Champs will be top test for leaders

GO NORTH EAST N/LAND AND TYNESIDE SENIOR LG

EARLY leaders Lanchester welcome reigning champions Ashington to Ashley Park tomorrow and are unchanged from last weekend.

Fixture secretary Bob Gardiner said: “Ashington won the league title last summer o this will be our hardest test so far.”

Percy Main host Newcastle City and fixture secretary Andrew Cherry said: “It was disappointing to be bowled out for 106 last week.

“We will have Michael Phillips back - he was a big miss last weekend - and Phillip Cramman.

“Hopefully we can bounce back from last weekend.”

Newcastle are yet to win this season and are bottom of the Division A1 table.

Consett travel to Swalwell and Consett chairman Alan Waters said: “Swalwell have been a major team in the league for a number of seasons and I cannot remember us beating them.

“We are expecting a tough game.

“This will be our fourth year in the top league, so we need push on to finish in the top half at the end of this season.”

Lintz are unchanged and head to Tynedale, who have won their first two fixtures.

Fixture secretary Gary Christie said: “Jonathan Foster and Marcus Pair are still available and were good additions to last weekend’s squad.

“We are pleased we gained the full 20 points and are looking to keep that same level of performance going tomorrow.”

Ryton travel to Ponteland with both teams yet to register a victory this season.

Ryton skipper David Howorth said: “It is a big game for both teams.

“We have lost our first two matches so this is one we need to win.

“Jordan O’Neill and Tyler Cash are out but Neil Robinson and Adam Purcell come in to replace them.”

Shotley Bridge, who have won their first two games, entertain Leadgate and make just one change - fit-again Paul Greenwell in for Ian Archbold.