Coxon backs Cestrians to overhaul South North
OPENERS CAN PROVIDE PLATFORM, SAYS SKIPPER
LEADERS South Northumberland travel to third-placed Chester-leStreet in a table-topping clash.
The Cestrians are looking to maintain their strong start and overhaul the visitors.
And Chester-le-Street skipper John Coxon said: “We should be unchanged and I am looking to take our recent momentum into it and continue our good performances.
“Openers George Harrison and Kyle Davis have been outstanding so far this year and hopefully they can continue this form and give us a good platform against South North.”
He added: “On the bowling front, Stephen Cantwell has also had a great start and is bowling with pace and accuracy and took five wickets last week.
“It’s always tough against South North and they continue to be the team to beat, but we are looking forward to the challenge.”
Second-placed Benwell Hill travel to Eppleton as they try to keep the pressure on the leaders.
Hill captain Pete Halliday said: “Everybody is available, but Phil Nicholson is not sure of his fitness.
“If he fails a fitness test the same XI will probably play. A good win improves confidence, in particular the performance of skipper Kyle Coetzer, who has been superb.”
Newcastle host Durham Cricket Academy in a mid-table clash.
Newcastle director of cricket Doug Hudson said: “It is hoped there will be a Durham CCC player made available for us this weekend.
“Richard Stanyon has damaged his elbow and it could well be a longterm injury. Should that be the case, there are others ready to step up.”
Doug added: “It has been a frustrating time for all of late, having lost the toss and not being able to skittle sides out, having posted reasonable scores to bowl against and dropping catches at vital times does not help either.”
Felling are at home to Hetton Lyons and secretary Simon Wood commented: “Freddie Simon is unavailable, but Phil Taylor returns as his replacement, but other than that, everyone is available.
“Probably just the one change, as it is still early season and players need time to find their form.”
He added that the club’s Australian recruit, Joshua Mason, will not arrive for another two weeks.
Struggling Whitburn have a tough home game against Tynemouth while South Shields and Stockton battle it out at Dean Road.
STEVE CLARKE