Hetton Lyons host Eppleton in a must-win-game for both
Dukes ECB NEP League Premier Division Durham Cricket Academy welcome South Shields to the Emirates Riverside.
Director of Cricket John Windows said: “Matthew Cox is away with the England U19s in a test match against India. Matthew Oswell returns after a school tour to India. Faizan Hussain, a leg spinner, plays his first match having been kindly released by Marton.
“South Shields are the opposition and need to be treated with respect.”
South Shields chairman Jim Elliott said: “There may be two changes.
“Mark Appleton and Adam May are replaced by Ollie Stedman and Chris Dorothy who both return, as does Sam Taylor-Gell from injury. The former two have been missed in the middle order.
“Results have suffered but the team travel in hope, which will be good preparation for the upcoming four fixtures against all the teams around them, in the league table.”
Hetton Lyons welcome Eppleton and visiting Director of Cricket, John Smithson said: “David Wilkinson is out doing best man wedding duties!
“However, the side is doing well, showing clear signs of improvement and a win in a local derby last week, bears that out.
“It’s a mid-table clash this week, so a win is vital to both teams, to maintain or improve league positions.”
Chester-le- Street entertain Felling and will have Kyle Dixon back in the side, but they are not sure if Adam Hickey will be available, due to his Durham commitments.
Skipper John Coxon said: “We showed some good fight last weekend in difficult conditions against a competitive Eppleton side and we hope to take that into the match with.
“They have to win games now, so all the pressure is on their players to deliver.”
Leaders South Northumberland host second placed Newcastle, in what could be a title decider.
Visiting Director of Cricket, Doug Hudson said: “Tom Dias is unavailable, so Steve Allen moves up from the seconds to replace him.
“At the moment that is the only change after a good win last week at Hetton Lyons.
“This is a tough game and it’s vital to win to close the point’s gap to a handful and retain the chance of winning the league.”
Benwell Hill in third, welcome Whitburn who are third bottom. With both teams needing the points for different reasons, this should be an intriguing game.
The Hill have transformed themselves from last season (finishing third bottom), whereas Whitburn will be looking to win, to just push themselves away from the bottom, to take away any lingering thoughts about relegation.
Tynemouth play Stockton, in a mid-table dual at Preston Avenue.
The home side finished third last season and have only won four of their 14 games so far, this season.
“Stockton presently are placed where they finished last season (fourth bottom), so they will be looking for a win, to push themselves up the league and leap-frog their opponents. First Division
Leaders Sacriston journey to second placed Brandon and skipper Martin Hubber said: “Will Gidman is available and replaces Chris Rushforth.
“Johnny Bushnell is also back from his Northumberland duties and replaces Jack Keall. Brandon need to be treated with caution, having several ex-county players in their ranks.”
Fourth placed Burn op field, host Boldon in third and skipper Gareth Breese said: “There is one change, Callum Thorpe returns and replaces Neil Killeen who is injured.
“There could also be a Durham representative turning out, but that is to be decided nearer match day.
“We are looking forward to a good hard game against Boldon, with confidence rising through the team at present.”
Burnmoor in fifth, welcome Washington and club spokesman Ian Linsley said: “A handsome victory last week has boosted confidence and Washington beat us in the reverse fixture, so an element of revenge is in the air.
“Owen Lancaster is working and Liam Burgess is on holiday, so Mark Robson and Mackenzie Wright come into the side.
Washington skipper Ash Thorpe said: “I am unavailable due to family commitments, as is Jack Burnham, who is with Durham. Colin Myers and Niall Cutter are the replacements.
“Myers usually plays and is back from unavailability. The game will be a tough one, but with improving confidence the team travels with thoughts of a double”
At the bottom, Seaham Harbour are at home to Blaydon who are just two places above them, but the visitors have a cushion of 67 points.
Seaham will feel they will have to win, but they are only 11 points behind Mainsforth, who travel to mid-table Willington.
The two teams above the bottom three are Sunderland and Gateshead Fell, who meet up at Ashbrooke. Fell have had a difficult season since relegation last year, but they have only lost five from 14. Sunderland have only lost four, but have won one less than Fell.