley Hill, Hetton Lyons and Littletown. Winning 7 and losing 2 games. However we sadly couldn't beat Boldon MI who were East group champions. They batted first on the 27th August 1919 at Hetton Lyons, they reached a total of 141. Rainton struggled to 102, and were awarded a cup as Winners of the West group. Boldon MI were unbeaten that season in league and Cup. Shortly after the final the club lost another key player George Matthews to an accident at Hazard pit, he was the club secretary and opening bat, he was aged 39 at the time of his death.
East Rainton once again entered the NEDCL at the meeting on Saturday 12th February 1920 Rainton entered two teams, in the senior west division and the junior division On the 22nd May, Rainton played Horden away and ended up on the losing end of a massive score of the time. Horden reached 278 for 6. Rainton in reply reached 126 all out. R Kirtley 24, R Watson 50, S Hunter 18, N Harrison 14. A wet weekend (Saturday 21st August saw Rainton rained off against Wheatley Hill, they batted first reaching 104 all out. Raintons reply was a strong one R Kirtley 31 not out and S Hunter 8 not out giving us 44 for 0 when the game was abandoned for rain. The seconds however lost to Wheatley Hill II (who were crowned division champions the same day) Wheatley Hill 78, East Rainton 32 all out.
Robert Hope was born in East Rainton in 1920 he recorded his memories of growing up, his recollections of the club were:
“It is blessed with a lovely pitch in a rural setting with other fields on three sides. The rest of it is partly circled by the embankment carrying the railway from the Hazard (Colliery). I have happy memories of Hazard Cricket Field - my dad was groundsman there for two or more years. Each year, about May, a pit pony would be brought out of the Hazard pit and loaned to the club to pull the grass cutting machine. There was a small shed next to the pavilion where he was stabled. On practice evening we children would play cricket on the margin of the field and help to push and pull the big roller over the pitch. The exciting day was of course Saturday's game.
My dad and us would arrive at the field early to prepare things. Dad would light a fire in the brazier at the back of the pavilion to boil water for tea in a big pan. The water, we brought from the well in Bailey's field.
The best Moment for us was when the teams had had their teas supplied by the ladies, then we would have ours. There would be salmon sandwiches and cakes. Great summer days - my Dad received £5 (old pounds) for the season as groundsman.
Some of the cricketers i remember were, Jim Howliston from Rainton Bridge, Percival from Hetton, Pine from Hetton, Bob Hall and son John from the cottages below the cricket field. Also the Rainton families Trevitts, N Mallinson, W Hunter, Maurice Coxon, Les Hope & T Hodgekiss.
The Halls and M. Coxon were slow bowlers and being tall men, the ball seemed to the batsmen to be coming down from a great height - when they arrived at the crease they were deceptive and many a player had a stroll back to the pavilion much earlier than expected.”
The North East Durham league began in May 1921 the first game was Seaham Park (1920 champions) vs the rest of the league, East Rainton’s sole representative in the side was N Harrison. The league won - 123 runs to 75. Whilst we also had a fixture away at Littletown on the 25th June 1921.
The May 1922 fixtures of the NEDCL survive. For East Rainton, in the West group:
May 6th - East Rainton vs South Hetton, Umpires R Hmailton & J Barrass.
May 13th - South Hetton vs East Rainton, Umpires J Watson & J Short.
May 20th - East Rainton vs Littletown, Umpires T Wiggins & J Watson.
The Sunderland echo recorded on July 17th 1922, we travelled to Chilton Moor the home side scored 134 all out, we reached 139 for 6. With Hall 48, Hunter 28, Kirtley 7, Harrison 24, Potts 4, Watson 18 and Watson 2.
That year the league was split into East and West divisions,
East: Horden, Silksworth, Seaham Park, Easington, Ryhope, Washington and Hylton.
West: South Hetton, Murton, Chilton Moor, Sherburn, East Rainton, Wheatley Hill, Littletown, Pittington and Moorsley.
In 1923 in August we were set to take on Littletown at the Rainton ground.
One 1925 fixture versus Trimdon & Deaf Hill on Saturday 11th July.
In 1926 our first team met Chilton Moor seconds, it was a win for the Rainton men. Batting first the moor made 81 all out, with T Bailes adding 34. For Rainton:
W Hunter 27 not out
F Walker 5
M Coxon 2
W Prest 34
J Ayre 1
J Forth 6 not out.
Saw us to 83 for 4.
In that year the league contained: In Division 1 South Hylton, Littletown, Hazard Colliery, East Rainton, Pittington, Belmont RT, Murton Colliery, South Hetton.
The 1929 season opened for the second XI with a game against Belmont. They won by 6 wickets, bowling us out for just 17. The Durham Advertiser remarks that “East Rainton men lost their wicket like corn before the reaping machine”. Indeed Cowell 4 - 6 and Walker 5 - 7 did the damage for Belmont. Belmont went on to be crowned Division B champions, with 23 points, we finshed third with 17 points, having played 13, won 8, lost 4. The firsts finished mid table, in fifth spot. Finishing with 11 points. That year the NEDCL included, South Hylton, Sherburn, Philadelphia, Brandon, East Rainton, Chilton Moor, Ushaw Moor, New Brancepeth, Washington, Belmont, Littletown and Houghton. The seconds also played bottom side Houghton, who had not won a game all season, however they notched up a win here. Houghton scored 53 and Rainton 48 of which R Campbell added 25. During the 1929 season both the names East Rainton cc and Hazard Colliery cc were used. Unusually a mention was made to a game between Ushaw Moor and East Rainton in the Durham Coast league on the 17th June 1929. Moor made 98 and Rainton 63 with R Hall scoring 19. On the same day Hazard Colliery played in the NEDCL against Littletown, Littletown made 65 and Hazard 54, with J Trevitt scoring 19. But this appears to be an anomaly as both clubs appear to be in the NEDCL that year.
So it was during this season where the clubs name changed from East Rainton to Hazard Colliery CC.
The 1930’s - The struggles for survival
For 1910 the club returned to playing friendly matches, with two recorded games being away at Lambton Castle on the 2nd July. It wasnt exactly a day in which Rainton covered themselves in Glory. Lambton Castle batted first, they were all out for 45. In reply Rainton were all out for 16.
G Hunter 1
G Mathers 7
G Liddle 0
J Handley 3
W Wilson 0
G Henderson 1
C Browell 1
J Swindler 1
J Robinson 0
T Nicholson 0
G Scorer 0.
Whilst a game was also arranged against Hetton Lyons seconds on Saturday 11th July. This resulted in a win, with Hetton Lyons all out for 18, G Matthews top scored on 8, as we were all out for 25.
1911 saw us once again playing friendlies only. The Rainton men travelled to Horden to take on their second team on Saturday 3rd June 1911, it didn't end well, Horden batted first making 117, with R Wigzell 16, F Lincoln 55 and Bell not out 14. R Crake did however get 17, but we were skittled out for 41. Whilst we hosted Sherburn seconds they arrived with ten men and were all out for 44. Rainton then won by 5 wickets and 27 runs. reaching 71 all out. With G Matthews top scoring on 33.
By 1912 we had joined the new Durham County league which we had dropped out of two years earlier. We were then placed into the Eastern junior division. Alongside team such as Sherburn, South Hetton and Wheatley Hill. The 11th May 1912 saw us travel to Wheatley Hill, Rainton were bowled out for 40, thanks to the efforts of D Cowan who took 4 for 9. In reply Wheatley Hill declared on 41 for 6.
The North East Durham league again - 1913
After one season a number of clubs - Seaham Park, Wheatley Hill, Horden Colliery, Chilton Moor, Silksworth Colliery, Hetton Lyons, Moorsley, Seaham Ernest, East Rainton and Littletown. Split from the County league and formed the Durham North Eastern League. Rainton found themselves in the Junior division. The league would develop into the North East Durham League have played in since 1913. So East Rainton have been founder members of the league not just once but twice. And we have been proud to call the NEDCL home since 1913.
On Saturday 31st May, East Rainton were to play Littletown II, the team were to meet at Raintons ground at 2.30. The team was R Crake (Captain), R Barron, GH Matthews, F Clark, B Cook, S Pine, W Laing, D Scott, W Kirtley, B Richardson, W Patterson. Reserves G Hepple & G Robinson.
On Saturday 5th July Rainton travelled across to Hetton Lyons to play their second team. Rainton won the day posting 57 in total with S Pine 22 and E Robinson 17 top scoring. In reply Hetton Lyons were bowled out for 34. A much better result for the Rainton men.
Saturday 2nd August Cold Hesledon Unitary Methodists vs East Rainton, meet at the village tavern 12.30 for the brake to Hesledon!
As the Great war dawned East Rainton once again found themselves in Durham North Eastern league, Junior division, the team for the game against Silksworth on the 25th April 1914 was R Crake (capt), G Matthews, T Thornton, W Rennie, G Robinson, J Robinson, R Brown, J Bailey, Sidney Fox, H Atkinson, and Another. Umpire J Swindle. So once again Rainton could only turn out ten men (its rather amusing that the paper published A N Other as a player). The other teams in the league were South Hetton, Murton Colliery, Hetton Lyons, Horden, Silkworth, Seaham Park, East Rainton, Littletown, Wheatley Hill & Ryhope Colliery.
Saturday 11th July saw Rainton hosting South Hetton II and once again we saw a victory. South Hetton reaching 62 and Rainton reaching 74.
On the 15th August we were stuffed by Murton Colliery, the home team reaching 205 for 6, Rainton were in reply all out for 32.
The 3rd April 1915 saw the meeting of the league at Hetton, East Rainton were placed into the west group, with Hetton Lyons, South Hetton, East Rainton, Littletown, Sherburn and Chilton Moor.
At the NEDCL league meeting in April 1916 East Rainton and Ryhope both stated that they could not meet their fixtures as so many of their men had joined the army. At the second meeting on the 17th April, East Rainton were missing. The league however did continue. Rainton were missing until the 1919 season owing to the conflict.
However a number of East Rainton club members paid the ultimate sacrifice during the great war:
- G.W. Robinson (Secretary)
- R. Crake (Captain)
- J. Cummings
- W. Kirtley
- E. Matthews
- W. Patterson
- J. Robinson
17th May 1919 Rainton faced a visit to Hetton Lyons. The team had to meet at the reading rooms at 1.30. The team was: R Watson (captain), S Hunter, S Myers, C Watson, G Potts, G Matthews, R Crake, T Bainbridge, G Robinson, J Robinson, R Robinson. Reserves G Browell, W Matthews, Scorer W Langely, Umpire R Brown. 1919 was the provide the East Rainton Club with its first silverware! As Rainton went on to win the West group of the league, a brilliant achievement as the club was still recovering from the war. Rainton finished ahead of Chilton Moor, South Hetton, Wheatley Hill, Hetton Lyons and Littletown. Winning 7 and losing 2 games. However we sadly couldn't beat Boldon MI who were East group champions. They batted first on the 27th August 1919 at Hetton Lyons, they reached a total of 141. Rainton struggled to 102, and were awarded a cup as Winners of the West group. Boldon MI were unbeaten that season in league and Cup. Shortly after the final the club lost another key player George Matthews to an accident at Hazard pit, he was the club secretary and opening bat, he was aged 39 at the time of his death.
East Rainton once again entered the NEDCL at the meeting on Saturday 12th February 1920 Rainton entered two teams, in the senior west division and the junior division On the 22nd May, Rainton played Horden away and ended up on the losing end of a massive score of the time. Horden reached 278 for 6. Rainton in reply reached 126 all out. R Kirtley 24, R Watson 50, S Hunter 18, N Harrison 14. A wet weekend (Saturday 21st August saw Rainton rained off against Wheatley Hill, they batted first reaching 104 all out. Raintons reply was a strong one R Kirtley 31 not out and S Hunter 8 not out giving us 44 for 0 when the game was abandoned for rain. The seconds however lost to Wheatley Hill II (who were crowned division champions the same day) Wheatley Hill 78, East Rainton 32 all out.
Robert Hope was born in East Rainton in 1920 he recorded his memories of growing up, his recollections of the club were:
“It is blessed with a lovely pitch in a rural setting with other fields on three sides. The rest of it is partly circled by the embankment carrying the railway from the Hazard (Colliery). I have happy memories of Hazard Cricket Field - my dad was groundsman there for two or more years. Each year, about May, a pit pony would be brought out of the Hazard pit and loaned to the club to pull the grass cutting machine. There was a small shed next to the pavilion where he was stabled. On practice evening we children would play cricket on the margin of the field and help to push and pull the big roller over the pitch. The exciting day was of course Saturday's game.
My dad and us would arrive at the field early to prepare things. Dad would light a fire in the brazier at the back of the pavilion to boil water for tea in a big pan. The water, we brought from the well in Bailey's field.
The best Moment for us was when the teams had had their teas supplied by the ladies, then we would have ours. There would be salmon sandwiches and cakes. Great summer days - my Dad received £5 (old pounds) for the season as groundsman.
Some of the cricketers i remember were, Jim Howliston from Rainton Bridge, Percival from Hetton, Pine from Hetton, Bob Hall and son John from the cottages below the cricket field. Also the Rainton families Trevitts, N Mallinson, W Hunter, Maurice Coxon, Les Hope & T Hodgekiss.
The Halls and M. Coxon were slow bowlers and being tall men, the ball seemed to the batsmen to be coming down from a great height - when they arrived at the crease they were deceptive and many a player had a stroll back to the pavilion much earlier than expected.”
The North East Durham league began in May 1921 the first game was Seaham Park (1920 champions) vs the rest of the league, East Rainton’s sole representative in the side was N Harrison. The league won - 123 runs to 75. Whilst we also had a fixture away at Littletown on the 25th June 1921.
The May 1922 fixtures of the NEDCL survive. For East Rainton, in the West group:
May 6th - East Rainton vs South Hetton, Umpires R Hmailton & J Barrass.
May 13th - South Hetton vs East Rainton, Umpires J Watson & J Short.
May 20th - East Rainton vs Littletown, Umpires T Wiggins & J Watson.
The Sunderland echo recorded on July 17th 1922, we travelled to Chilton Moor the home side scored 134 all out, we reached 139 for 6. With Hall 48, Hunter 28, Kirtley 7, Harrison 24, Potts 4, Watson 18 and Watson 2.
That year the league was split into East and West divisions,
East: Horden, Silksworth, Seaham Park, Easington, Ryhope, Washington and Hylton.
West: South Hetton, Murton, Chilton Moor, Sherburn, East Rainton, Wheatley Hill, Littletown, Pittington and Moorsley.
In 1923 in August we were set to take on Littletown at the Rainton ground.
One 1925 fixture versus Trimdon & Deaf Hill on Saturday 11th July.
In 1926 our first team met Chilton Moor seconds, it was a win for the Rainton men. Batting first the moor made 81 all out, with T Bailes adding 34. For Rainton:
W Hunter 27 not out
F Walker 5
M Coxon 2
W Prest 34
J Ayre 1
J Forth 6 not out.
Saw us to 83 for 4.
In that year the league contained: In Division 1 South Hylton, Littletown, Hazard Colliery, East Rainton, Pittington, Belmont RT, Murton Colliery, South Hetton.
The 1929 season opened for the second XI with a game against Belmont. They won by 6 wickets, bowling us out for just 17. The Durham Advertiser remarks that “East Rainton men lost their wicket like corn before the reaping machine”. Indeed Cowell 4 - 6 and Walker 5 - 7 did the damage for Belmont. Belmont went on to be crowned Division B champions, with 23 points, we finshed third with 17 points, having played 13, won 8, lost 4. The firsts finished mid table, in fifth spot. Finishing with 11 points. That year the NEDCL included, South Hylton, Sherburn, Philadelphia, Brandon, East Rainton, Chilton Moor, Ushaw Moor, New Brancepeth, Washington, Belmont, Littletown and Houghton. The seconds also played bottom side Houghton, who had not won a game all season, however they notched up a win here. Houghton scored 53 and Rainton 48 of which R Campbell added 25. During the 1929 season both the names East Rainton cc and Hazard Colliery cc were used. Unusually a mention was made to a game between Ushaw Moor and East Rainton in the Durham Coast league on the 17th June 1929. Moor made 98 and Rainton 63 with R Hall scoring 19. On the same day Hazard Colliery played in the NEDCL against Littletown, Littletown made 65 and Hazard 54, with J Trevitt scoring 19. But this appears to be an anomaly as both clubs appear to be in the NEDCL that year.
So it was during this season where the clubs name changed from East Rainton to Hazard Colliery CC.
