SHIELDS’ POINTS STUNNER
CLUB RELEGATED AFTER BEING HIT WITH HEFTY DEDUCTION OVER DISCIPLINARY RULES BREACH
An exciting climax to the NEPL Premier Division season has been dashed after South Shields were relegated at the beginning of the week after being hit with a hefty 30-point deduction.
Shields, who had seemingly given themselves a chance of avoiding the drop with a superb win over Eppleton last weekend, take on third placed Chester-le- Street on Saturday.
Their win had seen them close the gap on second-bottom Felling to 13 points and Whitburn by 18 points, but any hopes of a miraculous escape on the final day of the campaign were ended when the league upheld a decision to dock Shields 30 points for a breach of their disciplinary rules.
Durham Cricket Academy finish the season against Benwell Hill and director of cricket John Windows said: “We have the same team as last week, but are looking for an improved performance.
“A been a good season all round is more or less complete and it is the whole team performances that have caught the eye, in achieving what the team has done.”
Eppleton welcome Whitburn and director of cricket John Smithson said: “Jandre Erasmus has returned to South Africa and has been signed by T20 franchise team Titans, after a very successful season here.
“David Wilkinson, Piers Davison, and Guy Dunn all return, whilst skipper Dean Muster also returns after a short-term finger injury.”
Whitburn welcome back Brydon Carse and Luke Smith who replace brothers Lee and Craig Henderson who are at a wedding.
Secretary Dan Quinan said: “The season has not quite fulfilled its promise.
“The team has sometimes not pressed home its apparent advantage in several matches, nor responded when greater consistency has been called for.
“On the other hand, when luck has gone against us, it has done so in a big way. However, the team remains in the Premier Division and lives to fight another season.”
Hetton Lyons entertain Stockton and skipper Jarvis Clay said: “We will be unchanged and hope the season has a good ending.
“The team is far more capable than results show and next season’s aim is to play with much greater consistency and application.”
Newcastle welcome Felling while champions South Northumberland finish off at home to Tynemouth.
First Division champions Sacriston welcome relegated Mainsforth with director of cricket Iain Bestford urging his side to finish the season on a high.
Burnopfield will be pushing for runners-up spot when they host Willington with Burnmoor just two points behind in third place, as they host Seaham Harbour, who just escaped relegation this season.
Washington journey to Gateshead Fell for their final game and could finish fifth if results go their way.