Relegation questions still need answering as duo face drop
There are still some answers required in the fight to survive relegation to Division Two.
Bottom club Littletown are 15 points from safety and must win their game at home to Easington, who refuse to make things easy for their opponents.
Easington fixture secretary Arthur Broxson said: “We have had a bit of a disappointing run of late, but are hoping to finish on a winning note.
“Littletown are struggling to stay in the league, so they will make it a difficult game.
“It’s been a tough league and if you don’t perform you don’t win, and it shows through the teams that were once up there.
“We started the season well, but have since had a few issues with unfit players. Jordan Wilson, who normally opens the bowling, has been a big miss for a while.”
Bill Quay are second bottom, six points adrift of safety. They are at full strength and skipper Alan Mustard is fully aware of how important this game is.
He said: “It will be a tough game against Whiteleas, and we need a win to stand any chance of staying up. We are where we are, because we have not put in consistently good performances.
“We’ve played some good cricket and some appalling cricket.”
Seaham Park welcome Dawdon, who are third bottom. Fixture Secretary David Moorhead said: “First of all, massive congratulations to our friends from down the road, Castle Eden. They have been the
best team during the second half of the season, and their title win is well deserved.
“We are disappointed we haven’t won the league, however if we finish second we’ll be very happy.
“We have another massive game this week, and both teams have something to play for. Dawdon need the win, and we will give them every respect, but we are going out to win the game. “It should be hard fought and played in good spirit. We are bringing in stalwart James Taylor and Chris Allan is out.” Tudhoe welcome champions Castle Eden while Durham City entertain Esh Winning. Philadelphia welcome Horden and show one change with second team opening bat Michael Hall coming in for the unavailable Gary Braithwaite. Mattie Noble will take over behind the stumps. Phili are upbeat despite failing to win the league with the ‘Cook factor’ is playing a big part in their enthusiasm. Chairman Malcolm Pratt said: “Since Geoff Cook was appointed as Performance Director in March, four senior players have joined the club and only recently four juniors knocked on our door and said they wanted to sign for next season.
“They all said it was because Geoff was our coach and thought they could learn a lot from him.”
In Division Two, promoted Marsden need 11 points to secure the title. They travel to Peterlee and chairman Paul Snaith said: “If we win this game, we win the league and it’s good that it’s in our own hands.
“We will go out and try not to over complicate it.”
Crook Town also promoted, will be unchanged at home to Murton.
Evenwood host bottom club Silksworth and secretary Luke Bannister said: “Depending on the results, we could still finish third or fourth. This season has been a case of not quite getting over the line.
“We have had a cup final, a couple of quarter-finals, and haven’t won the league, but they have all been in touching distance. It’s been a tough league.”
Ryhope welcome second bottom Boldon CA and secretary Alan Mason said: “We have won the last two games so will be looking to continue what we have been doing, to finish the season on a high.
“We will be giving our juniors a chance, as we have been the last few weeks. Like every other team, we would have liked to challenge for promotion, however, we have been pretty safe all season.”