The 1930’s - The struggles for survival
For the 1931 season we have a full record kept Ernest Langely in his members card, which "admits the bearer to all league matches and must be produced at the gate"
1st Team
25th April, Philadelphia Power Station, away - rained off
2nd May, Washington, home, Hazard 173, Wash 135 - draw
9th May, Brandon, away, Hazard 50, Brandon 42 - won
20th May, Wheatley Hill, Hazard 100, W H 101 - lost (Cup)
23rd May, Ushaw Moor, - rained off
25th May, Sherburn, home, Hazard 168, Sher 69 - won
30th May, Chilton Moor, away, Hazard 48, CM 53 - lost
6th June, New Brancepeth, home, rained off
13th June, South Hylton, away, Hazard 76, SH 83 - lost
20th June, Littletown, home, Haz 158 for 2, Little 206 - draw
27th June, Belmont, home, Hazard 213 for 4, Bel 53 - won*
4th July, Phil PS, home, Haz 115 for 7, Phil 125 - draw
11th July, Washington home, Haz 69 for 7, Wash 178 -draw
18th July, Brandon, home, rained off
1st August Ushaw Moor home Haz124 for 6, UM 198 - draw
3rd August, Sherburn, away, Haz 81, Sher 125 - lost
8th August Chilton Moor home Haz 183 for 3 CM 183 - draw
15th August, New Brancepeth, away, rained off
22nd August, South Hylton, home, Haz 91, SH 99 - lost
29th August, Littletown, away, Haz 65, Little 70 for 8 - lost
5th September, Belmont, away - rained off
Won 3, lost 5, drew 10
*June 27th Belmont - ERCC 213, Belmont 58. In this match the score of 213 was reached for the loss of 4 wickets, the first XI captain R Hall got 113 runs whilst W Coxon bagged 53 off the Belmont bowling.
2nd Team
2nd May, Washington, away, Haz 147, Wash 103 - won
9th May, Brandon, home, Haz 68, Brandon 40 - won
16th May, Houghton Church, away, Haz 72, HC 76 - lost
23rd May, Ushaw Moor, home, Haz 155 - abandoned
25th May, Sherburn, away, Haz 99, Sher 61 - won
30th May, Chilton Moor, home, Haz 90, CM 94 - lost
6th June, Shotton, away, rained off
13th June, South Hylton, home, Haz 125, SH 78 - won
27th June, Belmont, away, Haz 50 for 5, Bel 39 - won
11th July, Washington, home, Haz 80 for 9, Wash 60 - won
18th July, Brandon, away - rained off
25th July, Houghton Church, home - rained off
1st August, Ushaw Moor, away, Haz 71, UM 22 - won
3rd August, Sherburn, home, Haz 70, Sher 169 - lost
8th August, Chilton Moor, away, Haz 60, CM 62 for 1 - lost
22nd August, South Hylton, away, Haz 55, SH 100 - lost
29th August, Shotton, home, Haz 40, Shot 41 for 5 - lost
5th September, Belmont, home, Haz 80 for 6, Bel 76 - won
Won 8, lost 6, drew 4
We were knocked out of the John Saunders cup in the first round by Silksworth, They batted first reaching 131 all out. With J Robinson 5 for 40, W Hunter 3 for 21, T Bainbridge 1 for 27, R Hall 0 for 28. In reply we were skittled out for 40. R Hall 0, N Mallinson 16, T Bainbridge 0, E Hodgekiss 3, E Givvonney 3, W Prest 10 W Hunter 0, J Henderson 1, J Robinson 1, J Barron not out 2 and W Mattthews 2.
The 1932 season started in January on Wednesday 27th. The club held its annual meeting in the welfare hall. The accounts were £2 10s 6d in the bank with £32 12s 16d income and £30 2s expenditure, the club decided to once again run two NEDCL teams. Plus entering the Durham aged miners cup, John Saunders Cup and the league knock out cup.
1932 also saw the closure of Hazard Colliery with 620 men ‘thrown idle’.
The 1932 season sees the results again recorded by Mr Ernest Langely in his members book, the 1st team won 5, lost 11 and drew 4, the seconds withdrew from the league due to the loss of the miners from Hazard pit reducing the number of players. I think this would have thrown the club into total disarray, so the seconds resigned without playing a game...
20th April, Philadelphia Power Station, away, Haz 98, PPS 101 - lost
7th May, Shotton Welfare, home, Haz 69 for 2, SW 68 - won
14th May, Eppleton Colliery Welfare, away, Haz 87, ECW 90 - lost
16th May, Belmont, home, Haz 48 for 3,Bel 27 - won
21st May, Brandon Colliery, away - rained off
28th May, Waterhouses Welfare, home - rained off
4th June, Littletown, home, Haz 71, Little 76 for 5 - lost
11th June, Sherburn, away, Haz 101 for 7, Sher 96 - won
18th June, Ushaw Moor, away, Haz 73, Ushaw M, 154 - lost
25th June, South Hylton, home, Haz 214, S Hylton 241 - lost
2nd July, Chilton Moor, away, Haz 127 for 9, Chilton M 214 - draw
9th July, Philadelphia Power Station, home, Haz 138, PPS 150 - lost
14th July, South Hylton, away, Haz 123, S Hylton 125 for 5 - lost (Cup)
16th July, Shotton Welfare, away, Haz 149, Shotton 44 - won
23rd July, Eppleton Colliery Welfare, home, Haz 103, Eppleton 122 - lost
30th July, Belmont, away, Haz 105, Belmont 92 - won
1st August, Brandon, home, Haz 81, Brandon 86 for 2 - lost
6th August, Waterhouses, away, Haz 91, Waterhouses 99 - lost
13th August, Littletown, away, Haz 113, Littletown 115 - lost
20th August, Sherburn, home, rained off
27th August, Ushaw Moor, home, Haz 176, U Moor 177 - lost
3rd September, South Hylton, away - rained off
10th September, Chilton Moor, home - rained off
We also faced Littletown in the league cup and Philadelphia in the John Saunders cup.
The 14th May game against Eppleton C.W. team to East Rainton team was: E Hodgkiss, N Mallinson, J Robinson, C Browell, J Henderson, R Murray, J Barron, W Trevett, J Trevett, M Coxon, T Hickman, F Hutchinson reserve. R Hall also left Rainton for Waterhouses Welfare, a big loss on the bowling front. And Rainton managed to hold one team together after the loss of a number of players ‘scattering’ due to the closure of Hazard colliery. Although Hazard lost to Eppleton J Robinson is credited with making most of Hazards 87 runs and taking most of the 8 wickets.
Thursday 26th May saw Littletown and Hazard meet in the League knock out cup 1st round. Hazard batted first reaching 86 for 6. With E Hodgkiss top scoring on 21. In reply Littletown fell 8 runs short on 79. So we progressed to the next round.
Thursday 2nd June we were knocked out of the aged miners cup by Seaham Park CC at the ground of the latter. Batting first Park reached 154 for 8, with Browell 3 for 26, Coxon 3 for 31 and Barron 1 for 13 being the bowlers. In reply we once again struggled with the bat, eventually collapsing to a respectable 94 all out. With E Hodgkiss 27 and N Mallinson 21 being the pick of the batting.
On the 3rd of June we also exited the John Saunders cup at the hands of Philadelphia Power station CC. Phil PS put us to the sword reducing us to 35 all out. Norman Mallinson again top scoring with 11. In reply PPS quickly reached 45 for 4 - with Browell 0 for 3, Coxon 2 for 18, Barron 1 for 13 and Henderson 1 for 1. Leaving us only to fight for the league knock out cup. However 1932 proved to be another season with no silverware as we lost the next round to South Hylton, Hazard 80 all out and Hylton 81 for 7.
Saturday 4th of June saw Littletown exact revenge for their cup defeat 10 days earlier, With J Burt taking 8 Hazard wickets to leave us on 71 all out, J Trevett and Coxon adding the majority - they run chase was short and sweet by all accounts.
By the end of the season (the second week of September) Hazard were second bottom of the senior division, having played 18, won 3, lost 11, drawn 4 with 10 points. Ushaw moor won the league with 26 points.
Hazard once again entered the NEDCL for 1933 and this year again entered two teams into the league, after the survival heroics of the previous season, things seemed to be on a more even keel.
The first team
Ushaw Moor - won, South Hylton - lost, Waterhouses (88 - 6, Hazard 86 all out) - lost, Philadelphia Power Station (227 - 7, Hazard 135 - 7) - draw, Chilton Moor (133 - 8, Hazard 129 all out J Henderson 48 runs) - lost, Sherburn (156, Hazard 96 all out) - lost, Littletown - lost, Belmont (94 all out, Hazard 100 - 0, J Henderson 36 not out, N Mallinson 59 not out, T Barkham 7 for 23) - won, Eppleton Colliery Welfare (Hazard 151 for 8) - lost, Blackhall (85 all out, Hazard 153, E Langley 37, J Trewitt 22, W Walton 21) - won, Brandon - lost, Ushaw Moor (41 for 3, Hazard 39 all out, E Gilliland 15) - lost, South Hylton - draw, Waterhouses (153 all out, Hazard 75 for 5, bad light stopped play) - draw, Philadelphia Power Station - draw, Chilton Moor - lost, Sherburn - won, Littletown (149, Hazard 184, L Whittaker 10, M Coxon 49, W Walton 75, C Browell 14, J Trevett 17) - won, Belmont (70, C Browell 4 for 11, Hazard 81) - won, Eppleton Colliery Welfare - won, Blackhall - won & Brandon - draw.
The second team
South Hylton - lost, Ushaw Moor - won, Chilton Moor - won, South Hylton - won, Sherburn - won, Belmont - won, Eppleton Colliery Welfare (133 all out, Hazard 115 all out) - lost, Brandon - won, Ushaw Moor - lost, Brandon - lost, Sherburn (62 all out, W Trevett 6 - 22, Hazard 54 all out) - lost, Chilton Moor - won, Belmont - won, Littletown - won (48 all out, Hazard 50 for 7), Littletown - won & Eppleton Colliery Welfare.
We were once again knocked out of the aged miners cup in the first round. Losing to South Hetton, Hazard batting first reached 102 all out, with J Henderson 15, J Trevett 27, N Mallinson 20 being the pick of the Rainton mens batting. In reply South Hetton reached 111 for the loss of just two wickets.
In the league cup, we lost in the semi final to Philadelphia Power Station by 95 runs to 44. The most remarkable part of the match was the Rainton player Coxon taking all ten wickets in the game! However we were bowled out for 44 leaving Phili PS to play in the final.
By the end of the season the club had finished 7th in division 1 and 2nd in division 2. The firsts had played 22, won 8, lost 9, drawn 5 and a total of 29 points. In the second division we had played 16, won 11, lost 5, drawn 0 and 33 points.
Rainton batted out for a draw on Saturday 12th May 1934, South Hylton batted their way to over 200 runs before declaring. However Hazard ground out the draw batting out the overs for 79 for 7 to secure the draw. Barkham was of particular note, with his strong bowling and he was noted as a strong addition to the team from Houghton.
Saturday 2nd June saw Hazard first at home to Philadelphia Power Station, batting first Rainton reached 106 all out, Norman Mallinson 20 and E Hodgkiss 23 top scoring. However Phili knocked off the total with the loss of two wickets.
In the aged miners cup, we were once again knocked out by higher league opposition. Against Burnmoor at Burnmoor, they batted first reaching 193 for 9, Woodhouse opening the batting reaching 115 (his third century of the season). Our top bowler was Barkham with taking 6 for 99. In reply we got off to a good start, Norman Mallinson opening our account with 58. However a collapse after this saw us slump to 116 for 9 to once again put us out of this cup.
16th June we travelled to Littletown and surprisingly won (considering Littletown were top of the table, whilst we sat mid table), Littletown batted first reaching 118 all out. In reply Hazard reached 126 for 9 to give us our third win of the season. N Mallinson again featuring with 29 and T Swinburne 28 top scoring.
30th June Playing at home to Chilton Moor, batting first we got 102, M Coxon top scoring on 36. However Chilton Moor won by 2 wickets. Whilst the seconds won, Hazard achieved 145 all out before bowling out Moor for 139 - a 6 run victory. Hazards top scorers were H Bainbridge 48 and J Watson 38.
21st July saw Hazard taking on South Hylton, Hazards batting once again appeared fragile, the top scorers were Coxon and Robinson on 14. However we struggled to 79 all out. Hylton won by ten wickets not a good day for the Hazard. The firsts currently sat 8th in division 1 on 16 points. And top of division 2!
One thing that features in 1934 and today is a comment about our unusual ground. “The East Rainton ground of Hazard Colliery has again been suffering from the effects of sinking through pit falls, yet the ground was in as good trim as ever for the visit of South Hylton” - nowt changes it’s still not flat!
The 4th of August saw us playing high flying Blackhall seconds, batting first Blackhall reached 96 all out, Coxon once again leading front he front as skipper taking 7 Blackhall wickets, despite missing top bowler Barkham. The strongest resistance coming from Harris with 29. Hazard reached 99 for 7 giving us a 3 wicket victory. Hazard would have a hard run in playing both title contenders Chilton Moor and Sherburn. Hazard went on to lose both games, finishing second bottom winning 5, losing 11 of the twenty games with 19 points. The seconds finished 5th with 38 points in division 2.
First team
Brandon - draw, Waterhouses - draw, South Hylton - draw, Ushaw Moor - won, Belmont - lost, Philadelphia Power Station - lost, Eppleton - won, Littletown - won, Sherburn - lost, Chilton Moor - lost, Brandon - won, Waterhouses - draw, South Hylton - lost, Ushaw Moor - lost, Blackhall - won, Philadelphia Power Station - Lost, Eppleton - lost, Littletown - lost, Sherburn - lost & Chilton Moor - Lost.
Second Team
Brandon - draw, New Brancepeth - lost, Durham Post Office - won, Ushaw Moor - won, Belmont - won, Haswell - won, South Hylton - won, Eppleton - won, Littletown - won, Sherburn - lost, Chilton Moor - won, Brandon - won, New Brancepeth - draw, Durham Post Office - lost, Ushaw Moor - won, Belmont - lost, Haswell - lost, South Hylton - lost, Eppleton - won, Littletown - won, Sherburn - lost & Chilton Moor - lost.
The 1935 season began with a win over last seasons runners up, Sherburn. Hazard achieving 160 (N Mallinson reaching 72) before dismissing Sherburn for 112. Whilst the following week (11th May), the seconds beat Chilton Moor. Chilton’s 146 all out did not prove good enough with E Baggott producing 60 not out to help Hazard to 155 for 4.
After a two year reprieve Hazard colliery finally closed with 560 men laid off work and so the club remained the only reminder of the colliery ever being in the village, (until the name change of 1966).
25th May saw the seconds take on Durham Prison officers, the officers reaching 170 (T Dove 64) however the Hazard lads fell short by 20 runs. T Makepeace 31 and H Bainbridge 26 top scoring for the Rainton men. The 1st of June didn’t see any improvement in our fortunes, the firsts bowled Herrington colliery welfare out for 184 with M Coxon taking 8 for 71. Unfortunately we fell short with a total of 94 runs. The seconds pegged New Brancepeth back to 115 for 8, with Barron taking 6 for 48. With the bat however we fell ten runs short, despite T Makepeace’s 39 runs.
22nd June Hazard 70 beat Murton Colliery Welfare 60 - finally a win.
29th June Belmont 61 lost to Hazard 63 - another win.
(Friday 28th June) We had a good win in the NEDCL challenge cup, away at Chilton Moor. Hazard batted first achieving 113 for 7. J Henderson 8, H Bainbridge 11, D Baggott 49 not out, E Langley 11, T Makepeace 4, M Coxon 15, C Browell 1 and J Watson not out 1. We then bowled out Chilton Moor for 66 to put us through to the next round.
6th July Brandon 141 (Coxon 5 for 29), Hazard (J Henderson 32) 142 for 8.
13th July Hazard 187, Sherburn 106.
20th July, Hazard 133, Chilton Moor 116. Hazard II 56 for 2, Chilton Moor II 50.
Friday 19th July, Challenge cup semi final. Hazard colliery took on South Hylton at Chilton Moor. “Hazard colliery had batted and scored 149 for six wickets in 30 overs and South Hylton had scored 21 for five in 13 overs the game was abandoned owing to rain.”
H Bainbridge 3, G Henderson 9, F Baggott 48, R Robinson 9, E Langley 19, M Coxon 33 not out, T Swinburne 0 and J Watson 24 not out. Our bowling was Coxon 2 for 8 and Barkham 3 for 12.
The game was replayed on Wednesday 24th July, Hylton batted first reaching 91 all out. In reply Hazard Colliery guaranteed their place in the final after passing the total for the loss of four wickets. H Bainbridge 17, J Henderson 1, D Baggott 9, R Robinson 24 not out, E Langely 27 and M Coxon 1 not out.
Saturday 27th July, Hazard Colliery beat Eppleton CW. Eppleton reached 67 all out, in reply Hazard batted well. C Browell 14, J Henderson 11, T Barkham 8, R Robinson 4, E Langely 16, S Baggott 3, T Bainbridge 16 not out and P Briggs 7 not out.
The final of the league cup was played at Chilton Moor, on Friday 2nd August. “Hazard Colliery beat Ushaw Moor at Chilton Moor last night in the final of the North-East Durham League Challenge Cup. After Hazard had lost three wickets for 13, R Robinson and E Langely added 63 for the fourth wicket and the side were eventually all out for 106 in 29 overs. Ushaw Moor batted 23 ½ overs for 83 runs.
