Old foes set to renew rivalry once again in Salver clash
Anth Watson, who was with Seaham Park last year. Pearson is a number three batsman while Watson will open the attack.”
“Two notable absentees are Paul Hollinshead who is nursing a calf injury, and Dan Foggin. He is unavailable, but could return in the near future.”
Sunderland captain Greg Applegarth said: “The game will always be tough. We’ve not come up against Philadelphia since they were last in the Premier League, but it’s always hard against a newly promoted team as they are accustomed to winning.
"We were expecting promotion this season before events unfolded, but expect us to qualify from the group and have a real go in the knockout stages.”
BurnmoorwelcomeCastle Eden and captain Alec Linsley said: “We are looking forward to our first competitive game as NEPL Champions. We are giving debuts to Alex Simpson, Ross Greenwell, and James Weighell but Kev Ward is unavailable.
"The evergreen Alan Worthy continues at the top of the order and we also have ex Durham players Ryan Pringle and Graeme Bridge in the side.”
Hetton Lyons travel to Eppleton and fixture secretary Gary Adey said: “We go into the season minus only one player: Opening bowler Gareth Wade has extended his stay in New Zealand following lockdown. Our 2018 overseas player, Chris Ralston, is now a UK resident and returns to the club for the 2020 season.”
“Stuart Walker takes over as captain with Jonathan Malkin returning to his home club Castle Eden.
"Fifteen-year-old Ben McKinney is a big prospect and comes off the back of a matchwinning 69 not out for Durham Academy. Everyone is keen to get started and no doubt our opposition feel the same way, it should be a good game.”
Whitburn entertain Boldon and captain Paul Shields said: “We have a few changes from last season largely through injuries.
"Sam Harris (broken thumb) and Ben Markham (knee) were both injured in a warm up game last week. We also originally planned to bring over an Australian batsmen called Hamish McKenzie. However, travel restrictions made this impossible.”
“We have three debutants with Jonny Shurben, from Sunderland, coming in to keep wicket, Gareth Welsh, from Boldon, also comes in, with Sam Brigham, who steps up from the second team.
"We still have the nucleus of the side from last season lead with James Thompson and Lee Henderson and fast bowling trio of Craig Smith, Matthew Muchall and Kieran Waterson.”
“It’s a local derby and it’s been a few years since we played Boldon, so everyone at the club is looking forward to it and I’m sure it will be a good game and we are hoping to start the season strongly.”
In the Banks Salver West
Group, Chester-Le-Street entertain Sacriston at Ropery Lane and skipper John Coxon said: “The lads are excited about the start if the season.
"We will be missing George and Jack Harrison, and Jack Campbell is unlikely to play this week. Other than that, we should be full strength.”
Sacriston’s fixture secretary Iain Bestford said: “We have a few changes for this season. We welcome youngsters Ross Whitfield and Edward Foreman from Greenside and Tynedale, respectively.
“We also welcome back Martin Hubber with him having spent last season with reigning NEPL champions Burnmoor.”
“Graeme Wrightson has retired, and so Mel Betts takes up the reigns as captain whilst Matthew Brown is promoted from the second team to don the wicket-keeping gloves.”
“Having been denied the services of Sol Bell and Jonny Bushnell due to Durham County commitments for our season opener against Durham Academy last Sunday, we are looking forward to seeing them back in Sacriston colours this weekend. This season is primarily about development of our younger players, as we look to build a squad for 2021.”
Crook entertain Washington and captain Andrew Pratt said: “We will have a similar team from last season as the couple of signings we’d made are unable to get here due to the current situation.”
“The season will be different giving the current situation, but we’re playing for a trophy, all be it in a different format that we currently hold, so we will be looking to do all we can to defend it. Throughout the season we will look to develop some juniors.”
Willington host Burnopfield and manager Karl Brown said: “Reece Carr has taken over as captain this season. Our two new signings are Lewis O’Donnell from Harrogate and James Das from Bishop Auckland. We have a fairly young team who go into the new format of the game this season full of energy.”