Overseas player hoping to get off to winning start at Harbour
Early Readers Durham and North East Cricket League Division Two pace-setters Seaham Harbour entertain second-placed Ryhope at New Drive on Saturday.
Captain Stewart Pattison said: “Our first-class Sri Lankan overseas player Nisala Tharaka makes his debut and hopefully makes an impact straight away.”
Visiting chairman Ian Lawrence said: “We have only one change as Chris Lawrence has a family commitment, but skipper Chris Errington returns after missing last week’s thrilling one-run win over Murton.”
Boldon CA, without a win yet, are at Evenwood and captain Stuart Smith said: “Conor Elliot and Alex Thomas come out of the side and are replaced with Adam Slater and new signing Niall Cutter, who is looking to make his first appearance for the club.
“After a slow start, we are looking to bounce back and try to get that first win under our belts to kick-start our season.”
Silksworth travel to Murton and skipper Andy Barrass said: “We hope to welcome back Kieron Laws and Ben Lobban this weekend, along with Johnny Hall who missed out last week through illness, but Phil Middlemiss is struggling with injury and may miss out.
“We’ve competed reasonably well in our opening two games, so hopefully we can go one step further and claim a
first victory at Murton.“
In the other two games, Mainsforth who won their opening game, host bottom club Horden and Peterlee welcome Hunwick to the Helford Oval.
Tudhoe have no game this weekend.
In Division One, Brandon host early league leaders Seaham Park at Brandon Lane and visiting skipper Dale
Shaw said: “Thomas Ferguson is away on a family holiday and is replaced by Ben Young.
“After the first two games of scoring 225-plus and bowling each team out, we hope to continue our good form into our toughest test of the season thus far.
“We will have to play well to compete with Brandon, who have a strong all-round side.”
Esh Winning, in third place, host second-placed South Shields at their Rear Brandon Road Ground.
Skipper Paul Chivers said: “We have one change from last week, as Mark Davison comes in for Jonathan Hodgson.
“We have recorded two wins from two, but it’s a tough game this weekend against a good South Shields team.”
Littletown welcome Hylton to Cross Street and will be looking for their first win of the season, with the visitors having recorded a win and a loss in their opening games.
Captain Paul Cassell said: “Patrick Stephenson and James Sneller return to the side this weekend and evergreen Philip Bennett and Niall Heron make way.”
Dawdon Welfare travel to Bill Quay and the visitors make one change. Skipper Nathan Newton said: “Bowler Andy Beer is out, with Ryan Consitt in for him.”
Ushaw Moor face Durham City at the Recreation Ground, having won their opening fixture. City have won one and lost one in their first two games.
Marsden have no game this weekend.