J Henderson 2, H Bainbridge 0, D Baggott 10, R Robinson 33, E Langely 21, W Coxon 3, J Watson15 not out, T Swinburne 0, T Barkham 6, J Bennett 3 and C Browell 1 - total 106.
Finally some silver ware for the Hazard men, our first recorded trophy win!!!!! Pity we had to wait from 1851 til 1935.
1st Team
25th April, Philadelphia Power Station, away - rained off
2nd May, Washington, home, Hazard 173, Wash 135 - draw
9th May, Brandon, away, Hazard 50, Brandon 42 - won
20th May, Wheatley Hill, Hazard 100, W H 101 - lost (Cup)
23rd May, Ushaw Moor, - rained off
25th May, Sherburn, home, Hazard 168, Sher 69 - won
30th May, Chilton Moor, away, Hazard 48, CM 53 - lost
6th June, New Brancepeth, home, rained off
13th June, South Hylton, away, Hazard 76, SH 83 - lost
20th June, Littletown, home, Haz 158 for 2, Little 206 - draw
27th June, Belmont, home, Hazard 213 for 4, Bel 53 - won*
4th July, Phil PS, home, Haz 115 for 7, Phil 125 - draw
11th July, Washington home, Haz 69 for 7, Wash 178 -draw
18th July, Brandon, home, rained off
1st August Ushaw Moor home Haz124 for 6, UM 198 - draw
3rd August, Sherburn, away, Haz 81, Sher 125 - lost
8th August Chilton Moor home Haz 183 for 3 CM 183 - draw
15th August, New Brancepeth, away, rained off
22nd August, South Hylton, home, Haz 91, SH 99 - lost
29th August, Littletown, away, Haz 65, Little 70 for 8 - lost
5th September, Belmont, away - rained off
Won 3, lost 5, drew 10
*June 27th Belmont - ERCC 213, Belmont 58. In this match the score of 213 was reached for the loss of 4 wickets, the first XI captain R Hall got 113 runs whilst W Coxon bagged 53 off the Belmont bowling.
2nd Team
2nd May, Washington, away, Haz 147, Wash 103 - won
9th May, Brandon, home, Haz 68, Brandon 40 - won
16th May, Houghton Church, away, Haz 72, HC 76 - lost
23rd May, Ushaw Moor, home, Haz 155 - abandoned
25th May, Sherburn, away, Haz 99, Sher 61 - won
30th May, Chilton Moor, home, Haz 90, CM 94 - lost
6th June, Shotton, away, rained off
13th June, South Hylton, home, Haz 125, SH 78 - won
27th June, Belmont, away, Haz 50 for 5, Bel 39 - won
11th July, Washington, home, Haz 80 for 9, Wash 60 - won
18th July, Brandon, away - rained off
25th July, Houghton Church, home - rained off
1st August, Ushaw Moor, away, Haz 71, UM 22 - won
3rd August, Sherburn, home, Haz 70, Sher 169 - lost
8th August, Chilton Moor, away, Haz 60, CM 62 for 1 - lost
22nd August, South Hylton, away, Haz 55, SH 100 - lost
29th August, Shotton, home, Haz 40, Shot 41 for 5 - lost
5th September, Belmont, home, Haz 80 for 6, Bel 76 - won
Won 8, lost 6, drew 4
We were knocked out of the John Saunders cup in the first round by Silksworth, They batted first reaching 131 all out. With J Robinson 5 for 40, W Hunter 3 for 21, T Bainbridge 1 for 27, R Hall 0 for 28. In reply we were skittled out for 40. R Hall 0, N Mallinson 16, T Bainbridge 0, E Hodgekiss 3, E Givvonney 3, W Prest 10 W Hunter 0, J Henderson 1, J Robinson 1, J Barron not out 2 and W Mattthews 2.
The 1932 season started in January on Wednesday 27th. The club held its annual meeting in the welfare hall. The accounts were £2 10s 6d in the bank with £32 12s 16d income and £30 2s expenditure, the club decided to once again run two NEDCL teams. Plus entering the Durham aged miners cup, John Saunders Cup and the league knock out cup.
1932 also saw the closure of Hazard Colliery with 620 men ‘thrown idle’.
The 1932 season sees the results again recorded by Mr Ernest Langely in his members book, the 1st team won 5, lost 11 and drew 4, the seconds withdrew from the league due to the loss of the miners from Hazard pit reducing the number of players. I think this would have thrown the club into total disarray, so the seconds resigned without playing a game...
20th April, Philadelphia Power Station, away, Haz 98, PPS 101 - lost
7th May, Shotton Welfare, home, Haz 69 for 2, SW 68 - won
14th May, Eppleton Colliery Welfare, away, Haz 87, ECW 90 - lost
16th May, Belmont, home, Haz 48 for 3,Bel 27 - won
21st May, Brandon Colliery, away - rained off
28th May, Waterhouses Welfare, home - rained off
4th June, Littletown, home, Haz 71, Little 76 for 5 - lost
11th June, Sherburn, away, Haz 101 for 7, Sher 96 - won
18th June, Ushaw Moor, away, Haz 73, Ushaw M, 154 - lost
25th June, South Hylton, home, Haz 214, S Hylton 241 - lost
2nd July, Chilton Moor, away, Haz 127 for 9, Chilton M 214 - draw
9th July, Philadelphia Power Station, home, Haz 138, PPS 150 - lost
14th July, South Hylton, away, Haz 123, S Hylton 125 for 5 - lost (Cup)
16th July, Shotton Welfare, away, Haz 149, Shotton 44 - won
23rd July, Eppleton Colliery Welfare, home, Haz 103, Eppleton 122 - lost
30th July, Belmont, away, Haz 105, Belmont 92 - won
1st August, Brandon, home, Haz 81, Brandon 86 for 2 - lost
6th August, Waterhouses, away, Haz 91, Waterhouses 99 - lost
13th August, Littletown, away, Haz 113, Littletown 115 - lost
20th August, Sherburn, home, rained off
27th August, Ushaw Moor, home, Haz 176, U Moor 177 - lost
3rd September, South Hylton, away - rained off
10th September, Chilton Moor, home - rained off
We also faced Littletown in the league cup and Philadelphia in the John Saunders cup.
The 14th May game against Eppleton C.W. team to East Rainton team was: E Hodgkiss, N Mallinson, J Robinson, C Browell, J Henderson, R Murray, J Barron, W Trevett, J Trevett, M Coxon, T Hickman, F Hutchinson reserve. R Hall also left Rainton for Waterhouses Welfare, a big loss on the bowling front. And Rainton managed to hold one team together after the loss of a number of players ‘scattering’ due to the closure of Hazard colliery. Although Hazard lost to Eppleton J Robinson is credited with making most of Hazards 87 runs and taking most of the 8 wickets.
Thursday 26th May saw Littletown and Hazard meet in the League knock out cup 1st round. Hazard batted first reaching 86 for 6. With E Hodgkiss top scoring on 21. In reply Littletown fell 8 runs short on 79. So we progressed to the next round.
Thursday 2nd June we were knocked out of the aged miners cup by Seaham Park CC at the ground of the latter. Batting first Park reached 154 for 8, with Browell 3 for 26, Coxon 3 for 31 and Barron 1 for 13 being the bowlers. In reply we once again struggled with the bat, eventually collapsing to a respectable 94 all out. With E Hodgkiss 27 and N Mallinson 21 being the pick of the batting.
On the 3rd of June we also exited the John Saunders cup at the hands of Philadelphia Power station CC. Phil PS put us to the sword reducing us to 35 all out. Norman Mallinson again top scoring with 11. In reply PPS quickly reached 45 for 4 - with Browell 0 for 3, Coxon 2 for 18, Barron 1 for 13 and Henderson 1 for 1. Leaving us only to fight for the league knock out cup. However 1932 proved to be another season with no silverware as we lost the next round to South Hylton, Hazard 80 all out and Hylton 81 for 7.
Saturday 4th of June saw Littletown exact revenge for their cup defeat 10 days earlier, With J Burt taking 8 Hazard wickets to leave us on 71 all out, J Trevett and Coxon adding the majority - they run chase was short and sweet by all accounts.
By the end of the season (the second week of September) Hazard were second bottom of the senior division, having played 18, won 3, lost 11, drawn 4 with 10 points. Ushaw moor won the league with 26 points.
Hazard once again entered the NEDCL for 1933 and this year again entered two teams into the league, after the survival heroics of the previous season, things seemed to be on a more even keel.
The first team
Ushaw Moor - won, South Hylton - lost, Waterhouses (88 - 6, Hazard 86 all out) - lost, Philadelphia Power Station (227 - 7, Hazard 135 - 7) - draw, Chilton Moor (133 - 8, Hazard 129 all out J Henderson 48 runs) - lost, Sherburn (156, Hazard 96 all out) - lost, Littletown - lost, Belmont (94 all out, Hazard 100 - 0, J Henderson 36 not out, N Mallinson 59 not out, T Barkham 7 for 23) - won, Eppleton Colliery Welfare (Hazard 151 for 8) - lost, Blackhall (85 all out, Hazard 153, E Langley 37, J Trewitt 22, W Walton 21) - won, Brandon - lost, Ushaw Moor (41 for 3, Hazard 39 all out, E Gilliland 15) - lost, South Hylton - draw, Waterhouses (153 all out, Hazard 75 for 5, bad light stopped play) - draw, Philadelphia Power Station - draw, Chilton Moor - lost, Sherburn - won, Littletown (149, Hazard 184, L Whittaker 10, M Coxon 49, W Walton 75, C Browell 14, J Trevett 17) - won, Belmont (70, C Browell 4 for 11, Hazard 81) - won, Eppleton Colliery Welfare - won, Blackhall - won & Brandon - draw.
The second team
South Hylton - lost, Ushaw Moor - won, Chilton Moor - won, South Hylton - won, Sherburn - won, Belmont - won, Eppleton Colliery Welfare (133 all out, Hazard 115 all out) - lost, Brandon - won, Ushaw Moor - lost, Brandon - lost, Sherburn (62 all out, W Trevett 6 - 22, Hazard 54 all out) - lost, Chilton Moor - won, Belmont - won, Littletown - won (48 all out, Hazard 50 for 7), Littletown - won & Eppleton Colliery Welfare.
We were once again knocked out of the aged miners cup in the first round. Losing to South Hetton, Hazard batting first reached 102 all out, with J Henderson 15, J Trevett 27, N Mallinson 20 being the pick of the Rainton mens batting. In reply South Hetton reached 111 for the loss of just two wickets.
In the league cup, we lost in the semi final to Philadelphia Power Station by 95 runs to 44. The most remarkable part of the match was the Rainton player Coxon taking all ten wickets in the game! However we were bowled out for 44 leaving Phili PS to play in the final.
By the end of the season the club had finished 7th in division 1 and 2nd in division 2. The firsts had played 22, won 8, lost 9, drawn 5 and a total of 29 points. In the second division we had played 16, won 11, lost 5, drawn 0 and 33 points.
Rainton batted out for a draw on Saturday 12th May 1934, South Hylton batted their way to over 200 runs before declaring. However Hazard ground out the draw batting out the overs for 79 for 7 to secure the draw. Barkham was of particular note, with his strong bowling and he was noted as a strong addition to the team from Houghton.
Saturday 2nd June saw Hazard first at home to Philadelphia Power Station, batting first Rainton reached 106 all out, Norman Mallinson 20 and E Hodgkiss 23 top scoring. However Phili knocked off the total with the loss of two wickets.
In the aged miners cup, we were once again knocked out by higher league opposition. Against Burnmoor at Burnmoor, they batted first reaching 193 for 9, Woodhouse opening the batting reaching 115 (his third century of the season). Our top bowler was Barkham with taking 6 for 99. In reply we got off to a good start, Norman Mallinson opening our account with 58. However a collapse after this saw us slump to 116 for 9 to once again put us out of this cup.
16th June we travelled to Littletown and surprisingly won (considering Littletown were top of the table, whilst we sat mid table), Littletown batted first reaching 118 all out. In reply Hazard reached 126 for 9 to give us our third win of the season. N Mallinson again featuring with 29 and T Swinburne 28 top scoring.
30th June Playing at home to Chilton Moor, batting first we got 102, M Coxon top scoring on 36. However Chilton Moor won by 2 wickets. Whilst the seconds won, Hazard achieved 145 all out before bowling out Moor for 139 - a 6 run victory. Hazards top scorers were H Bainbridge 48 and J Watson 38.
21st July saw Hazard taking on South Hylton, Hazards batting once again appeared fragile, the top scorers were Coxon and Robinson on 14. However we struggled to 79 all out. Hylton won by ten wickets not a good day for the Hazard. The firsts currently sat 8th in division 1 on 16 points. And top of division 2!
One thing that features in 1934 and today is a comment about our unusual ground. “The East Rainton ground of Hazard Colliery has again been suffering from the effects of sinking through pit falls, yet the ground was in as good trim as ever for the visit of South Hylton” - nowt changes it’s still not flat!
The 4th of August saw us playing high flying Blackhall seconds, batting first Blackhall reached 96 all out, Coxon once again leading front he front as skipper taking 7 Blackhall wickets, despite missing top bowler Barkham. The strongest resistance coming from Harris with 29. Hazard reached 99 for 7 giving us a 3 wicket victory. Hazard would have a hard run in playing both title contenders Chilton Moor and Sherburn. Hazard went on to lose both games, finishing second bottom winning 5, losing 11 of the twenty games with 19 points. The seconds finished 5th with 38 points in division 2.
First team
Brandon - draw, Waterhouses - draw, South Hylton - draw, Ushaw Moor - won, Belmont - lost, Philadelphia Power Station - lost, Eppleton - won, Littletown - won, Sherburn - lost, Chilton Moor - lost, Brandon - won, Waterhouses - draw, South Hylton - lost, Ushaw Moor - lost, Blackhall - won, Philadelphia Power Station - Lost, Eppleton - lost, Littletown - lost, Sherburn - lost & Chilton Moor - Lost.
Second Team
Brandon - draw, New Brancepeth - lost, Durham Post Office - won, Ushaw Moor - won, Belmont - won, Haswell - won, South Hylton - won, Eppleton - won, Littletown - won, Sherburn - lost, Chilton Moor - won, Brandon - won, New Brancepeth - draw, Durham Post Office - lost, Ushaw Moor - won, Belmont - lost, Haswell - lost, South Hylton - lost, Eppleton - won, Littletown - won, Sherburn - lost & Chilton Moor - lost.
The 1935 season began with a win over last seasons runners up, Sherburn. Hazard achieving 160 (N Mallinson reaching 72) before dismissing Sherburn for 112. Whilst the following week (11th May), the seconds beat Chilton Moor. Chilton’s 146 all out did not prove good enough with E Baggott producing 60 not out to help Hazard to 155 for 4.
After a two year reprieve Hazard colliery finally closed with 560 men laid off work and so the club remained the only reminder of the colliery ever being in the village, (until the name change of 1966).
25th May saw the seconds take on Durham Prison officers, the officers reaching 170 (T Dove 64) however the Hazard lads fell short by 20 runs. T Makepeace 31 and H Bainbridge 26 top scoring for the Rainton men. The 1st of June didn’t see any improvement in our fortunes, the firsts bowled Herrington colliery welfare out for 184 with M Coxon taking 8 for 71. Unfortunately we fell short with a total of 94 runs. The seconds pegged New Brancepeth back to 115 for 8, with Barron taking 6 for 48. With the bat however we fell ten runs short, despite T Makepeace’s 39 runs.
22nd June Hazard 70 beat Murton Colliery Welfare 60 - finally a win.
29th June Belmont 61 lost to Hazard 63 - another win.
(Friday 28th June) We had a good win in the NEDCL challenge cup, away at Chilton Moor. Hazard batted first achieving 113 for 7. J Henderson 8, H Bainbridge 11, D Baggott 49 not out, E Langley 11, T Makepeace 4, M Coxon 15, C Browell 1 and J Watson not out 1. We then bowled out Chilton Moor for 66 to put us through to the next round.
6th July Brandon 141 (Coxon 5 for 29), Hazard (J Henderson 32) 142 for 8.
13th July Hazard 187, Sherburn 106.
20th July, Hazard 133, Chilton Moor 116. Hazard II 56 for 2, Chilton Moor II 50.
Friday 19th July, Challenge cup semi final. Hazard colliery took on South Hylton at Chilton Moor. “Hazard colliery had batted and scored 149 for six wickets in 30 overs and South Hylton had scored 21 for five in 13 overs the game was abandoned owing to rain.”
H Bainbridge 3, G Henderson 9, F Baggott 48, R Robinson 9, E Langley 19, M Coxon 33 not out, T Swinburne 0 and J Watson 24 not out. Our bowling was Coxon 2 for 8 and Barkham 3 for 12.
