Silksworth looking for victory boost on trip to Murton
Silksworth travel to Murton in Division Two looking to put a bad start behind them.
Skipper Andy Barrass said: “We could do with picking up some points. We have had a very disappointing start, so we need to put it right.
“Going forward, we will hopefully continue to improve game on game. Mark Forster, Phil Middlemiss and Mark Barrass come in and replace Richard Harries, Malcom Thompson and Nazeer Nisthar.”
Murton will be unchanged. Fixture Secretary Alan Welburn said: “It’s a must-win game, as Silksworth are a good side. Both teams go back to playing in the old Coast League, so it’ll be back to old-school cricket from both teams probably!”
Ryhope journey to Hylton and expect to be unchanged, while leaders Crook Town travel to second-placed Ushaw Moor.
Peterlee travel to Evenwood, while bottom-of-thetable Boldon CA host Langley Park, who are just two places above them in the league.
In Division One, Littletown host Durham City and are hoping for some new additions to the team.
Head of Cricket and Club Development Greg Arundel said: “We have a potential overseas player coming in, but he is yet to be confirmed. Generally, things are looking a bit more positive in terms of player availability.”
Philadelphia are at home to Easington. Chairman Malcolm Pratt said: “We have wicket-keeper Gary Braithwaite returning and Matthew Noble makes way. We were disappointed with our game last week, it was the only one that didn’t start because of the rain.
“Our professional Zohaib Shera is pleased that the weather is set to improve. He has found conditions very difficult, going from 44 degrees in Pakistan to sometimes less than 10 degrees here.”
Whiteleas entertain Horden at the Welfare Ground. Horden were widely tipped to be one of the favourites for honours this season, but have experienced a poor start.
However, Leas are fully aware of the threat they pose, especially with overseas star Lal Kumar now at their disposal.
A hotly anticipated contest is expected between Kumar and fellow Pakistani Abdul Ameer, both of who are familiar with each other from first class competitions in their homeland.
Horden skipper Carl Watson said: “We’re unchanged and expecting a hard game against Whiteleas. They have just been promoted and have had a really good start to their season.
“We haven’t had a good start to the season and we are looking to improve. Our professional Lal Kumar played last week, but it wasn’t ideal as he still was still carrying a slight injury. He wasn’t fit to bowl and couldn’t bat properly.
“His fitness is improving and he will play, the sooner he’s fully fit the better as he does make a massive difference.”
In the other games, there is a mid-table clash between Castle Eden and Bill Quay and at the wrong end of the table, second-bottom Dawdon entertain fourth bottom Tudhoe.
Esh Winning host league leaders Seaham Park.