MUST-WIN FOR WHITBURN
CARSE AND SMITH MISS OUT AS VILLAGERS HEAD INTO CRUCIAL CLASH AWAY TO LEADERS SOUTH NORTH
Fourth-placed Whitburn face a must-win game at South North on Saturday if they want to stay in the title race.
They are 63 points behind the leaders going into the big game.
Skipper Paul Shields said: “It hardly needs saying that we all will have to be at the top of our game, seize every opportunity that presents itself and pressure the opposition at all times, to be in with a shout of victory.”
On the Villagers’ team news, he added: “Chris McBride returns after a concussion, but Brydon Carse is still injured, and Craig Smith is jetting off on his holidays.
“Craig Henderson keeps wicket and, after some very impressive performances with both bat and ball, Elliot Hearn is promoted for the big match.”
Chester-le-Street, in second place and 37 points behind South North, welcome fifth-top Tynemouth to Ropery Lane.
Skipper John Coxon said: “Stephen Cantwell is unavailable, but Liam Burgess returns to the team.
“We are also hopeful that Jack Campbell can play, but we await news of selection from the England Under-19s officials.
Coxon added: “I am really pleased with how well we have been playing recently.
“Kyle Davis and George Harrison have started off our innings superbly and I’m hoping that will continue, as well as the fine form that our bowlers are showing at present.
“Tynemouth are in good form, so will need to play well to beat them. Every game is a ‘must win’ now, so we will be going hard for that win”
Hetton Lyons, in third, welcome Durham Academy to Lilywhite Terrace .
The |Academy’s director of cricket, John Windows ,said: “It will probably be the same eleven as last week, mainly due to the present incumbents who are all doing what they are selected to do, thus form and confidence are growing as all are doing so well.
“It will, of course, be a tough match at Hetton, but more of the same will do nicely and should provide a platform for more success.”
Second-bottom Eppleton, are at home to Benwell Hill and are just 16 points above Sacriston, as the fight to avoid relegation hots up.
With only eight games to go, it could well come down to a straight battle between Eppleton and Sacriston to survive, so, the Church Road outfit need to make home advantage count against a strong Benwell Hill side.
Bottom club Sacriston host Stockton in a big game for the club.
Director of cricket Iain Bestford said: “The team is again unchanged, Graeme Bridge is still out, as well as the missing long-term casualties.
“We need to be on our mettle, particularly the batting section who must start to put much bigger totals on the board, as Stockton have themselves run into good form and are a couple of wins above us in the table.”
Newcastle entertain Felling and skipper Phil Hudson said: “Ben Quirk is on holiday, Ryan Davies is with Durham and Jonathon Richardson is unavailable.
“Coming in are Cameron Steel (hopefully), James Carr from the seconds and probably Alistair Poll likewise, with all like for like replacements.”
“It may well boil down to which batting outfit can show some consistency and come up with the runs.”