The game was replayed on Wednesday 24th July, Hylton batted first reaching 91 all out. In reply Hazard Colliery guaranteed their place in the final after passing the total for the loss of four wickets. H Bainbridge 17, J Henderson 1, D Baggott 9, R Robinson 24 not out, E Langely 27 and M Coxon 1 not out.
Saturday 27th July, Hazard Colliery beat Eppleton CW. Eppleton reached 67 all out, in reply Hazard batted well. C Browell 14, J Henderson 11, T Barkham 8, R Robinson 4, E Langely 16, S Baggott 3, T Bainbridge 16 not out and P Briggs 7 not out.
The final of the league cup was played at Chilton Moor, on Friday 2nd August. “Hazard Colliery beat Ushaw Moor at Chilton Moor last night in the final of the North-East Durham League Challenge Cup. After Hazard had lost three wickets for 13, R Robinson and E Langely added 63 for the fourth wicket and the side were eventually all out for 106 in 29 overs. Ushaw Moor batted 23 ½ overs for 83 runs.
J Henderson 2, H Bainbridge 0, D Baggott 10, R Robinson 33, E Langely 21, W Coxon 3, J Watson15 not out, T Swinburne 0, T Barkham 6, J Bennett 3 and C Browell 1 - total 106.
Finally some silver ware for the Hazard men, our first recorded trophy win!!!!! Pity we had to wait from 1851 til 1935.
The rest of the season played out as follows:
10th August, Herrington CW 51 (M Coxon 6 for 28, J Henderson 4 for 8), Hazard Colliery 54 for 1, H Bainbridge 22. Brancepeth 147 (W Trevett 2
10th August, Herrington CW 51 (M Coxon 6 for 28, J Henderson 4 for 8), Hazard Colliery 54 for 1, H Bainbridge 22. Brancepeth 147 (W Trevett 2
Saturday 18th December “HAZARD MEETING Hazard Colliery Cricket Club held their annual meeting at East Rainton on Saturday Night, Mr H Iley presiding. The treasurer read the financial report, which showed a balance in hand of £7 10s. It was decided to run teams in the first and second divisions of the North-East Durham Cricket League next season. Officers elected: President, Rev R.S. Woodall B.A., Chairman Mr H Iley, Secretary Mr C Browell, Treasurer Mr E Hodgkiss, First team captain E Langely, Vice N Mallinson, Second team captain W Trevett, Vice J Trevett. Committee T Bainbridge, W Judd, J Warin and J Garthwaite.
For the 1938 season we once again in the NEDCL Hazard found themselves alongside 9 other teams in division 1: Chilton Moor, Sherburn, Littletown, Washington Chemical Works, Belmont, Eppleton C.W., Waterhouses C.W., Lambton Engine Works and Hazard. The seconds lined up against: Southill, Durham Prison Officers, Brandon and the second teams of Sherburn, Littletown, Eppleton CW, Waterhouses CW, Washington CW and Belmont. In the first round of the league cup - Lambton Engine Works would take on Hazard Colliery.
· Sat 7th May, Hazard played Sherburn (both teams the firsts at home). The Hazard team consisted of, E Langely, D Baggott, J Barron, W Trevett, T Barkham, J Watson, H Bainbridge, E Hodgkiss, W Judd, R Lawson, AN OTHER, Reserves J Richards and J Iley. - A N Other seems to be a regular performer for Rainton sides when in trouble.
· 14th May, Hazard 154 (N Mallinson 51), Waterhouses 56 for 2 - abandoned rain. Waterhouses II (W Davison 25 not out W Trevett 4 - 32), Hazard II 110 for 8 (J Garthwaite 35 not out, W Trevett 29).
· 21st May, Eppleton CW 152 (W Cummings 33, A Fletcher 23 not out, J Kirby 34, J Barron 4 -51), Hazard 137 (N Mallinson 23, R Robinson 22, E Langely 20, Cummings 5 - 31). Hazard II 62 (W Hunter 20 not out, G Summerbell 4 -4), Eppleton CW 50 ( J Bell 24, T Browell 7 - 9).
· 4th June - Team vs Chilton Moor at home, E Langely, N Mallinson, R Robinson, AN Other, J Watson, D Baggott, R Lawson, T Barkham, J Barron, E Hodgkiss, H Bainbridge, Reserve C Browell.
· Monday 6th June, League up first round. Hazard 100 ( E Langely 20, A Walton 5 - 44), Lambton Engine Works 92 (T Hardy 36, J Barron 6 - 42). Through to the next round!
· 18th June, Hazard 95 (R Robinson 20, H Bainbridge 19, J Hutchinson 6 - 36, F Ramshaw 3 - 15), Washington Chemical Works 44 (H Horn 18, T Barkham 3 - 19, J Barron 5 - 25). The seconds got 130 ( B Browell 49, D James 2 - 5) Washington Chemical Works II (A Burdes 32 not out, T Browell 5 - 20).
· 6th August, Hazard 64 (N Mallinson 19, Middlemass 6 - 13, Forrester 4 - 21) Chilton Moor 65 for 6 ( A Middlemass 26, Lowson & Barkham both 3 - 27). Hazard II 61 ( E Hodgkiss 14, T Browell 13, T Thornton 5 - 28, J Abson 5 - 29), Brandon 62 for 9 (A Brown 14, J Garthwaite 3 - 10).
· 27th August, Hazard 146, vs Lambton - abandoned rain, Southill 158 for 9 vs Hazard II - abandoned rain.
October 3rd - “EAST RAINTON CRICKETERS M H Iley , president at a smoking concert held at East Rainton on Saturday night by Hazard Colliery cricket club to celebrate winning the North East Durham Cricket League Challenge Cup. Entertainment was provided by Mr E Cullen’s concert party of Hetton.”
As the clouds of war rumbled across Europe the North East Durham cricket league continued as normal.
· 29th April, Hazard Colliery II 99, Eppleton CW II 33.
· 6th May, Hazard Colliery II 145 ( R Lowson 61, W Trevett 28), Durham Prison Officers 47 ( W Trevett 5 - 17)
· 13th May, Lambton Engine Works 106 (W Wardle 25 not out, Lowson 4 - 36), Hazard Colliery 110 for 1 (N Mallinson 57 not out).
· 20th May, Chilton Moor 54, Hazard Colliery 65 for 2. Hazard Colliery II 124 (T Browell 56, J Meek 6, J Rennie 0, A Hodgkiss 22, C Browell 9, W Trevett 5, W Barlow 4, J Garthwaite 13, J Richards 0, E Barron 3 not out, J Nicholson 13. G Walker 4 - 36, J Wilson 4 - 39) Chilton Moor II 74.
· 3rd June, Washington Chemical Works 37 (E Chisholm 13, J Barlow 5 - 20), Hazard Colliery 41 for 3 (E Hodgkiss 18 not out, L Clark 0, J Nicholson 4, W Hunter 0, J Richards 14 not out).
· 17th June, Hazard Colliery 202 for 7 dec (R Robinson 99, T Browell 50 not out), Belmont 74 (S Tulip 19 not out). Hazard Colliery II 93, Belmont II 60. After the Belmont games Hazard held second place in both divisions pushing for the league titles.
· 1st July, N.A.L.G.O. 117 (R Downs 32, T Barkham 5 - 46, T Browell 4 -34) Hazard 118 for 7 (T Browell 38, R Robinson 32, T Reed 4 - 36).
For the 1938 season we once again in the NEDCL Hazard found themselves alongside 9 other teams in division 1: Chilton Moor, Sherburn, Littletown, Washington Chemical Works, Belmont, Eppleton C.W., Waterhouses C.W., Lambton Engine Works and Hazard. The seconds lined up against: Southill, Durham Prison Officers, Brandon and the second teams of Sherburn, Littletown, Eppleton CW, Waterhouses CW, Washington CW and Belmont. In the first round of the league cup - Lambton Engine Works would take on Hazard Colliery.
· Sat 7th May, Hazard played Sherburn (both teams the firsts at home). The Hazard team consisted of, E Langely, D Baggott, J Barron, W Trevett, T Barkham, J Watson, H Bainbridge, E Hodgkiss, W Judd, R Lawson, AN OTHER, Reserves J Richards and J Iley. - A N Other seems to be a regular performer for Rainton sides when in trouble.
· 14th May, Hazard 154 (N Mallinson 51), Waterhouses 56 for 2 - abandoned rain. Waterhouses II (W Davison 25 not out W Trevett 4 - 32), Hazard II 110 for 8 (J Garthwaite 35 not out, W Trevett 29).
· 21st May, Eppleton CW 152 (W Cummings 33, A Fletcher 23 not out, J Kirby 34, J Barron 4 -51), Hazard 137 (N Mallinson 23, R Robinson 22, E Langely 20, Cummings 5 - 31). Hazard II 62 (W Hunter 20 not out, G Summerbell 4 -4), Eppleton CW 50 ( J Bell 24, T Browell 7 - 9).
· 4th June - Team vs Chilton Moor at home, E Langely, N Mallinson, R Robinson, AN Other, J Watson, D Baggott, R Lawson, T Barkham, J Barron, E Hodgkiss, H Bainbridge, Reserve C Browell.
· Monday 6th June, League up first round. Hazard 100 ( E Langely 20, A Walton 5 - 44), Lambton Engine Works 92 (T Hardy 36, J Barron 6 - 42). Through to the next round!
· 18th June, Hazard 95 (R Robinson 20, H Bainbridge 19, J Hutchinson 6 - 36, F Ramshaw 3 - 15), Washington Chemical Works 44 (H Horn 18, T Barkham 3 - 19, J Barron 5 - 25). The seconds got 130 ( B Browell 49, D James 2 - 5) Washington Chemical Works II (A Burdes 32 not out, T Browell 5 - 20).
· 6th August, Hazard 64 (N Mallinson 19, Middlemass 6 - 13, Forrester 4 - 21) Chilton Moor 65 for 6 ( A Middlemass 26, Lowson & Barkham both 3 - 27). Hazard II 61 ( E Hodgkiss 14, T Browell 13, T Thornton 5 - 28, J Abson 5 - 29), Brandon 62 for 9 (A Brown 14, J Garthwaite 3 - 10).
· 27th August, Hazard 146, vs Lambton - abandoned rain, Southill 158 for 9 vs Hazard II - abandoned rain.
October 3rd - “EAST RAINTON CRICKETERS M H Iley , president at a smoking concert held at East Rainton on Saturday night by Hazard Colliery cricket club to celebrate winning the North East Durham Cricket League Challenge Cup. Entertainment was provided by Mr E Cullen’s concert party of Hetton.”
As the clouds of war rumbled across Europe the North East Durham cricket league continued as normal.
· 29th April, Hazard Colliery II 99, Eppleton CW II 33.
· 6th May, Hazard Colliery II 145 ( R Lowson 61, W Trevett 28), Durham Prison Officers 47 ( W Trevett 5 - 17)
· 13th May, Lambton Engine Works 106 (W Wardle 25 not out, Lowson 4 - 36), Hazard Colliery 110 for 1 (N Mallinson 57 not out).
· 20th May, Chilton Moor 54, Hazard Colliery 65 for 2. Hazard Colliery II 124 (T Browell 56, J Meek 6, J Rennie 0, A Hodgkiss 22, C Browell 9, W Trevett 5, W Barlow 4, J Garthwaite 13, J Richards 0, E Barron 3 not out, J Nicholson 13. G Walker 4 - 36, J Wilson 4 - 39) Chilton Moor II 74.
· 3rd June, Washington Chemical Works 37 (E Chisholm 13, J Barlow 5 - 20), Hazard Colliery 41 for 3 (E Hodgkiss 18 not out, L Clark 0, J Nicholson 4, W Hunter 0, J Richards 14 not out).
· 17th June, Hazard Colliery 202 for 7 dec (R Robinson 99, T Browell 50 not out), Belmont 74 (S Tulip 19 not out). Hazard Colliery II 93, Belmont II 60. After the Belmont games Hazard held second place in both divisions pushing for the league titles.
· 1st July, N.A.L.G.O. 117 (R Downs 32, T Barkham 5 - 46, T Browell 4 -34) Hazard 118 for 7 (T Browell 38, R Robinson 32, T Reed 4 - 36).
At the half way stage Hazard sat second in both divisions, pushing for both divisions and facing Chilton Moor in the league challenge cup semi finals.
On the 15th July a top of the table clash took place with Eppleton CW reaching 168 W Cummings taking 70 quick runs T Barkham 5 - 32 and ever present J Garthwaite 4 - 72. Hazards top scorer was T Browell gaining 21 runs out of 121 total. The ex Hazard bowler M Coxon taking 7 - 37 in revenge against us. The seconds made 192 for 8 dec with L Clark 105 not out Eppleton CW seconds however reached 119, W Judd taking 4 - 24.
The following week was a “A black week for the Rainton men, following their league fall at Eppleton. Having won easily in the league at Chilton, there would be no lack of confidence on the part of Hazard but the remarkable bowling of R Walton during the last few weeks was maintained and he certainly took the chief share of routing the holders. This time on Mallinson reached double figures and 38 was a very small total to surpass. Walton finished with seven wickets to his credit, costing over just a couple of runs a piece. Yet the Moor did not succeed without frights and quakings, and of course excitement, for the first half of the side were out before any could reach double figures but eventually Dobson and Walker in partnership for the seventh wicket made success practically certain and a three wicket victory was secured. Garthwaite, a Hazard second team bowler, did remarkably well to secure five cheap victims.”
After the defeat the previous night the 29th July was a bit better for the Hazard lads. Hazard 192 for 7 dec, N Mallinson 43, R Robinson 44, E Baggott 10, T Swinburne 1, T Browell 34, E Langely 29, H Bainbridge not out 9, J Trevett 6 whilst we then dismissed Littletown for 91 with Browell taking 6 - 14. The seconds lost though Littletown II 108 and Hazard II 68.
On the 5th August, Sherburn were bowled out for 70 our bowlers performing well J Barron 4 - 11, T Barkham 2-11, J Garthwaite 3 - 18, Hazard quickly passed the total for 3 wickets.The seconds didn’t have much luck Sherburn II 90 whilst we mustered 49.
7th August, Washington Chemical Works 112 (W Oxby 30, F Ramshaw 29, E Langely 5 - 22), Hazard Colliery 55 (T Rowell 24 not out, Tremble 5 - 23, Ramshaw 3 - 14). This game saw us surrender the advantage of beating Sherburn the previous Saturday (the only game finished that Saturday due to Rain) However Hazard had two extra games to play, but they would soon be losing the footballers to the Winter game. Langely bowling also appears to be unusual the Hazard skipper rarely bowls but did well against Washington.
12th August, the seconds beat second bottom Southill, but all plaudits that day went to Southill left arm bowler Hall, who took all ten Hazard wickets for 70 runs. Which he achieved against a strong Hazard team in a long innings with 182 runs. Including T Browell gaining 99 for Hazard (he is the leagues best all rounder according to the paper!) Southill however appear exhausted by a long time in the field, collapsing to the attack of Barkham 5 - 14 and Barron 4 - 9.
22nd December - The club held a whist, dance and supper in the St Cuthberts church Hall East Rainton. Prizes were won as well as the Whist and for dancing. J Henderson, M Coxon, G Clough, J Trevett with Miss S Veitch and Mr W Judd winning the dance prize.
1940’s & 1950’s - The first glory years
The annual meeting of the club was held, a successful season was reported. Mr E Hodgkiss read the balance sheet, income £61 15s 6d, expenditure £45 1s 3 ½ d, leaving a balance of £ 16 14s 2 ½ d.
The following week was a “A black week for the Rainton men, following their league fall at Eppleton. Having won easily in the league at Chilton, there would be no lack of confidence on the part of Hazard but the remarkable bowling of R Walton during the last few weeks was maintained and he certainly took the chief share of routing the holders. This time on Mallinson reached double figures and 38 was a very small total to surpass. Walton finished with seven wickets to his credit, costing over just a couple of runs a piece. Yet the Moor did not succeed without frights and quakings, and of course excitement, for the first half of the side were out before any could reach double figures but eventually Dobson and Walker in partnership for the seventh wicket made success practically certain and a three wicket victory was secured. Garthwaite, a Hazard second team bowler, did remarkably well to secure five cheap victims.”
After the defeat the previous night the 29th July was a bit better for the Hazard lads. Hazard 192 for 7 dec, N Mallinson 43, R Robinson 44, E Baggott 10, T Swinburne 1, T Browell 34, E Langely 29, H Bainbridge not out 9, J Trevett 6 whilst we then dismissed Littletown for 91 with Browell taking 6 - 14. The seconds lost though Littletown II 108 and Hazard II 68.
On the 5th August, Sherburn were bowled out for 70 our bowlers performing well J Barron 4 - 11, T Barkham 2-11, J Garthwaite 3 - 18, Hazard quickly passed the total for 3 wickets.The seconds didn’t have much luck Sherburn II 90 whilst we mustered 49.
