EASINGTON LOOK FOR DERBY TITLE BOOST
LEADERS TRAVEL TO LOCAL RIVALS HORDEN AS THEY PUT CROOK STRUGGLES BEHIND THEM
Easington lead the title race by 20 points, but travel to local rivals Horden, who are need of points as they battle against relegation.
Secretary Peter Booth said: “We journey with the same team as last weekend and hope to return to winning ways after slipping up last weekend.”
It could have been worse for Easington, but a defiant last-wicket stand prevented defeat to title rivals Crook.
Crook are still second and face Tudhoe at home on Saturday.
Secretary Alan Stewart said: “As usual we are waiting on the availability of William Angus, who may be required by Durham Cricket Academy.
“We were frustrated to only draw at Easington last Saturday, especially as their last two batsmen played out 16 maiden overs in a row, to hang on for a draw.”
Tudhoe are at full strength.
Esh Winning are in third place and do have a game in hand, but will probably miss out on title glory this season.
They are at home to bottom club Mainsforth.
Secretary Brian Gott said: “We make one change, as Simon Moralee comes in for Michael Oughton.
“We were disappointed last week to be beaten, though at least we went down whilst trying to win rather than going for a draw.
“It’s a double weekend for us with finals day on Sunday. Hopefully we’ll get a win on Saturday, then go into Sunday’s cup game brimming with confidence.”
At the bottom, Bill Quay entertain Seaham Park with a four-point cushion above Horden, who are in one of the relegation spots.
Secretary Chris Little said: “David Jago is in for Kevin South, in the only change from last week. We had a good win at Marsden last weekend after a bad run of results, so we are hoping that we can get some momentum going, ready for the run-in.”
Visiting vice-captain Michael McNicholas said: “We have a full squad to pick from this weekend, with Umar Akhtar returning to the first team, after scoring 107 not out and taking four wickets for the second team last week.”
McNicholas added: “This will be a tough game as Bill Quay are fighting for points to avoid relegation. We want to finish as high as possible, so will be going all out for a win.
“We have the bottom three teams to play, so we will have a big say in who gets relegated, which keeps things interesting for us.”
Philadelphia are at home to struggling Whiteleas & Harton and captain Shaun Smith is unavailable, because of work commitments.
Steve Wright will lead the team and it is an important two days for the Bunker Hill side.
Following the visit of Whiteleas on Saturday, they are engaged in the Profound Cup Finals Day at Bunker Hill.
After the Chester-leStreet v Durham Academy semi-final, Phili will line up against Felling for a place in the final.
“It’s a huge blow being without Shaun, who has been in sparkling form in recent weeks, including making an unbeaten century last Saturday,” said chairman Malcolm Pratt.
Rameez Shahzad has returned to the United Arab Emirates, and early order batsman Thomas Raine is also missing, but I know the lads will give it their best shot,” Marsden welcome Durham City, with both teams eager not to have a poor run-in, and avoiding getting embroiled in a relegation scrap.
Head of Cricket Development Chris Mann said: “This will be a big game for us, as we are only 30 points clear of relegation.
“We have been lacking in confidence due to a few bad results, but if we get this win, we can more than likely stay in the division and rebuild next year.
“We’re quietly confident that we can get what we need out of the game, especially if our injured players return to full fitness.”
Ushaw Moor lead the way at the top of the second division, and are at second bottom Murton.
Murton Chairman Ian Graham said: “There will only be one change this weekend, as Liam Potts is on holiday. However, we are expecting Keith Chapman to be available.”
Evenwood are hanging onto the other promotion slot and are five points ahead of Littletown, who they welcome to the Welfare Ground in a ‘crunch match.’
Secretary Luke Bannister said: “Dean Cummins returns to the squad, but it is unknown yet whose place he will take. This is a really big game, one where we have to make sure we don’t get beaten.
“We’re capable of winning, and we need to win if we want to stay in contention, but it could go either way. We’re very much looking forward to it.”
Dawdon are not out of the promotion race and sit fourth. They are at home to Hunwick and Secretary Steve Dent said: “Our team will be unchanged, with no injuries or players unavailable. Hopefully we’ll overcome Hunwick and close the gap on second-placed Evenwood.”
Ryhope, in fifth place, are at Boldon CA in sixth and make one enforced change as Jonny Hayes is unavailable.
Hylton host bottom club Silksworth and visiting captain Andy Barrass said: “So far we will be missing Ian Laverick and Gary McAvoy from last week’s team, but myself and Michael Waterson will be returning to the side.”
Langley Park welcome struggling Peterlee, who are in vital need of points, to avoid relegation. They do currently have a 37-point cushion at present, which may be enough should they win this important game.