RUSHWORTH BOOST FOR BOTTOM SIDE SACRISTON
With just four games remaining in the season, any one of four teams could realistically be relegated.
Sacriston, currently bottom, are 11 points from safety and they take on Whitburn at home on Saturday.
Secretary Iain Bestford said: “Graeme Bridge returns as does Callum Appleby, who is back from work and the side can also call on Chris Rushworth.”
Bestford added: “The side turning out on Saturday is probably the strongest so far this season.
“This should provide a timely boost, as some scalps are needed in the last four fixtures to avoid relegation, so the points are vital looking at how close it is at the bottom.”
Whitburn skipper Paul Shields said: “Ross Carty and Phillip Bell are unavailable, so Craig Henderson and Matthew Mallaby are the replacements.
“We will be wary of Sacriston who are in a perilous position, and have a very strong bowling line-up!
“However, with a win under our belts last week, the side travels with optimism knowing that if we all perform well, there is every chance of a positive outcome.”
Eppleton are just ahead of Sacriston and they are also at home, to fellow strugglers Felling, who are fourth bottom, but have a six-point advantage over their opponents.
A win for either side will be a massive boost, but a defeat, depending on how other results go, could be dreadful for the losing club.
The other team in that clutch of four teams is Stockton, who face Chester-leStreet on Teesside.
Chester skipper John Coxon said: “We were third best against South North last week! But congratulations to them, as they will now go on and win it.
“This week we will be missing Kyle Davis, but will have Jack Harrison returning.”
Coxon added: “We will be looking to bounce back from last week’s disappointment, with a win against Stockton. I am sure the lads will be keen to put in a performance to make amends.”
Probably the most attractive game of the day will be at Lilywhite Terrace where Hetton Lyons, in third, take on champions-elect, unbeaten South North.
The Lyons are just 24 points behind Chester-leStreet who are second, so a win would be useful in their attempt to finish as runnersup.
The Durham Cricket Academy travel to Newcastle and the host skipper Phil Hudson said: “Michael Richardson should return, alongside with Ryan Davies, but James Carr will definitely be missing.
“After two wins in a row, relegation appears a distant memory, so the side can press on up the table to enable a good end-of-season flourish!
“A further incentive this week is that the Academy side are just five points above us in the table, so a win would move us into the top half.”
Benwell Hill host Tynemouth and both teams will be looking to secure a win, to push into the top three.