ACADEMY LADS LEARN FAST
THE LATEST NEWS FROM DUKES ECB NORTH EAST PREMIER LEAGUE & READERS DURHAM CRICKET LEAGUE
Durham Cricket Academy travel down to Teesside to play Stockton with Matthew Potts back in the team and the only change.
Coach John Windows said: “I am really pleased with the lads at the moment, they are all doing very well and risen to the challenge, considering the average age is just 18.”
Hetton Lyons travel to Newcastle, who are second and treasurer Trevor Walker said: “It’s always a tough game there, so we will have to be at our very best, but if we can get some runs on the board, you never know what can happen. They have very good bowlers, particularly with Jacques Do Toit who is one of the best in the league.”
Chester-le- Street travel to Eppleton and have George Harrison returning to the side.
Skipper John Coxon remarked: “It was a poor performance form us last Saturday and with South North winning, it has opened up a large gap which will be difficult to make up. We will be going into our remaining games playing with some freedom and positivity and looking to win them all.”
South Shields, currently second bottom and only 13 points ahead of bottom club Felling, entertain Benwell Hill .
Treasurer Martin Rush said: “It’s very important that we get a decent result in this game, as we’ve had a few heavy defeats recently.
“A few unavailabilities have seen us struggling over the last few weeks, but we hope that when the team selection is made, a strong team will be available.”
Whitburn welcome runaway leaders South Northumberland, to The Village Ground. They will be keen not to lose this game, as they badly need some points to push themselves away from the relegation slot.
The visitors on the other hand, will be looking for their ninth win of the season, to press home their advantage at the top of the league.
Tynemouth travel to Felling and chairman Graeme Hallam said: “It’s a must win game for both teams.
“They’re bottom and we’re fourth from bottom, however a win will put a bit of daylight between us, so it would be nice to get the win.
“Hopefully if we win and then get another win, it will secure our place for next season. We hope to finish around mid-table this season.”
Leaders Sacriston, will be looking to maintain their unbeaten record this season, they are at home to Sunderland, who have not had the best of seasons, with only five wins from 13 games.
Brandon, in second place, travel to in-form Washington and secretary Ian Johnson said: “At the moment Sacriston are about a game and a half, to two games ahead of everybody else, so it looks as though we are all playing catch up with them.
“We need to look after ourselves, keep focused and keep winning.
“Hopefully we’ll continue our good start into the second half of the season.”
Willington travel to third placed Boldon and club official Karl Brown said: “Peter Leggett and Elliott Foster, who have both been on holiday, will return to the team this weekend.
“Jack Weekes will more than likely drop back down to the second team.”
The home side will be looking for the win, to maintain the pressure on the two teams above them.
Burnopfield in fourth place, travel to Blaydon who are third bottom.
Burnmoor in fifth, travel to second bottom placed Mainsforth and secretary Ian Linsley said: “We will probably for the first time this season, be able to field what we consider our strongest 11, with Owen Lancaster back from holiday.”
Fourth-bottom Gateshead Fell who were relegated last season, entertain bottom club Seaham Harbour, who are without a win so far in this campaign.