Mishra in quarantine but expected to arrive soon
In Dukes ECB North East Division One, Sunderland entertain near neighbours Boldon at Ashbrooke this Saturday.
Skipper Greg Applegarth said: “We have the same squad available, and I’m pleased with last week’s performance and hoping it continues this weekend.”
Philadelphia travel to league leaders Newcastle at their Osborne Avenue ground and will be unchanged as they seek to bounce back from two successive defeats following an opening-day victory.
There is some positive news from Bunker Hill, though, now that Indian Mayank Mishra has arrived in this country.
Chairman Malcolm Pratt explained. “It has been a nightmare getting him here, but he is now in quarantine in a Heathrow hotel and, all being well, he will be with us next Thursday. He is a talented leg-spinner and middle-order batsman, so we are really looking forward to having him in the team.”
Host director of cricket Phil Hudson said: “We will also be unchanged this weekend following an excellent win against Shotley Bridge last week.”
Willington, in second place, journey to play Ashington at their Langwell Crescent ground and host skipper Sean McCafferty said: “We have the same team available as last week. We are looking forward to a competitive game on Saturday against a side who’ve had a similar start to ourselves.”
Castle Eden, in fourth place, travel to Blaydon and skipper Jonathan Malkin said: “We have one change this weekend. Richie Ede comes in for Lewis Simpson. We had a good performance last week. Hopefully the weather stays OK.”
Lanchester welcome Shotley Bridge to Ashley Park and skipper Greg Patterson said: “We are unchanged again this weekend and expecting an even harder game against Shotley, If the weather allows.”
Crook, in fifth place, entertain Gateshead Fell at their Dawson Street ground, and the home side will be looking for their third win in a row and to score 200-plus runs for the fourth game running.
In the Dukes ECB North East Premier League, early pace-setters Chester-leStreet welcome Sacriston to Ropery Lane and visiting fixture secretary Iain Bestford said: “We're hopeful of welcoming Chris Rushworth, our county contracted player, into our squad and Craig Robertson is available, having served a suspension from a prior season.”
Bestford added: “Chris and Craig will provide muchneeded depth in our bowling attack, with us relying on just the five bowlers in our win over Burnopfield. Chester-leStreet have started extremely well and will provide a stern test for us.”
Two teams struggling at the moment are Washington and Whitburn, and they meet up at Harraton Cricket Ground. The former’s skipper, Joe Thompson, said: “We will have one change from last Saturday as Ash Thorpe will return. We have bowled really well on a number of occasions this year, but it’s time the batsmen backed their efforts up and gave them a competitive total to defend.”
Thompson added: “We know we aren’t far away and we’re all working really hard to succeed. This Saturday would be a great time to put in a complete performance and get our first victory of the season.”
Whitburn captain Paul Shields said: “We have a couple of changes for Saturday. Luke Smith and Jack Burnham are back available after work/Durham commitments, so they come back into the first team for the game. Gareth Welsh and Michael Bittlestone make way, but both are available to play for the seconds.”
Shields added: “We go into game hoping for a better performance after a disappointing run-out last week. Both Luke and Jack will bring a lot to the team, so if we get lucky with weather, I am hoping for a much-improved result from last week.”
Burnmoor entertain Eppleton at the Village Ground and captain Alec Linsley said: “We go into the game unchanged from last weekend, when we suffered only our second defeat in 21 games.
“Whilst we were disappointed with our performance, we are looking forward to the visit of Eppleton this weekend to right the wrongs of last Saturday. That said, we expect another really tough game, as ever.
“We have a couple of lads in Marcus Brown and Josh Coughlin who played for the visitors over the last couple of years, so they will be keen to perform well and hopefully get us over the line.
“The weather is dodgy at best, but let us hope it improves so we can enjoy the game.”
Hetton Lyons host Tynemouth at Lillywhite Terrace and will be hoping for a win to push them away from the bottom two places. Their visitors are just four points in front of the Lyons.
Felling, in third place, welcome fourth-placed Benwell Hill to High Heworth Lane, with both teams looking for a win to keep in touch with the early leaders.
Visiting captain Peter Halliday said: “One change is expected to the team as we welcome back our Durham player, Luke Doneathy, from injury following our fantastic result at Burnmoor, when we fought really hard to grind out a victory.
“Felling have started the season in good form and our opponents have had the better of us in recent years. They have recruited well this season. However, we’re confident in our approach and hope to produce another strong performance.”
Burnopfield, with one win from three, head to South Northumberland, who have started the season well, winning all their three games.