7th August, Washington Chemical Works 112 (W Oxby 30, F Ramshaw 29, E Langely 5 - 22), Hazard Colliery 55 (T Rowell 24 not out, Tremble 5 - 23, Ramshaw 3 - 14). This game saw us surrender the advantage of beating Sherburn the previous Saturday (the only game finished that Saturday due to Rain) However Hazard had two extra games to play, but they would soon be losing the footballers to the Winter game. Langely bowling also appears to be unusual the Hazard skipper rarely bowls but did well against Washington.
12th August, the seconds beat second bottom Southill, but all plaudits that day went to Southill left arm bowler Hall, who took all ten Hazard wickets for 70 runs. Which he achieved against a strong Hazard team in a long innings with 182 runs. Including T Browell gaining 99 for Hazard (he is the leagues best all rounder according to the paper!) Southill however appear exhausted by a long time in the field, collapsing to the attack of Barkham 5 - 14 and Barron 4 - 9.
22nd December - The club held a whist, dance and supper in the St Cuthberts church Hall East Rainton. Prizes were won as well as the Whist and for dancing. J Henderson, M Coxon, G Clough, J Trevett with Miss S Veitch and Mr W Judd winning the dance prize.
1940’s & 1950’s - The first glory years
The annual meeting of the club was held, a successful season was reported. Mr E Hodgkiss read the balance sheet, income £61 15s 6d, expenditure £45 1s 3 ½ d, leaving a balance of £ 16 14s 2 ½ d.
Results seem a bit scarce for the 1940 season but i think the editors and contry as a whole had a bit more to worry about that village cricket. 29TH June, Chilton Moor 107 (M Bainbridge 21, D Morgan 19), Hazard Colliery 85 (T Browell 21, N Mallinson 20, T Trevett 19). 27th July, Hazard Colliery 64 (Boggan 3 - 22), Belmont 52 (Barkham 3 - 14).
Hazard again entered the North East Durham League in 1941 along with Littletown, Belmont, Eppleton CW, Waterhouses, Neville’s Cross, Hetton Lyons II (plus possibly Lambton engine works and Washington Chemcial Works who had not decided whether to enter teams yet!)The meeting was held in the Britannia Hotel Houghton le Spring.
7th June, Eppleton CW 61 (W Cummings 27), Hazard Colliery 70 ( N Mallinson 20).
The 25th July was to see Hazard take on Waterhouses in the final of the leagues challenge cup at Waterhouses.
The 1941 season saw Hazard Colliery cricket clubs first Championship winning the NEDCL title, this was a proud achievement for a club with little success in its 90 year history.
Hazard again entered the North East Durham League in 1941 along with Littletown, Belmont, Eppleton CW, Waterhouses, Neville’s Cross, Hetton Lyons II (plus possibly Lambton engine works and Washington Chemcial Works who had not decided whether to enter teams yet!)The meeting was held in the Britannia Hotel Houghton le Spring.
7th June, Eppleton CW 61 (W Cummings 27), Hazard Colliery 70 ( N Mallinson 20).
The 25th July was to see Hazard take on Waterhouses in the final of the leagues challenge cup at Waterhouses.
The 1941 season saw Hazard Colliery cricket clubs first Championship winning the NEDCL title, this was a proud achievement for a club with little success in its 90 year history.
It was a mid table finish in the 1946 season with Hazard having their game against Fenchouses YMCA abandoned due to the rain and on the 6th of June Hazard losing a local derby to rivals Chilton Moor. Hazard batted first reaching 78 Norman Mallinson contributing 25.Moor however made it to 81 runs, with J Garthwaite taking 3 - 26. The seconds also lost, bowled out for 70 against Chilton Moor.
The worst season for the league as a whole was in 1948, the league contained 5 clubs, Fencehouses YMCA, Eppleton CW, Huwoods, Belmont A, Belmont B, Hazard A and Hazard B. Hazard had to enter two teams to allow the league to continue. Unfortunately few records have survived of Hazards 1948 second championship winning season, however im sure they played very very well.
12th February 1949, league meeting saw an upturn in the leagues fortunes after the resignation of a number of teams the previous season. With Eppleton CW, Hazard and Belmont running A and B teams. Plus Neville’s Cross, Huwoods Social Club, Fenchouses YMCA and Fulwell Social Club entered the league. Mr E Hodgkiss has retired as a player for Hazard Colliery and had taken up position as the league’s Treasurer and Secretary.
12th February 1949, league meeting saw an upturn in the leagues fortunes after the resignation of a number of teams the previous season. With Eppleton CW, Hazard and Belmont running A and B teams. Plus Neville’s Cross, Huwoods Social Club, Fenchouses YMCA and Fulwell Social Club entered the league. Mr E Hodgkiss has retired as a player for Hazard Colliery and had taken up position as the league’s Treasurer and Secretary.
Belmont went on to win the title at the expense of Hazard. The Durham Advertiser described September 3rd’s game against Belmont as “The most thrilling match at Belmont CC in years” as Hazard by 91 runs and 2 wickets in the last over saw Belmont post 126 - 8. Allowing Belmont to win the title on the last day.
27th May 1950 an unusual fixture took place however i haven’t found the result yet, Hazard A vs Hazard B!
Hazard lost one game all season against fellow Champions Belmont. With Norman Martin 101 not out and Len Griggs taking 7 - 12 to reduce the Hazard men to their only defeat of the season. Since at this stage there was not any playoffs the title was shared between Hazard and Belmont, both teams had played 16, won 12, drawn 3 and lost 1 totalling 39 points each.
The season ended with a joint league title with Belmont CC, as there were no play offs or rules regarding this the title was shared between the leagues two best clubs.
1951 saw us lose the title to Belmont again (they were on an 8 season title winning streak!) with Belmont winning the title after a 9 wicket victory over Hazard on the 25th August, however to make up for it we did beat Belmont in the final of the League cup final despite Portway taking 7 wickets for Belmont.
A charity match took place in 1952 was held by Willie Watson - father of the Sunderland Footballer is to captain a team of retired cricketers against Hazard Colliery II at East Rainton. In aid of the East Rainton aged peoples welfare committee. The Hazard team was J Iley (Capt), J Race, M Hodgkiss, R Johnston, G Rennie, J Glenville, R Barkham, J Nicholson, R Davison, J Edwards and J Cooper, reserves A Estell, J Ayres.
Friday 14th August 1953 - Amos Lowing bowl final. (The first appearance of Alban Cummings on the team sheet on demobilisation leave) N Mallinson & A Cummings secured the winning runs with their partnership. The was the first Amos Lowing season after the death of the former president the previous year. Hazard won the trophy.
27th May 1950 an unusual fixture took place however i haven’t found the result yet, Hazard A vs Hazard B!
Hazard lost one game all season against fellow Champions Belmont. With Norman Martin 101 not out and Len Griggs taking 7 - 12 to reduce the Hazard men to their only defeat of the season. Since at this stage there was not any playoffs the title was shared between Hazard and Belmont, both teams had played 16, won 12, drawn 3 and lost 1 totalling 39 points each.
The season ended with a joint league title with Belmont CC, as there were no play offs or rules regarding this the title was shared between the leagues two best clubs.
1951 saw us lose the title to Belmont again (they were on an 8 season title winning streak!) with Belmont winning the title after a 9 wicket victory over Hazard on the 25th August, however to make up for it we did beat Belmont in the final of the League cup final despite Portway taking 7 wickets for Belmont.
A charity match took place in 1952 was held by Willie Watson - father of the Sunderland Footballer is to captain a team of retired cricketers against Hazard Colliery II at East Rainton. In aid of the East Rainton aged peoples welfare committee. The Hazard team was J Iley (Capt), J Race, M Hodgkiss, R Johnston, G Rennie, J Glenville, R Barkham, J Nicholson, R Davison, J Edwards and J Cooper, reserves A Estell, J Ayres.
Friday 14th August 1953 - Amos Lowing bowl final. (The first appearance of Alban Cummings on the team sheet on demobilisation leave) N Mallinson & A Cummings secured the winning runs with their partnership. The was the first Amos Lowing season after the death of the former president the previous year. Hazard won the trophy.
Hazard team vs Bristol Aero at Chilton Moor in semi final of the Amos lowing our team was: N Mallinson, J Nicholson, F Browell, R Johnson, A Cummings, J Armstrong, S Willey, T Robinson, R Davison, E Gettings, G Walton.
Tuesday 12th January 1954
The club’s annual meeting was held, Norman Mallinson resigned his position of Secretary which he had held for 17 years, he agreed however to become treasurer - he was replaced by Mr J Iley. The rest of the committee was: President Mr TF Hutchinson, Chairman R Estell, Vice Chairman R Hodgkiss, First team captain T Judd, Vice J Black, Second team captain N Mallinson, Vice F Browell.
11th November - Hazard cricket clubs application to the Coast League was rejected (along with Wardley welfare) as it was felt that the league was full. 14 teams in division 1 and 16 in division 2 was seen as the optimum numbers. So Hazard Colliery remained in the NEDCL.
This was also to be the last season of Norman Mallinson as a player, a superb batsman, captain, secretary and treasurer to the club. He first appears on the team sheets in 1931and since then appears with alarming regularity. Performing strongly with the bat on many occasions, he was a great servant to the club and despite is obvious talents remained almost entirely loyal to the club (even getting his wife Jessie to score on and make the teas!).
1960’s & 1970’s
Tuesday 12th January 1954
The club’s annual meeting was held, Norman Mallinson resigned his position of Secretary which he had held for 17 years, he agreed however to become treasurer - he was replaced by Mr J Iley. The rest of the committee was: President Mr TF Hutchinson, Chairman R Estell, Vice Chairman R Hodgkiss, First team captain T Judd, Vice J Black, Second team captain N Mallinson, Vice F Browell.
11th November - Hazard cricket clubs application to the Coast League was rejected (along with Wardley welfare) as it was felt that the league was full. 14 teams in division 1 and 16 in division 2 was seen as the optimum numbers. So Hazard Colliery remained in the NEDCL.
This was also to be the last season of Norman Mallinson as a player, a superb batsman, captain, secretary and treasurer to the club. He first appears on the team sheets in 1931and since then appears with alarming regularity. Performing strongly with the bat on many occasions, he was a great servant to the club and despite is obvious talents remained almost entirely loyal to the club (even getting his wife Jessie to score on and make the teas!).
1960’s & 1970’s
Alban Cummings became treasurer of Hazard colliery cricket club in 1962, at the time of his passing in 2015 he retained the position, his ledger which contains all financial transactions of the club between these two dates. This large leather bound book contains every detail of the club, from the purchase of tea towls to lawn mowers, Alban recorded it all.
1963 the cricket club had purchased the old church school in East Rainton village the building was used until 1965 as the clubs HQ, costing us £8.1.5 in electricity bills (this was the last time Rainton had to pay an electric bill!).
1963 the cricket club had purchased the old church school in East Rainton village the building was used until 1965 as the clubs HQ, costing us £8.1.5 in electricity bills (this was the last time Rainton had to pay an electric bill!).
The club made a brief foray into the murky world of the Coxhoe and District league in 1964 and 1965. The second team entered the Coxhoe & District league whilst the first team remained in the NEDCL however after two seasons the second team returned to the North East Durham fold.
1964 also saw improvements made to the ground, the pavilion and changing rooms were extended, this extension remains on to this day. Costing the club £167.19.7 including £9 for the new doors. This changing room served until 1982 when the current building arrived.
1964 also saw improvements made to the ground, the pavilion and changing rooms were extended, this extension remains on to this day. Costing the club £167.19.7 including £9 for the new doors. This changing room served until 1982 when the current building arrived.
1966 saw the clubs name once again changed from Hazard Colliery cricket club to East Rainton CC. This was because the club was entering outside cups and away teams had difficulty locating the ground due to the clubs un-usual name. Add in the fact that Hazard colliery had ceased to exist in 1935.
1971 the club was having a difficult year, one of the pads from the club bag had to be repaired costing £1!
Division 2 title was won by the first team in 1977 allowing a return to first division cricket. Something that Rainton spectators and players have enjoyed every year since...
1971 the club was having a difficult year, one of the pads from the club bag had to be repaired costing £1!
Division 2 title was won by the first team in 1977 allowing a return to first division cricket. Something that Rainton spectators and players have enjoyed every year since...
1980 saw an extension added to the field, the North side of the ground was levelled adding more playing area then previously held.
The original building contained changing rooms - this still stands now used as our toilet and groundman's storage building. In 1980 a metal container was fitted out as the clubs new changing rooms, which resulted in the old pavilion being used as storage until it found a new use in 1982 - when water was finally installed, this new use was as a toilet, replacing the old "tins" at the bottom of the field (we were going to be expelled from the league if we did not get flushing toilets!) Before 1982 water was collected from a well at the top (southern end) of the field, this spring water was used for watering the square and making the tea, but it was shared with the local farmers cows! But that year we were finally connected to mains water although electric has still not arrived in 2014.
1983 - 2006 the revival
1983 sparked a revival in East Rainton’s fortunes. Although Rainton had won 8 NEDCL titles by this date including a 4 titles in a row (1957 - 1960) it was really from 1983 - 2006 which saw East Rainton finally reach their potential which had eluded them since 1851. 1983 saw an influx of players from Durham brought together by Ian Kitching (ex of Philadelphia and Eppleton C.W.) his arrival as captain in 1982 brought in Rainton’s most successful era ever. One in which Rainton dominated the North East Durham league including the ‘invincible’s’ of 2003. Ian went on to become Raintons most successful captain ever and between 1983 and 2008 Rainton won 13 league titles and the Banks trophy. Still playing in 2015 and was the NEDCL top wicket taker in 2014. 1983 was the first of many league titles. As the Sunderland echo stated it was the first time the East Rainton name was engraved into the NEDCL trophy, since the 6 previous titles were in the name of Hazard colliery cc.
The 1983 season included a win against the reigning champions Coles Cranes at their ground, an unusual feat in itself. George Moralee and Ian Kitching pegged Coles back to 5 runs off 14 overs, a revival saw coles reach 130 for 9. Kitching 3 - 43 and Moralee 5 - 56. Neil Matthews 65 and Duncan Bell 30 saw us to a 6 wicket win.
The original building contained changing rooms - this still stands now used as our toilet and groundman's storage building. In 1980 a metal container was fitted out as the clubs new changing rooms, which resulted in the old pavilion being used as storage until it found a new use in 1982 - when water was finally installed, this new use was as a toilet, replacing the old "tins" at the bottom of the field (we were going to be expelled from the league if we did not get flushing toilets!) Before 1982 water was collected from a well at the top (southern end) of the field, this spring water was used for watering the square and making the tea, but it was shared with the local farmers cows! But that year we were finally connected to mains water although electric has still not arrived in 2014.
1983 - 2006 the revival
1983 sparked a revival in East Rainton’s fortunes. Although Rainton had won 8 NEDCL titles by this date including a 4 titles in a row (1957 - 1960) it was really from 1983 - 2006 which saw East Rainton finally reach their potential which had eluded them since 1851. 1983 saw an influx of players from Durham brought together by Ian Kitching (ex of Philadelphia and Eppleton C.W.) his arrival as captain in 1982 brought in Rainton’s most successful era ever. One in which Rainton dominated the North East Durham league including the ‘invincible’s’ of 2003. Ian went on to become Raintons most successful captain ever and between 1983 and 2008 Rainton won 13 league titles and the Banks trophy. Still playing in 2015 and was the NEDCL top wicket taker in 2014. 1983 was the first of many league titles. As the Sunderland echo stated it was the first time the East Rainton name was engraved into the NEDCL trophy, since the 6 previous titles were in the name of Hazard colliery cc.
The 1983 season included a win against the reigning champions Coles Cranes at their ground, an unusual feat in itself. George Moralee and Ian Kitching pegged Coles back to 5 runs off 14 overs, a revival saw coles reach 130 for 9. Kitching 3 - 43 and Moralee 5 - 56. Neil Matthews 65 and Duncan Bell 30 saw us to a 6 wicket win.
Rainton were once again runners up in division 1 in 1984 to Coles Cranes.
1985 saw the retirement of long standing Rainton player George Estell at the age of 55, having played for the club all his life. He was an all-rounder and had captained both elevens. The three brothers Albert, Bobby and George Estell have all played for Rainton with Bob Estell being chairman for a number of years. This year also saw the new pavilion arrive, this metal container changing room cost the club £1856.25, compared to 1971 moving a shed/garage from the village cost £1 (this became the clubs kitchen). The season saw another high scoring encounter with Coles Cranes, Coles reaching 193 for 4 whilst the lads reached 194 for 5 with Neil Matthews 30, Peter Preece 39, Alan Luke 34 and Peter Jackson 32 seeing us home. Other wins against third placed Vaux by 6 wickets chasing 135.
