CARL: BRING ON THE DERBY!
HORDEN SKIPPER LOOKING TO BUILD ON FIRST WIN IN SATURDAY’S TRIP TO NEIGHBOURS EASINGTON
Readers Durham Cricket League
Horden skipper Carl Watson is relishing his side’s Division One derby away to Easington, though they might be missing pro Lal Kumar again.
“Easington is usually one of our biggest games, with it being a derby,” he said.
“It’s always a bit of a fierce encounter, but our lads and their lads look forward to it.”
Horden were boosted by their first win last weekend, seeing off Tudhoe by seven wickets.
“We dropped a few catches last Saturday, and are still struggling a bit in the field,” added Watson.
“However, there is improvement with the batting which is nice to see.
“Our pro Lal Kumar got here this week, but we’re not sure if he will be playing as he’s carrying an injury. The physio will be seeing him, so he’s to be confirmed.”
Littletown welcome Esh Winning. Head of Cricket and Club Development Greg Arundel said: “We’ve had a good start, and were champions last year. But we could not make provisions for injuries, holidays, players departing and issues with our overseas professional obtaining his work permit.
“We’ll keep going. We are a battling side and work hard for each other, and will continue to do so. The injury crisis continues, with a couple more fresh injury doubts and we have still not got an overseas professional.
“We have also had a departure from the club – Sam Harris, last year’s leading wicket-keeper - has joined Hartlepool.”
Philadelphia are away to Bill Quay with wicket-keeper Gary Braithwaite unavailable - Mattie Noble picks up the gloves.
Gary Embleton, a medium pace bowler, keeps his place after coming in for Noble last week and bowling very well in the drawn game with Seaham Park.
Chairman Malcolm Pratt said: “His inclusion will boost the attack, which so far has failed to bowl out the opposition in four games.
“The club is still missing three talented youngsters Lewis Carney, who is out with a back injury, plus James Heydon and Greg Halliday who are studying for their exams and have yet to play a Saturday game. Greg was a regular in the first team in the second half of last season.” Castle Eden travel to Seaham Park, Dawdon are at Durham City, while Tudhoe host leaders Whiteleas,
In Division Two, leaders Crook Town travel to Silksworth. Their secretary Alan Stewart said: “They are bottom of the league at the moment, so are going through a tough time. Hopefully we can take advantage of that and get something out of the game. We’re currently top of the league and have had an excellent start. We just want to keep the momentum going.”
Murton travel to Langley Park expecting a tough game.
Fixture Secretary Alan Welburn said: “It will be a difficult game, but then all teams are going to be tough this season. We won our last game, but this week we have a couple of key players missing.”
Skipper Sam Sanderson will be playing, but Welburn himself, Luke Thompson and Richie Arnett are unavailable.
“Hopefully we’ll have a strong side in a couple of weeks, when everybody returns,” added Welburn. “Andrew Robinson returns from injury and replaces Trevor Johnson who will return to the seconds and we will be missing George Westlake and Ed Wells - they’re from Durham University and its exam time now.”
Ryhope welcome Ushaw Moor and will be facing former player Michael Thorpe. Peterlee host Hylton, while Evenwood play Marsden.