Flames look to keep on right road

NORTHUMBERLAND LG

ALL the six teams who won at home last weekend are on the road tomorrow.

The early leaders Blue Flames are at Corbridge and are the only side to triumph on their travels so far this season.

Warkworth, who have lost their opening two matches, face a tough task to move off the bottom as they host Backworth.

Warkworth have made only 133 and 122 so far and come up against strike bowlers Chris Miller and Chris Liddle who are full of confidence.

The duo combined to bowl Blyth out for only 58 last week.

In a derby encounter, Blyth entertain Ashington Rugby.

Wicketkeeper Andrew Storey returns for the visitors after missing last weekend’s success because of work commitments.

Rugby are one of four teams who have maximum bowling points after two games but they are struggling with the bat.

The joint title favourites have been bowled out twice, for 119 from 30 overs and 142 off 36.

The second home match for Blagdon Park sees them host another of the expected title contenders Whickham.

There have been mixed fortunes for both sides so far, Park beating fellow league hopefuls Backworth but then losing at Blue Flames.

Whickham put their opening defeat behind them by comfortably beating GEMs.

Berwick host the second of the promoted teams as Cramlington make the trip up the A1.

Bryan Walker has led Cramlington to full bowling points, Manu Shukla inspiring Berwick to the same achievement.

Batting is a concern for both sides, a Scott Middlemist century seeing off Stobswood - but he then fell for a duck as Berwick were bowled out for 96 last weekend.

Michael Marshall scored 86 last week but Stobswood managed only 93 on the opening day.

At Chopwell, GEMs face last season’s Division One champions Stobswood.

The hosts have played two of the title favourites, beating Ashington Rugby but then losing at Whickham.

Stobswood secured their first success last weekend after their opening-day defeat at Berwick.