1985 saw the retirement of long standing Rainton player George Estell at the age of 55, having played for the club all his life. He was an all-rounder and had captained both elevens. The three brothers Albert, Bobby and George Estell have all played for Rainton with Bob Estell being chairman for a number of years. This year also saw the new pavilion arrive, this metal container changing room cost the club £1856.25, compared to 1971 moving a shed/garage from the village cost £1 (this became the clubs kitchen). The season saw another high scoring encounter with Coles Cranes, Coles reaching 193 for 4 whilst the lads reached 194 for 5 with Neil Matthews 30, Peter Preece 39, Alan Luke 34 and Peter Jackson 32 seeing us home. Other wins against third placed Vaux by 6 wickets chasing 135.
The above gallery is a charity match in 1987. it was club men in Fancy dress versus the club ladies.
1987 saw Rainton win their second league title of the modern era. Whilst on the ground front it cost £60 to hire Alban Cummings for the year and the club installed the drainage under the field. This was done by hand by club members with the club paying £95.80 to install; they still work even to this day.
1989 is a well documented year in the clubs history and one of its most successful prior to 2003. We have a record of every game this season so it’s a long chapter.
Wardley - defeated newly promoted Wardley by 134 runs. Neil Matthews 23, Fred Napier 34 opened they were followed by Derek Aylesbury 45, Alan Luke 37, Duncan Bell 34, Alan Glendenning 29 - Rainton concluded on 225 for 7. Wardley mustered only 91 in reply with Dave Barnfather 4 - 30 and Ian Kitching 4 - 7 winning the game.
East Hetton -a win by 7 wickets, Kelloe batted out the 45 overs 97 for 9. Ian Kitching 7 - 32 and Sean Fleming 2 - 7 taking the wickets. In reply Neil Matthews 32 and Fred Napier 27 ensured victory at 99 for 3.
Leyland Daf Trophy, Boldon - Rainton (Fred Napier 30, Sean Fleming 7, Derek Aylesbury 4, Alan Glendenning 7, Alan Luke 32, Duncan Bell 0, Peter Jackson 3, Ian Kitching 16 not out and Fred Long 7 not out 114 for 7) in reply Boldon tried to maintain the run rate with Hourmark and Longstaff (24 & 20 not out) but it was too much as they finished on 99 - 7. With Barnfather 1 - 22, Kitching 0 - 10, Burton 2 - 11, Bell & Fleming 1 - 24.
Banks Village Trophy, Houghton - Houghton 67 - 9 (B Calvert 13, M Hoban 12, I Kitching 4 - 20, D Barnfather 2 - 29, K Burton 1 - 11) Rainton 70 - 5 ( N Matthews 1, F Napier 8, D Aylesbury 10, A Luke 0, D Bell 19 not out, P Jackson 5, S Fleming 17 not out, B Calvert 4 - 34) a win by 5 wickets.
Washington - Washington were all out for 40, Ian Kitching 6 - 22 and David Barnfather 4 - 6 doing the damage. N Raynor putting up most of the resistance with 10 runs. With the bat Neil Matthews 30 not out and Fred Napier 9 not out saw us over the line.
Banks Village Trophy, Barton - Rainton set a target of 108 for 6. With Neil Matthews 26 and Gordon Steel 23 leading the line, with D Aylesbury 2, A Luke 4, D Bell 6, S Fleming 16 not out, A Glendenning 2 and Ian Kitching 18 not out. With the ball Barton were held back to 81 for 7 with Ian Kitching 4 - 45 and David Barnfather 2 - 34 seeing us into the next round.
Monkseaton - “RAINTON LEAD TITLE CHARGE” Bill Fairman top scored for third placed Monkseaton with 23 as they slumped to 96 all out, Ian Kitching taking 4 for 40 and Sean Fleming 4 for 22 to peg back seaton. However Alan Luke 39 not out and Neil Matthews 27 saw us through despite Jon Stillborn taking 5 for 47.
Simonside - “East Rainton crushed Simonside to maintain their unbeaten record. After setting a target of 206 for 9 thanks to a middle wicket partnership by Skipper Ian Kitching (31) and an unbeaten 60 by Gordon Steel. Barry Flood returned four for 62. Sean Fleming grabbed 4 - 36 for East Rainton as the visitors were shot out for 140”.
North Bitchburn - Rainton dismissed Bitchburn for 45 runs before knocking off the total with 7 wickets in hand within 35 minutes. Bitchburns top scorer was D Seymour with 10 as David Barnfather claimed 6 - 18 and Ian Kitching 4 - 20, with the bat Neil Matthews 7, S Fleming 12, D Aylesbury 7 not out, A Luke 7, Duncan Bell not out 4.
Whiteleas - Hylton were now only 4 points behind Rainton after winning at Hunwick. Rainton reached 110 not out by young Fred Napier and 51 from Duncan Bell 51 giving us 215 for 4. Despite J Douthwaite 49 and L Smith 31 Whiteleas never looked in the hunt ending on 157 for 7. Rainton tried five bowlers Alan Luke 5 for 46 being of note.
Hylton - Rainton were top taking on second placed Hylton, we moved nine points clear with the win. Hylton made 191 with Joe Rushworth 33 and Gary Pickering 44 adding the bulk of the runs. But Ian Kitching5 - 56 and Sean Fleming 3 - 52 held them back slightly. But Rainton weren’t to be denied Peter Jackson 65 not out, Ian Luke 48 and Alan Luke 30 took Rainton to 194 for 6. Cementing our top spot as we approached the half way stage.
Hunwick - An easy win for the men from the Hazard with Rainton posting 210 for 5. Neil Matthews 38, Fred Napier 56 gave a solid start. Derek Aylesbury 43, Alan Glendenning 53 saw us to a large total. Our bowlers reduced Hunwick to 87 all out.
Ingersoll Rand - Rainton extended their lead at the top by comfortably beating Ingersol Rand. N Matthews 23, F Napier 7, I Kitching 47, A Luke 42, D Bell 1, P Jackson 10 not out, G Steel 8, S Fleming 0 not out, total of 153 for 6. Ingersol were then dismissed for 72 runs, I Kitching 4 - 27, D Wiseman 4 - 33, S Fleming 1 - 1, A Luke 0 - 4.
Tantobie - Batting first Tantobie reached 119 with Hal Brown adding 60 to that total. Dave Barnfather 4 -46 and Alan Luke 5 - 27 peg back the home side. In reply Neil Matthews 30 and Fred Napier 31 set us on the way to 123 fo r7.
Washington - Washington posted a total of 147 all out. With Ian Kitching 3 - 37, Sean Fleming 3 - 27 accounting for most of the Washington wickets, P Baggin 42 and G Vincent 28 added most of the runs. Rainton replied with 148 for 8, a bit of a scare, Neil Matthews 50 and Alan Luke 37 seeing us over the line despite Baggan taking 4 wickets.
Wardley - Rainton looked comfortable against bottom club Wardley (97 all out) with Barnfather 4 - 40, Kitching 3 - 40 and Fleming 3 - 5 doing the damage. Rainton took 24 overs to reach the target for the loss of 4 wickets. Hylton lost to Monkseaton dropping them down to third, allowing Simonside to move ahead.
East Hetton -A nine wicket victory, Ian Kitching taking 6 - 24 and D Barnfather 3 - 29 to dismiss East Hetton for 64. In reply Neil Matthews 20, Fred Napier 27 not out and Derek Aylesbury 13 not out saw us over the line. (Fred Napier snr hit 162 in the seconds against Belmont!)
Simonside - Once again it was top versus second Simonside batted first and batted strongly, Jimmy Gaff 91 and Steve Wright 35 pushing Sima to 173 all out (it would have been much higher had a middle order collapse seen 6 wickets fall for 27 runs). Ian Kitching 5 - 49 and David Barnfather 4 - 36 pegging back the Oakleigh men. In reply Neil Matthews 44 saw us win despite losing 162 run man Fred Napier for a duck. Alan Glendenning 24 not out hit the final runs to see us over the line.
Whiteleas - Raintons mediocre total of 130 was enough to beat Whiteleas. Neil Matthews 0, Fred Napier 36, D Bell 0, A Luke 3, P Jackson 7, D Aylesbury 1, I Kitching 25, A Glendenning 25, S Fleming 6, P Matthews 16 not out and D Wiseman 6. With M Nicholson taking 6 scalps for 71 runs. In reply Ian Kitching 5 - 46 and David Wiseman 4 - 33 saw us reduce Leas to 102. Rainton now stood 24 points ahead of second placed Simonside.
Henry Bainbridge Trophy Final, Washington - Held as usual at Chilton Moor, Washington batted first reached 74 all out including a 6 - 31 by David Barnfather. In reply Neil Matthews 31 not out, Fred Napier 29 and Derek Aylesbury 3 not out saw us to victory.
Hylton (crowned league champions with four games remaining) - “EAST RAINTON TAKE TITLE” defeating Hylton by 36 runs saw the Hazard men crowned league champions for the 1989 season. Fred Napier 64, Alan Luke 37 seeing Rainton to 189 all out. M Anderson 3 - 39 and G Davies 3 - 32 accounting for the Rainton wickets. Hylton replied with 153, S Sylvestor 50 and Anderson 32. Derek Aylesbury took three stumpings as Ian Kitching 4 - 64 and Sean Fleming 3 - 52 and Dave Wiseman 3 - 8 saw us through.
Tantobie (first league loss of the season) - Having taken the league title the week before Rainton lost their unbeaten run away at Tantobie. Tantobie reached 171 all out, G Oliver 55 top scoring, Ian Kitching 4 - 33, D Barnfather 2 - 21, A Luke 2 - 27 and D Bell 2 - 21 took the wickets. In reply Rainton struggled to make a reply being bowled out for 107. Neil Matthews 18, Fred Napier 13, Derek Aylesbury 9, Alan Luke 3, Peter Jackson 0, Duncan Bell 8, Alan Glendenning 14, Sean Fleming 10, Ian Kitching 16 not out, Dave Wiseman 0 and David Barnfather 5. Our one and only league loss of the season.
Ingersol Rand - The bowlers took charge at Ingersol, Ian Robinson 6 - 62 and Ken Brown 4 - 33 dismissed Rainton for 97 runs. Peter Jackson 22 and Sean Fleming 25 adding the bulk of the total. However the hope given to Rand was extinguished by Fleming 6 - 16 and Kitching 4 - 24 sent Rand crashing to 63 all out.
Vinton trophy final, Ingersol Rand - Just a week after defeating Ingersol in the league, we once again met in the Vinton Trophy final. Batting first Rainton reached 229 for 7. Neil Matthews 63, Fred Napier 51 and Gordon Steel 35 (30 of which was added in one over!) not out adding to the total. Rand were dismissed for 128 - a 104 run victory.
Vaux Challenge trophy final, Simonside - A close encounter with runners up Simonside saw a narrow 17 run victory. Rainton batted first reaching 155 for 9. Fred Napier 32, Peter Jackson 28, Alan Glendenning 30 and D Wiseman 29. Paul Reid 3 for 106 took the bulk of the wickets. In reply Simonside were held to 139 for 9. Needing 20 from the last over they were held at bay by Ian Kitching (4 - 70) and David Barnfather 4 - 48. Paul Thompson top scored with 34.
Monkseaton - The final league match saw another victory. Monkseaton reached 151 for 9. Duncan Bell 3 - 28 and Peter Jackson 2 - 18. Rainton squeezed past by 1 wicket. Thanks to Alan Luke 56 and Sean Fleming 32. Rainton concluded the season as title holders, with 98 points having won 20, lost 1 and drawn 1.
Vaux Labatt’s Final, Bomarsund - Rainton were beaten in their final game of the season at Esh Winning, losing to Bomarsund in the Vaux trophy. Rainton batted first reaching 112. N Matthews 13, Fred Napier 29, D Aylesbury 3, A Luke 11, P Jackson 1, D Bell 3, A Glendenning 10, Ian Kitching 9 not out, S Fleming 1, D Wiseman 15 and D Barnfather 0. In reply Bomarsund ran home by 6 wickets. Unfortunately Rainton had to settle for runners up in the Vaux shield.
The following season (1990) the defence of our title didn’t get off to a good start. Losing to Chilton Moor, the moor reached 189 - 7, however Rainton ran out of steam on 184 all out with 2 balls of the game left. We defeated North Bitchburn by 103 runs, Sunderland Hospitals by 95 runs, Hunwick by 46 runs (Davy Barnfather taking 8 - 43), Monkseaton by 91 runs, lost to Tantobie, at this stage we were one point behind leaders Chilton Moor. Our win over North Bitchburn however took us three points ahead and our game versus Moor was rained off. The league finished with Rainton top, Moor second and Simonside a close third.
1991 (the year i was born!) is finally reached, it was a good year for Rainton it once again saw us win the league but also capture the Banks Village Trophy (we were losing finalists in 1990) we defeated Wolviston by 10 wickets. Wolviston were dismissed for 59 runs with Ian Kitching taking 6 - 30 in a man of the match performance. Neil Matthews 25 not out and Gordon Steel 27 not out saw us reach the target. We lined up in division 1 against North Bitchburn, Belford House, Willington, Washington, Tantobie, Whiteleas, Simonside, Hospitals, Hunwick, Chilton Moor and Ingersol Rand. The other first teams in the league were Grove Coles, East Hetton, Benwell Hill III, Belmont, Littletown, South Northumberland III, Wardley, Craghead and Phillips. The results included a 67 run victory against bottom club Ingersol Rand and a 6 wicket victory against Tantobie. With a single loss against Simonside, by 8 wickets. Rainton were 136 all out and Sima knocked it off for 2 wickets. Rainton finished top on 90 points with North Bitchburn second on 69.
The 1992 season saw us pipped to the post by Willington. Rainton were overtaken on the last day of the season finishing one point behind Willington due to our free weekend, Willington had a four wicket win at East Hetton. Willington finished top with 73 points and Rainton on 72. Our wins included 39 runs at Bitchburn, 69 runs at Chilton Moor (including 5 - 13 for Ian Kitching) and 93 runs at Washington.
1993 was another season which was so close yet so far for Rainton (infact we would have to wait til 1998 for our next title. This season saw us defeat Grove Coles by 6 wickets (Ian Kitching with 5 - 54), Tantobie(44 all out) by 10 wickets with Glenn Patterson 5 - 29 and Ian Kitching 5 - 11. An 8 wicket victory over North Bitchburn (Ian Kitching 8 - 44) However one of our two defeats both came against Champions Chilton Moor including a 9 wicket defeat. Rainton were all out for 102. Future Rainton player Colin Henderson scoring 71 to sink our title hopes. Rainton finishing just 2 points behind local rivals Chilton Moor. However on a worse note for the club, £2000 worth of grass cutters were stole from the club.
Rainton won their first five games of the season to once again show their title credentials, however once again it was the runners up position come the end of the 1994 season, finishing a few points behind Simonside. Wins against Willington, Tantobie, Belford House (by 56 runs), Grove Coles and Benwell Hill. However a loss by 91 runs to Belmont cost us dear. Belmonts 206 for 9 was too much as Rainton collapsed to 115 all out, Steve Sylvester’s 44 was the only real resistance.
September 2000 saw East Rainton win the first division title by 78 points over nearest rivals Belford House (Rainton 350 and Belford House 272). Rainton went unbeaten all season winning 16 of their 22 games. With Gordon Steel and Colin Henderson scoring 1000 runs between them during the season and Ian Kitching coming second in the league bowling averages with 36 victims.
Raintons final day win at home to Plawsworth by 8 wickets saw us to another league title. Plawsworth were all out 113 with Ian Kitching taking 5 - 48 in reply Rainton knocked the total off for the loss of two wickets. Seeing us to the title in 2001.
2003 saw the club win the Npower local heros award for the Over 18 team, which was won for recognition for the teams efforts on the field, including their fourth successive league title. The 2003 season also saw Rainton set a new league record remaining unbeaten in both the league and all first team cup competitions. Finishing the season on 383 compared to 350 of nearest rivals Newton Aycliffe, after winning 17 of the 22 games. Whilst the lads remained un beaten in the Henry Bainbridge, Vinton, Roseberry and Glenn Pattison trophies. This record remains to this day...
The old tea hut - a wooden shed where teas were provided for spectators and players was burnt down in the 1950s, plans for the new building by Hugh Woods Ltd (Mr Hugh Woods himself was a patron of the club living in East Rainton House). The original plans were to build a two storey pavilion complete with viewing balcony, Mr Woods turned these down in favour of a smaller building on the site of the original. Later improvements were made, a garage was dismantled in East Rainton village and carried down to the Hazard and rebuilt to house the grass cutters. This was eventually knocked through to provide a kitchen area. This tea hut survived complete with faded paint work and an adverting board for Vaux breweries (who no longer exist) it has now served the club for 50 years. In the winter of 2010 part of the building was destroyed by heavy winds and the building was replaced by the new metal tea hut on the same site, and still with the same copper boiler to heat the water for teas.
2006 was the last title for the Rainton first team. this saw wholesale changes for the firsts as many older players retired or dropped down to the second team. this transitional period continues today as the club look to continue to regain past successes.
2009 saw an upturn of our second teams fortunes, the seconds won the NEDCL division 2 for the first time in their own right. they have won the title every year from 2009 to 2016 (except 2012 when we ran a close second to Wearmouth).
