Coxon looking for big display as Cestrians host South North
Dukes NE Premier League
Premier Division champions Chester-le-Street entertain league leaders South Northumberland in the match of the day on Saturday.
Chester skipper John Coxon said: “We should be unchanged from last week and I am looking to take our recent momentum into the game and continue our good performances.
“Our openers George Harrison and Kyle Davis have been outstanding so far this year and hopefully they can continue this form and give us a good platform against South North.
“On the bowling front, Stephen Cantwell has also had a great start and is bowling with pace and accuracy he took five wickets last week.
“It’s always tough against South North and they continue to be the team to beat, but we are looking forward to the challenge.”
Hetton Lyons travel to Felling with Chris Martin returning, while all-rounder Miles Birbeck is promoted after some good displays with the juniors. Ben Whitehead is out injured.
Felling have Freddie Simon unavailable, and Australian recruit Joshua Mason will not arrive for another two weeks, but Phil Taylor returns.
Second bottom Whitburn have a tough game at home to Tynemouth, while Eppleton host Benwell Hill, whose skipper Kyle Coetzer has been in excellent form.
Mid-table South Shields and Stockton battle it out at Dean Road, while Newcastle host Durham Cricket Academy.
In the First Division, Washington entertain Burnopfield.
Skipper Ash Thorpe said: “The team should be back to full strength with Colin Myers returning from a family engagement, and Andrew Wilkie returns to the second team.
“Back-to-back wins have improved the confidence with batting performances to the fore.
“The bowlers need to sharpen up, to enhance the good work of the top order. The less said about the fielding of late the better and it can only improve.”
Sunderland and Burn mo or are separated by just one point in mid-table and both teams will be keen to get a win at Ashbrooke, to boost their early promotion prospects.
Burnopfield skipper Gareth Breese is boosted by the return of Neil Killeen from injury.
Sacriston welcome Willington with Melvyn Betts back from injury.
Boldon are without Barry McCarthy, still away with Ireland, when they entertain Blaydon.
Mainsforth welcome Seaham Harbour, while Gateshead Fell, in fifth position, host Brandon, who are third and unbeaten in five games.