TOP TWO GO HEAD TO HEAD
HUGE CLASH AS NEPL PREMIER DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP BID HOTS UP
It’s a huge battle between the top two sides in the NEPL Premier Division tomorrow.
Chester-le-Street in second place will feel they must win their home game with South North to maintain their title challenge for this season.
Skipper John Coxon said: “This week we have Quentin Hughes back from holiday, giving us a full squad to choose from, following Andrew Bell’s match winning performance of 7-31 last weekend and I am sure he will be keen to do the same this weekend!
“We are really looking forward to the match and will be looking to win the game and make up ground on them. We still feel we can win the league, but realistically we know that this is a ‘must win’ game - it should be a cracker!”
Hetton Lyons in third, travel to Tynemouth in fourth which looks like a very attractive game and the result of the game, will have a huge bearing on who will finish third in the league.
The Lyons currently hold a 10-point lead over their opponents, having won eight games this season.
Whitburn in fifth, have slipped down the table of late, but face Stockton at home and the Teessiders are still not safe from relegation.
Skipper Paul Shields said: “Craig Smith, Matthew Muchall and Paul Shields are all back from holiday. As a result, Elliot Hearn, Laurence Wood and Matthew Mallaby all return to the second team.
“We need to be on our mettle in the league fixture, as Stockton have been running into form recently, though they did suffer a reverse last week.”
Durham Cricket Academy face Benwell Hill who should have the experienced Kyle Coetzer available.
Felling are third bottom and welcome bottom club Sacriston, in a crucial relegation encounter.
Visiting secretary Iain Bestford said: “Despite a wellearned win last week, there are two enforced changes.
“The first one is Callum Appleby who has just returned from injury, but who is at work this Saturday. Lewis Straughair is missing too, and they are replaced by skipper Graeme Wrightson and Andrew Dixon, who is promoted from the second team.
“We are within reach of Felling and need to win for that reason, but also because others around us are running into form. Things are getting tight and all points are very vital at this stage of the season.”
Eppleton are also in trouble and they travel to Newcastle, who are themselves still not assured of another season in the Premier League, just yet.