Pont looking to make rare good start

PONTELAND welcome Tynedale in their Division A1 opener tomorrow.

Skipper Jonny Appleby said: “Tynedale have lost a few players this year so hopefully this is a good chance for us to make a good start.

“We have not won our first game of the season for about 10 years so we are hoping to get the season off to a winning start.”

Tynedale fixture secretary Gary Cant said: “We have a very young team and no professional this year.

“We want to make the most of our team as we have a very productive junior section.

“We would like one or two additional older players but the kids will be given a chance.”

Swalwell host promoted Ryton and captain Paul Dumighan said: “They are newly promoted from Division A2 so will be looking to make a good start.

“It will be a tricky game and a tough test for us.

“We are expecting a hard fixture but looking forward to it.

“Our aim this season is to finish in the top three.”

Ryton fixture secretary Aiden Lawson said: “We are looking forward to it.

“It will be a struggle as Swalwell have five new players and have a very strong team.”

Lanchester entertain Consett and skipper Stuart McPhail said: “It looks like Consett have two new signings.

“We beat them twice last year, home and away, but they look stronger - so we are expecting a tough game.

“We have two new signings in Callum Barnes from Tynedale, and Harry Lovell from Burnopfield and both go straight into the team.

“Overseas player Sam Crooks from New Zealand makes his debut.”

Alan Waters from Consett said: “We are a bit of an up-and-down team.

“Last year we had excellent wins against top teams and losses to the lower league sides.

“We are inconsistent at times, so are looking to be a little bit more consistent this season.”