Swal still to play for in top-three clash
THIRD-PLACED Swalwell take on Division A1 leaders and still unbeaten Ashington at Derwenthaugh Park tomorrow.
The inclement weather last week probably helped the leaders in their title quest, although they would have liked to have played Shotley Bridge in full.
Ashington’s lead is 47 points with only four games left in the season.
Skipper Greg Williams said: “It is going to be a hard game.
“It is always our hardest of the season against Swalwell but we are looking forward to it, it should be a good game.”
Shotley Bridge, in second, were left disappointed after the downpours as they probably saw their last chance of making up ground slip away.
They are at home to Leadgate tomorrow in their “derby match, ” the Consett side only 28 points above the relegation trapdoor and in need of points.
Phil Brown is available, as is Durham all-rounder Barry McCarthy who was playing against Pakistan in Dublin last week.
Gregg Patterson is injured and Oliver Gibson is playing for Durham Academy.
Skipper Stuart Graham said: “The derby against Leadgate is always a good one to win.”
Leadgate will be looking elsewhere at the bottom as Percy Main welcome Annfield Plain who are 13 points from safety and 28 points below Leadgate.
Lee Maddison the Annfield Plain skipper will finalise his team nearer the time but said: “It is another 20-pointer we need to win.”
The hosts will make numerous changes to the team because of availability but Michael Philips has recovered from his broken foot.
Captain Barry Stewart said:“We are pushing for fourth position but fifth or sixth would be a good season for us.”
Consett travel to Benwell and Walbottle, who must win as they are 42 points adrift.
The visitors have Simon Wilkinson back and skipper John Chapman stated: “It is a must win - if we get 20 points we are safe.”