2014 saw the club implement its new five year development plan, with a new motor roller being purchased and 420 trees planted at the Hazard. The firsts finished 8th in division one whilst the seconds once again won division 2, along with the Amos Lowing Wilson and Robert Dunnett cups.
Prior to the 2015 season Rainton lost one of its oldest and most loyal members, Alban Cummings treasurer, groundsman and opening batsman, Alban had been for many years the soul of East Rainton CC and he will be sadly missed around the ground, especially by those he was trying to sell raffle tickets too. The 2015 season so far has seen us top both division one and two at the half way stage so its looking up once again for Rainton, by the end of the season however the seconds won Division 2 and the Amos Lowing shield. Whilst the firsts reached third in division one, behind Burnhope CC and Beamish CC.
2016 saw the firsts lift the league cup for the first time ever, this cup replaced the Roseberry trophy in 2012 and the seconds won all second team cups - Robert Dunnett, Amos Lowing and the Norman Martin.The seconds also lifted the Second division title for a fourth straight season. This proved to be the most successful season the second team have ever had, and was captain Darren Portreys fourth title in four years, whilst Darren also set a club and league record taking 10 wickets for 10 runs away at Tantobie. He was awarded the match ball at the clubs presentation night.
2006 was the last title for the Rainton first team. this saw wholesale changes for the firsts as many older players retired or dropped down to the second team. this transitional period continues today as the club look to continue to regain past successes.
2009 saw an upturn of our second teams fortunes, the seconds won the NEDCL division 2 for the first time in their own right. they have won the title every year from 2009 to 2016 (except 2012 when we ran a close second to Wearmouth).
2014 saw the club implement its new five year development plan, with a new motor roller being purchased and 420 trees planted at the Hazard. The firsts finished 8th in division one whilst the seconds once again won division 2, along with the Amos Lowing Wilson and Robert Dunnett cups.
Prior to the 2015 season Rainton lost one of its oldest and most loyal members, Alban Cummings treasurer, groundsman and opening batsman, Alban had been for many years the soul of East Rainton CC and he will be sadly missed around the ground, especially by those he was trying to sell raffle tickets too. The 2015 season so far has seen us top both division one and two at the half way stage so its looking up once again for Rainton, by the end of the season however the seconds won Division 2 and the Amos Lowing shield. Whilst the firsts reached third in division one, behind Burnhope CC and Beamish CC.
2016 saw the firsts lift the league cup for the first time ever, this cup replaced the Roseberry trophy in 2012 and the seconds won all second team cups - Robert Dunnett, Amos Lowing and the Norman Martin.The seconds also lifted the Second division title for a fourth straight season. This proved to be the most successful season the second team have ever had, and was captain Darren Portreys fourth title in four years, whilst Darren also set a club and league record taking 10 wickets for 10 runs away at Tantobie. He was awarded the match ball at the clubs presentation night.
2017 saw further transition within the club as the older players continue to retire, the second team did win two cups, the Amos Lowing where Rainton ran out 9 wicket victors against Kimblesworth. The opposition making 81 all out. Whilst we beat Hunwick in the final of the Johnson Coates Trophy. The seconds again competed in NEDCL divsion 2 however they were knocked of the top spot by Kimblesworth as the seconds finished the season 7th in the league. The firsts on the other hand came a very respectable third place, coming so close to an elusive league title, however a penultimate game defeat to Hunwick cost us the league. Hunwick went on to win the title, after they beat us by 6 wickets. Rainton posted 184 all out. So two cups and a close third place finish. The clubs toilets were also refurbished in 2017 (the old pavilion), costing £8500 to re roof the building and upgrade the facilities, with the work being completed by the Fencehouses based Rippon construction.
2018 proved to be a poor year for the club, with no cups won and the seconds withdrew from all cups due to a lack of players. The firsts finished 7th, winning 4 matches and losing 10. We gave champions Kimblesworth a run for their money. They set a huge total of 321 for 8, whilst we fell just short with 259 all out. Whilst a victory was secured against unbeaten Seaham Harbour, they were bowled out for 87 whilst we passed their total for the loss of 9 wickets.
The seconds finished 4th, winning 6 and losing 5. Whilst we beat Belmont, passing their total of 158 with one wicket left. We were soundly beaten by Simonside they batted first making 236 for 9, we then collapsed to 93 all out. Further embarrassment was saved by the rain however we were all out for 46 away at Tantobie, they were 11 for 2 when the rain arrived.
2019 proved to be a massive turning point for the club. That year we lined up in the NEDCL alongside Seaham Harbour, Murton, Burnhope, South Hetton, Wearmouth, Belmont, Beamish, Coundon, Stanhope, Simonside, Kibblesworth and Tantobie. Consideration was given prior to the season, for folding the second eleven due to a lack of players. However the seconds went on to win Division 2 of the NEDCL unbeaten, winning 11 of there 16 matches that season. With memorable victories being the final game of the season which saw a close contest with Kibblesworth which was won by 2 wickets, the made 83 and we reached 84 for 8, to seal the title.
The firsts on the other hand finished in 7th place, however the highlight of the first team season was winning the Glenn Pattison trophy final against unbeaten league champions Seaham Harbour (they're only loss in the 2019 season). We batted first making 108 all out, we however defended our total skittling out the Harbour tail for 91. This meant that Glenn's trophy was home again for the first time since 2006.
2019 was the final season of the old North East Durham Cricket League. The Durham cricket board proposed a merger between the Durham Cricket League and our home the North East Durham Cricket league . This was to counter aging committees, reduced numbers and reduced umpiring numbers. After months of negotiations it was agreed that the leagues would merge, with clubs positions being based on the 2019 league placing. We will find ourselves in divisions 4 and 5. Our final NEDCl placing was as follows:
Final NEDCL tables 2019
Division 1
Seaham Harbour - P 18, W 14, L 0, T , 0, A 4 - 305 - Champions 2019
Murton - P 18, W 11, L 1, T 0, A 6 - 253
South Hetton - P 18, W 8, L 6, T 0, A 4 - 208
Beamish - P 18, W 7, L 7, T 0, A 4 - 178
Wearmouth - P 18, W 6, L 7, T 1, A 4 - 173
Stanhope - P 18, W 6, L 8, T 0, A 4 - 163
East Rainton - P 18, W 4, L 8, T 0, A 6 - 139
Burnhope - P 18, W 2, L 8, T 0, A 8 - 115
Coundon - P 18,W 3, L 8, T 1, A 6 - 112
Belmont - P 18, W 2, L 10, T 0, A 6 - 109
Division 2 -
East Rainton - P 16, W 11, L 0, T 0, A 5 - 248 - Division 2 Champions 2019
Simonside - P 16, W 11, L 1, T 0, A 4 - 245
Kibblesworth - P 16, W 7, L 3, T 0, A 6 - 182
Seaham Harbour - P 16, W 6, L 5, T 0, A 5 - 168
Belmont - P 16, W 6, L 6, T 0, A 4 - 144
Burnhope - P 16, W 4, L 7, T 0, A 5 - 115
Beamish - P 16, W 3, L 9, T 0, A 4 - 95
Murton - P 16, W 2, L 10, T 0, A 4 - 70
Tantobie - P 16, W 1, L 10, T 0, A 5 - 21
P -Played, W - won, L - lost, T - tied or timed out, A - abandoned or no play
The 2019 season was also new ground for the club off the field. Construction commenced on a new pavilion for the club. This was funded by a £50,000 grant from Sport England, obtained by the hard work of the clubs committee. This building would replace the shipping containers in use for a number of years. The season also saw the club begin coaching for free, children in East Rainton school in cricket. This it is hoped will allow the club to begin the creation of a junior section over the coming years.
2018 proved to be a poor year for the club, with no cups won and the seconds withdrew from all cups due to a lack of players. The firsts finished 7th, winning 4 matches and losing 10. We gave champions Kimblesworth a run for their money. They set a huge total of 321 for 8, whilst we fell just short with 259 all out. Whilst a victory was secured against unbeaten Seaham Harbour, they were bowled out for 87 whilst we passed their total for the loss of 9 wickets.
The seconds finished 4th, winning 6 and losing 5. Whilst we beat Belmont, passing their total of 158 with one wicket left. We were soundly beaten by Simonside they batted first making 236 for 9, we then collapsed to 93 all out. Further embarrassment was saved by the rain however we were all out for 46 away at Tantobie, they were 11 for 2 when the rain arrived.
2019 proved to be a massive turning point for the club. That year we lined up in the NEDCL alongside Seaham Harbour, Murton, Burnhope, South Hetton, Wearmouth, Belmont, Beamish, Coundon, Stanhope, Simonside, Kibblesworth and Tantobie. Consideration was given prior to the season, for folding the second eleven due to a lack of players. However the seconds went on to win Division 2 of the NEDCL unbeaten, winning 11 of there 16 matches that season. With memorable victories being the final game of the season which saw a close contest with Kibblesworth which was won by 2 wickets, the made 83 and we reached 84 for 8, to seal the title.
The firsts on the other hand finished in 7th place, however the highlight of the first team season was winning the Glenn Pattison trophy final against unbeaten league champions Seaham Harbour (they're only loss in the 2019 season). We batted first making 108 all out, we however defended our total skittling out the Harbour tail for 91. This meant that Glenn's trophy was home again for the first time since 2006.
2019 was the final season of the old North East Durham Cricket League. The Durham cricket board proposed a merger between the Durham Cricket League and our home the North East Durham Cricket league . This was to counter aging committees, reduced numbers and reduced umpiring numbers. After months of negotiations it was agreed that the leagues would merge, with clubs positions being based on the 2019 league placing. We will find ourselves in divisions 4 and 5. Our final NEDCl placing was as follows:
Final NEDCL tables 2019
Division 1
Seaham Harbour - P 18, W 14, L 0, T , 0, A 4 - 305 - Champions 2019
Murton - P 18, W 11, L 1, T 0, A 6 - 253
South Hetton - P 18, W 8, L 6, T 0, A 4 - 208
Beamish - P 18, W 7, L 7, T 0, A 4 - 178
Wearmouth - P 18, W 6, L 7, T 1, A 4 - 173
Stanhope - P 18, W 6, L 8, T 0, A 4 - 163
East Rainton - P 18, W 4, L 8, T 0, A 6 - 139
Burnhope - P 18, W 2, L 8, T 0, A 8 - 115
Coundon - P 18,W 3, L 8, T 1, A 6 - 112
Belmont - P 18, W 2, L 10, T 0, A 6 - 109
Division 2 -
East Rainton - P 16, W 11, L 0, T 0, A 5 - 248 - Division 2 Champions 2019
Simonside - P 16, W 11, L 1, T 0, A 4 - 245
Kibblesworth - P 16, W 7, L 3, T 0, A 6 - 182
Seaham Harbour - P 16, W 6, L 5, T 0, A 5 - 168
Belmont - P 16, W 6, L 6, T 0, A 4 - 144
Burnhope - P 16, W 4, L 7, T 0, A 5 - 115
Beamish - P 16, W 3, L 9, T 0, A 4 - 95
Murton - P 16, W 2, L 10, T 0, A 4 - 70
Tantobie - P 16, W 1, L 10, T 0, A 5 - 21
P -Played, W - won, L - lost, T - tied or timed out, A - abandoned or no play
The 2019 season was also new ground for the club off the field. Construction commenced on a new pavilion for the club. This was funded by a £50,000 grant from Sport England, obtained by the hard work of the clubs committee. This building would replace the shipping containers in use for a number of years. The season also saw the club begin coaching for free, children in East Rainton school in cricket. This it is hoped will allow the club to begin the creation of a junior section over the coming years.
2020 sadly saw a much reduced season due to the Covid 19 virus. No league was played, a reduced season commenced in June. A cup round Robin was played instead, with changing rooms closed and no teas due to the government restrictions. Despite visiting many new grounds, Rainton finished third and didn't qualify for finals day. This was due to close losses at Littletown by 3 wickets and Bill Quay by 11 runs which proved too costly.
Reawakening - a sleeping giant awakes?
2021 still no grand opening for the new pavilion due to Covid, and only half way through the season did we finally get to use the new changing rooms! The first team went on to become Durham & North East League Champions - Division 4, with a number of hard fought matches, notably versus Coundon - In the closest and most competitive match of the season, Coundon visited the Hazard and batted first making 179 for 9 off the 45 overs in a team effort. Chris Valance took 1 for 22, Jonathan Arnold 2 for 11, Jorden Bell 0 for 27, Noah Worthy 1 for 30, Gavin Snowball 0 for 24, Derick Steinberg 5 for 40 and Conor Henderson 0 for 20. After tea Neil Matthews got us off to a good start with 19. However a slight collapse occurred with Ben Storey 9, Lee Henderson 8, Conor Henderson 6, Luke Richardson 2, Gavin Snowball 16 steadied the ship, whilst Noah Worthy 42 pulled us back into a game which looked lost. Jonathan Arnold 0, Chris Valance 30 not out and Jorden Bell 12 not out saw us to a close victory in the last over. This was one of the few occasions our upper order faltered that season. However the middle order and tail saw us home. The first team finished the season unbeaten, beating Horden and Belmont on their way to final of the Johnson/Coates cup, played in September versus Ryhope.
In Division 5, the seconds had a season of two halves, at the mid way point they were sat second bottom having only won one game in the first half of the season. But in the second half of the season wins by 100 runs against Kimblesworth, by 7 wickets against Hunwick and 60 runs against Hylton (below) lifted us to a strong mid table finish.
ERCC 163 - 9
Hylton 103 all out
Skipper Kieran won the toss and elected to bat, Rachel Petherick started with 2, whilst opening partner Scott Gillan departed for a duck. Ralph Richardson steadied the ship with 30, Kieran Burrell 15, James Messer 8, Jonathan Arnold 43, Grant Wilson 36 not out, Adam Bell 0, Roy Hardwick 5, Jordan Bell 1 and Robert Kitching 0 not out. Kit Allan snr did the damage for the visitors taking 4 for 26. In reply the visitors were bowled out just as the rain returned. Rachel Petherick took 3 for 31, Jordan Bell 4 for 28, Jonathan Arnold 2 for 23 and James Messer 1 for 15. A good win which lifted us clear of the relegation zone.
2021 still no grand opening for the new pavilion due to Covid, and only half way through the season did we finally get to use the new changing rooms! The first team went on to become Durham & North East League Champions - Division 4, with a number of hard fought matches, notably versus Coundon - In the closest and most competitive match of the season, Coundon visited the Hazard and batted first making 179 for 9 off the 45 overs in a team effort. Chris Valance took 1 for 22, Jonathan Arnold 2 for 11, Jorden Bell 0 for 27, Noah Worthy 1 for 30, Gavin Snowball 0 for 24, Derick Steinberg 5 for 40 and Conor Henderson 0 for 20. After tea Neil Matthews got us off to a good start with 19. However a slight collapse occurred with Ben Storey 9, Lee Henderson 8, Conor Henderson 6, Luke Richardson 2, Gavin Snowball 16 steadied the ship, whilst Noah Worthy 42 pulled us back into a game which looked lost. Jonathan Arnold 0, Chris Valance 30 not out and Jorden Bell 12 not out saw us to a close victory in the last over. This was one of the few occasions our upper order faltered that season. However the middle order and tail saw us home. The first team finished the season unbeaten, beating Horden and Belmont on their way to final of the Johnson/Coates cup, played in September versus Ryhope.
In Division 5, the seconds had a season of two halves, at the mid way point they were sat second bottom having only won one game in the first half of the season. But in the second half of the season wins by 100 runs against Kimblesworth, by 7 wickets against Hunwick and 60 runs against Hylton (below) lifted us to a strong mid table finish.
ERCC 163 - 9
Hylton 103 all out
Skipper Kieran won the toss and elected to bat, Rachel Petherick started with 2, whilst opening partner Scott Gillan departed for a duck. Ralph Richardson steadied the ship with 30, Kieran Burrell 15, James Messer 8, Jonathan Arnold 43, Grant Wilson 36 not out, Adam Bell 0, Roy Hardwick 5, Jordan Bell 1 and Robert Kitching 0 not out. Kit Allan snr did the damage for the visitors taking 4 for 26. In reply the visitors were bowled out just as the rain returned. Rachel Petherick took 3 for 31, Jordan Bell 4 for 28, Jonathan Arnold 2 for 23 and James Messer 1 for 15. A good win which lifted us clear of the relegation zone.
