Skipper Applegarth eyeing title push despite Harte’s absence
Sunderland open their Dukes ECB North East Division One campaign with an away clash at Willington.
Sunderland skipper Greg Applegarth said: “We have the same squad as last year. The first team expect to be challenging for the league title and promotion. The only change is we have lost the services of Gareth Harte who has retired from first class cricket and gone back home to South Africa, but we are pleased to welcome back Hamza Tahir and Safyaan Sharif.”
Willington manager Karl Brown said :“The first team will again be led by Reece Carr. The club professional is Mumbai based G aura vJ at har,whoun fortunately has been restricted from travelling due to C ovid restrictions in the country.
"New signings are Peter Bhabra a Durham University student who has played the last two seasons for Papplewick in the Notts Premier League.”
Brown added: “Returning is Jake Lou th after a short spell last season at Felling. The professional situation is a bit of a blow but there is enough skill and ability in the squad to push for honours.
"Sunderland at home will be a test and the lads are looking forward to the challenge. We will take each game as it comes and do our very best.”
Philadelphia welcome Gateshead Fell and chairman Malcolm Pratt said: “We have made three signings as they em bark on our first full season back in the Premier League
First Division.
"Mayank Mishra, a left arm spinner who plays first class in India forUttarakh and, is joined by former player Peter Greenwell and Shahid Khan.”
Pratt added: “Greenwell moved to Darlington three years ago and enjoyed success in the NYSD League while Khan, who last season played for Thornaby, made his mark with Even wood and Mars den .”
Shotley Bridge welcome Blaydon and captain Paul Greenwell said: “I am missing the start of the season through back injury, but we have Oliver Gibson playing from Durham with Dan Anderson and Chris Robb making their debuts. It’s a tough game for us with it being our first competitive game since the 2019 season.”
Castle Eden entertain Boldon and skipper Jonathan
Malkin said: “We have signed Jason Moses from Ea sing ton to bat in the middle order.
"Bilawal Iqbal has signed as overseas pro from Pakistan, who is an exciting seam bowlingall-round er. Richie E de has signed back from Littletown. We have a strong squad this season, so we are expecting a successful season and are looking to get off to a good start against Boldon.”
Lanchester host Newcastle and captain Greg Patterson said: “Ryan McVittie comes in as a new batsman from Lintz and young CharlieMcPhailw ill make his league debut.
"Thoroughly looking forward to the new season with a good group of young players and looking to improve on last year’s performance. Sri Lankan pro Passindu Madushan should be here within the next few weeks.”
Newcastle’ s visiting director of cricket Phil Hudson said: “New signings Ben and Luke Mussett, Bobby Green and Will Taylor are in the team, captained by Ben Quirk this year. We welcome New Zealand U19 captain Jesse Tashkoff, who should be available subject to passing Covid tests and we hope to have Liam Trevaskis available from Durham CCC.”