2022 was a huge year for the club. The club doubled the number of teams it puts in the field! The Rainton Rockets - East Raintons junior team played its first full season. Playing numerous local teams and they secured their first wins, both against Silksworth. The Juniors also enjoyed success at Eppleton Cricket festival finishing 5th our of 8 teams. Rainton Ladies were formed this year, starting with a women's have a go day the number of women wanting to take part grew. The ladies won 1 and lost 1 of their games versus Castle Eden. The Hazard Community pavilion was finally opened by Durham & England Fast Bowler Mark Wood, Councillors Iain Scott and Claire Rowntree and Alan Dovaston from Sport England. A day celebrating cricket was a huge success, with two junior games, a ladies training session and a second team games versus Boldon CA (which was won by the seconds). The first team stepped up to Division 3 and a mixed season resulted in a 5th place finish, ending on 305 points, winning 10 and losing 11. Derrick Steinberg took 49 wickets and Lee Henderson was the top Scorer with 646 runs. The second team again competed in Division 5, a fourth place finish was secured in a division dominated by Kimblesworth, Brandon and Mainsforth - so best of the rest! Neil Matthews was the top Scorer with 569 runs and Rachael Petherick the leading run taker with 32.
Previous club officials
Presidents
1849 – 1900 ?
T Wood 1901 – 1902
1903 – 1931 ?
W O Day 1931 – 1933
J Robson 1934
Rev Woodall 1935
G Bell 1936
1937 ?
Rev Woodall 1938
1939 – 1946 ?
F Hutchinson 1947 – 1949
T Hutchinson 1950 – 1971
G Timmins 1972 – 1973
Cllr R W Hodgkiss 1974 – 1978
K Haikings 1979 – 2010
2011 – 2014 Vacant
A Carney 2015 – present
Chairman
1849 – 1900 ?
D McBriar 1901 – 1902
1903 – 1905 ?
J Bailey 1906
1907 – 1931 ?
W S Forth 1931 – 1932
F Guyll 1933 – 1934
H Iley 1935 – 1939
W Barron 1940
1941 – 1946 ?
R Race 1947 – 1950
1951 – 1952 ?
R Estell 1953 – 1954
1955 – 1961 ?
F Hopper 1962 – 1963
R Estell 1964 – 1988
R Johnson 1989 – 1992
R Estell 1993 – 2002
L Wheatley 2003 – 2012
F long 2013 – 2015
G Avent 2016 – present
Secretary
1849 – 1900 ?
J Browell & G Robinson 1901
G Robinson 1902 – 1915
G Matthews 1916 - 1919
1920 - 1930 ?
J Howliston 1931 – 1932
J Armstrong 1933
C Browell 1934 – 1938
1939 – 1946 ?
N Mallinson 1947 – 1953
J Iley 1954
1955 – 1960 ?
F Walker 1961
N Young 1962 – 1968
L Willey 1969
G Robson 1970 – 1972
G Robson/D Bell 1973
D Bell 1974 – 1977
T Jacobs 1978 – 1982
D Bell 1983 – 1985
J Crockatt 1986 – 2016
R Kitching 2017 – present
Treasurer
1849 – 1900 ?
J Handley 1901 – 1902
1903 – 1930 ?
R Lowson 1931 – 1934
E Hodgkiss 1935
R Lowson 1936
1937 ?
E Hodgkiss 1938 – 1950
1951 – 1952 ?
N Mallinson 1953 – 1954
1955 – 1960
F Walker 1961
A Cummings 1962 – 2014
N Matthews 2015 – Present
Groundsman
1849 – 1900 ?
W Clough 1901 – 1902
1903 – 1930 ?
C Browell 1931
T Bainbridge & J Armstrong 1932
1933 – 1946 ?
E Hodgkiss & W Judd 1948
1949 – 1953 ?
E Langely 1954
1955 – 1961 ?
F Hopper 1962
R Graham 1963
1964 – 1967 ?
J Grainger 1968 – 1969
J Grainger & D Reed 1970
G Robson & P Brown 1971
1972 ?
A Cummings 1973 – 1999
L Ingram 2000 – 2014
R Kitching 2015 – present
1st team captain
1849 – 1900 ?
J Handley 1901 – 1906
1907 – 1912 ?
R Crake 1913 – 1915
1915 – 1930 ?
R Hall 1931
E Hodgkiss 1932 – 1933
M Coxon 1934
E Langely 1936 – 1938
1939 – 1946 ?
J Garthwaite 1947
N Mallinson 1948 – 1952
R Hodgkiss 1953
W Judd 1954
1955 – 1961 ?
G Estell 1962 – 1963
A Cummings 1964
G Estell 1965 – 1967
S Willey 1968
G Estell 1969 – 1970
P Brown 1971
D Bell 1972 – 1974
G Estell 1975
R Colaughon 1976 – 1979
P Preece 1980 – 1981
R Reed 1982
J Welsh 1983
I Kitching 1984 – 1993
D Aylesbury 1994 – 1997
I Kitching 1998 – 2001
J Roberts 2002 – 2003
I Kitching 2004 – 2009
A Maskell 2010
S Archbold 2011 – 2014
W Orchin 2015 – 2016
S Archbold 2017 – 2019
J Blake 2020 – 2022
L Henderson 2023 - Present
2nd team capt
1849 - 1930 ?
W Matthews 1931
1932 no 2nd team
W Trevett 1933 – 1939
E Hodgkiss 1947 – 1948
J iley 1950 – 1953
N Mallinson 1954
W Feathly 1965
T Emmerson 1972
R Johnson 1973
D Bell 1977
G Estell 1978
J Watson 1979
P Gillespie 1980
K Dixon 1981 – 1982
R Reed 1983
J Welsh 1984
F Napier 1985 – 1990
A Glendenning 1991 – 1993
G Maddison 1994
F Long 1995 – 1997
A Glendenning 1998
A Glendenning/ D Defty 1999
A Glendenning 2000
F Long 2001 – 2002
D Bell 2003
D Defty 2004
D Noble 2005
K Hall 2006 – 2008
S Archbold 2009
T Rennie 2010
I Kitching 2011
C Henderson 2012 – 2014
D Portrey 2015 – 2017
R Richardson 2018
C Henderson 2019
S Taylor 2020
K Burrell 2021 – present
1St team vice capt
1849 – 1900 ?
J Matthews 1901 - 1902
1903 - 1930 ?
T Bainbridge 1931
N Mallinson 1932 – 1935
1936 – 1946 ?
E Langely 1947
H Johnson 1948
1949 ?
A Edwards 1950
1951 – 1952 ?
T Judd 1953
J Black 1954
1955 – 1961 ?
A Cummings 1962
R Johnson 1963
G Estell 1964
1965 ?
F Holmes 1966 – 1967
A Cummings 1968 – 1970
G Brown 1971
P Brown 1972
G Brown 1973 – 1974
A Cummings 1975
A Warriner 1976 – 1979
W Williams 1980
P Gillespie 1981
J Welsh 1982
K Dixon 1983
A Luke 1984 – 1985
N Matthews 1986 – 1993
I Kitching 1994 – 1995
G Steel 1996 – 1997
D Aylesbury 1998 – 2004
G Kinsella 2005
G Froud 2006
G Steel 2007 – 2009
D Noble 2010
M Hall 2011
F Napier 2012
A Lormor 2013 – 2014
A Maskell 2015
C Paton 2016
C Vallance 2017 – 2018
J Blake 2019
C Henderson jnr 2020
L Henderson 2021 - 2022
G Snowball 2023 - present
2nd team vice capt
C Browell 1931
J Trevett 1932
J Iley 1947 – 1948
A Cummings 1950
G Edwards 1953
F Browell 1954
R Reed 1972
A Louth 1973
E Hodgkiss 1974
G Estell 1977
J Watson 1978
K Dixon 1979 – 1980
G Estell 1981 – 1983
F Napier 1984
S Iley 1985 – 1986
A Cummings 1987 – 1988
A Glendenning 1989
K Burton 1990
S Iley 1991
G Maddison 1992 – 1993
F Long 1994
P Preece 1995
A Glendenning 1996 – 1997
F Long 1998
D Merrington 1999
F Long 2000
D Bell 2001 – 2002
A Maskell 2003
J Ball 2004
S Iley 2005
J Ball 2006 – 2009
I Kitching 2010
C Henderson Snr 2011
D Portrey 2012 – 2014
C Henderson Snr 2015
G Moody 2016
N Matthews 2017
I Kitching 2018 – 2019
C Henderson Snr 2020 – 2021
G Wilson 2022
R Petherick 2023 - present
Mid Week team capt
B Sims 2023 - present
Mid Week team vice capt
G Wilson 2023 - present
Junior Head Coach
G Snowball 2021 - present
Ladies Head Coach
R Petherick 2022 - present
Presidents
1849 – 1900 ?
T Wood 1901 – 1902
1903 – 1931 ?
W O Day 1931 – 1933
J Robson 1934
Rev Woodall 1935
G Bell 1936
1937 ?
Rev Woodall 1938
1939 – 1946 ?
F Hutchinson 1947 – 1949
T Hutchinson 1950 – 1971
G Timmins 1972 – 1973
Cllr R W Hodgkiss 1974 – 1978
K Haikings 1979 – 2010
2011 – 2014 Vacant
A Carney 2015 – present
Chairman
1849 – 1900 ?
D McBriar 1901 – 1902
1903 – 1905 ?
J Bailey 1906
1907 – 1931 ?
W S Forth 1931 – 1932
F Guyll 1933 – 1934
H Iley 1935 – 1939
W Barron 1940
1941 – 1946 ?
R Race 1947 – 1950
1951 – 1952 ?
R Estell 1953 – 1954
1955 – 1961 ?
F Hopper 1962 – 1963
R Estell 1964 – 1988
R Johnson 1989 – 1992
R Estell 1993 – 2002
L Wheatley 2003 – 2012
F long 2013 – 2015
G Avent 2016 – present
Secretary
1849 – 1900 ?
J Browell & G Robinson 1901
G Robinson 1902 – 1915
G Matthews 1916 - 1919
1920 - 1930 ?
J Howliston 1931 – 1932
J Armstrong 1933
C Browell 1934 – 1938
1939 – 1946 ?
N Mallinson 1947 – 1953
J Iley 1954
1955 – 1960 ?
F Walker 1961
N Young 1962 – 1968
L Willey 1969
G Robson 1970 – 1972
G Robson/D Bell 1973
D Bell 1974 – 1977
T Jacobs 1978 – 1982
D Bell 1983 – 1985
J Crockatt 1986 – 2016
R Kitching 2017 – present
Treasurer
1849 – 1900 ?
J Handley 1901 – 1902
1903 – 1930 ?
R Lowson 1931 – 1934
E Hodgkiss 1935
R Lowson 1936
1937 ?
E Hodgkiss 1938 – 1950
1951 – 1952 ?
N Mallinson 1953 – 1954
1955 – 1960
F Walker 1961
A Cummings 1962 – 2014
N Matthews 2015 – Present
Groundsman
1849 – 1900 ?
W Clough 1901 – 1902
1903 – 1930 ?
C Browell 1931
T Bainbridge & J Armstrong 1932
1933 – 1946 ?
E Hodgkiss & W Judd 1948
1949 – 1953 ?
E Langely 1954
1955 – 1961 ?
F Hopper 1962
R Graham 1963
1964 – 1967 ?
J Grainger 1968 – 1969
J Grainger & D Reed 1970
G Robson & P Brown 1971
1972 ?
A Cummings 1973 – 1999
L Ingram 2000 – 2014
R Kitching 2015 – present
1st team captain
1849 – 1900 ?
J Handley 1901 – 1906
1907 – 1912 ?
R Crake 1913 – 1915
1915 – 1930 ?
R Hall 1931
E Hodgkiss 1932 – 1933
M Coxon 1934
E Langely 1936 – 1938
1939 – 1946 ?
J Garthwaite 1947
N Mallinson 1948 – 1952
R Hodgkiss 1953
W Judd 1954
1955 – 1961 ?
G Estell 1962 – 1963
A Cummings 1964
G Estell 1965 – 1967
S Willey 1968
G Estell 1969 – 1970
P Brown 1971
D Bell 1972 – 1974
G Estell 1975
R Colaughon 1976 – 1979
P Preece 1980 – 1981
R Reed 1982
J Welsh 1983
I Kitching 1984 – 1993
D Aylesbury 1994 – 1997
I Kitching 1998 – 2001
J Roberts 2002 – 2003
I Kitching 2004 – 2009
A Maskell 2010
S Archbold 2011 – 2014
W Orchin 2015 – 2016
S Archbold 2017 – 2019
J Blake 2020 – 2022
L Henderson 2023 - Present
2nd team capt
1849 - 1930 ?
W Matthews 1931
1932 no 2nd team
W Trevett 1933 – 1939
E Hodgkiss 1947 – 1948
J iley 1950 – 1953
N Mallinson 1954
W Feathly 1965
T Emmerson 1972
R Johnson 1973
D Bell 1977
G Estell 1978
J Watson 1979
P Gillespie 1980
K Dixon 1981 – 1982
R Reed 1983
J Welsh 1984
F Napier 1985 – 1990
A Glendenning 1991 – 1993
G Maddison 1994
F Long 1995 – 1997
A Glendenning 1998
A Glendenning/ D Defty 1999
A Glendenning 2000
F Long 2001 – 2002
D Bell 2003
D Defty 2004
D Noble 2005
K Hall 2006 – 2008
S Archbold 2009
T Rennie 2010
I Kitching 2011
C Henderson 2012 – 2014
D Portrey 2015 – 2017
R Richardson 2018
C Henderson 2019
S Taylor 2020
K Burrell 2021 – present
1St team vice capt
1849 – 1900 ?
J Matthews 1901 - 1902
1903 - 1930 ?
T Bainbridge 1931
N Mallinson 1932 – 1935
1936 – 1946 ?
E Langely 1947
H Johnson 1948
1949 ?
A Edwards 1950
1951 – 1952 ?
T Judd 1953
J Black 1954
1955 – 1961 ?
A Cummings 1962
R Johnson 1963
G Estell 1964
1965 ?
F Holmes 1966 – 1967
A Cummings 1968 – 1970
G Brown 1971
P Brown 1972
G Brown 1973 – 1974
A Cummings 1975
A Warriner 1976 – 1979
W Williams 1980
P Gillespie 1981
J Welsh 1982
K Dixon 1983
A Luke 1984 – 1985
N Matthews 1986 – 1993
I Kitching 1994 – 1995
G Steel 1996 – 1997
D Aylesbury 1998 – 2004
G Kinsella 2005
G Froud 2006
G Steel 2007 – 2009
D Noble 2010
M Hall 2011
F Napier 2012
A Lormor 2013 – 2014
A Maskell 2015
C Paton 2016
C Vallance 2017 – 2018
J Blake 2019
C Henderson jnr 2020
L Henderson 2021 - 2022
G Snowball 2023 - present
2nd team vice capt
C Browell 1931
J Trevett 1932
J Iley 1947 – 1948
A Cummings 1950
G Edwards 1953
F Browell 1954
R Reed 1972
A Louth 1973
E Hodgkiss 1974
G Estell 1977
J Watson 1978
K Dixon 1979 – 1980
G Estell 1981 – 1983
F Napier 1984
S Iley 1985 – 1986
A Cummings 1987 – 1988
A Glendenning 1989
K Burton 1990
S Iley 1991
G Maddison 1992 – 1993
F Long 1994
P Preece 1995
A Glendenning 1996 – 1997
F Long 1998
D Merrington 1999
F Long 2000
D Bell 2001 – 2002
A Maskell 2003
J Ball 2004
S Iley 2005
J Ball 2006 – 2009
I Kitching 2010
C Henderson Snr 2011
D Portrey 2012 – 2014
C Henderson Snr 2015
G Moody 2016
N Matthews 2017
I Kitching 2018 – 2019
C Henderson Snr 2020 – 2021
G Wilson 2022
R Petherick 2023 - present
Mid Week team capt
B Sims 2023 - present
Mid Week team vice capt
G Wilson 2023 - present
Junior Head Coach
G Snowball 2021 - present
Ladies Head Coach
R Petherick 2022 - present
A number of players at Rainton have not only played cricket but a number have also played football to a high standard...
Tom Swinburne was born in Houghton le Spring on 9th August 1915 and went on to play for Newcastle United from 1934 - 1937. He made 84 appearances in that time. Tom features on our 1945 picture and is seen below playing for Newcastle against Fulham in 1939, punching the ball as Newcastles first choice keeper before and after the war. He is buried at West Rainton.
Michael Horswell, fa cup winner with Sunderland AFC, born in Annfield plain played for Sunderland between 1971 and 1974, playing for Rainton during all of those seasons.
Richard Ord also played for Sunderland AFC, between 1989 and 1998, born in Murton he made a number of appearances for Rainton during that time before his move to QPR.
Tom Swinburne was born in Houghton le Spring on 9th August 1915 and went on to play for Newcastle United from 1934 - 1937. He made 84 appearances in that time. Tom features on our 1945 picture and is seen below playing for Newcastle against Fulham in 1939, punching the ball as Newcastles first choice keeper before and after the war. He is buried at West Rainton.
Michael Horswell, fa cup winner with Sunderland AFC, born in Annfield plain played for Sunderland between 1971 and 1974, playing for Rainton during all of those seasons.
Richard Ord also played for Sunderland AFC, between 1989 and 1998, born in Murton he made a number of appearances for Rainton during that time before his move to QPR.