Northumberland aim to avoid coming last in their group

NORTHUMBERLAND will do well to avoid finishing bottom of group three in the Unicorns MCCA Trophy after three straight defeats.

A disappointing one-day campaign comes to a close at Jesmond tomorrow in a bottomagainst-top clash.

Visitors Lincolnshire have scored heavily while winning their first three games twice scoring more than 340 runs. Against Norfolk, who had beaten Northumberland by seven wickets in their previous game, Lincolnshire’s total of 381-3 was their highest in 50 over cricket.

Yorkshire seconds batsman Jonathan Tattershall has scored two centuries and 82 in his other innings against Cumberland.

Northumberland have struggled for form losing their last two group games heavily and in need of a lift.

“We batted well in the first game, bowled well in the second and then did neither in the third,” said Team manager Stuart Tiffin.

“There is nothing at stake for us tomorrow but we have to play for pride and on the day anything can happen.

“It’s been a disappointing one-day campaign but we can at least finish it on a high by beating the leaders.

“It’s time we put together a performance with both bat and ball. If we do that we’re capable of beating anyone on our day. Lincolnshire have scored a lot of runs, and Tattershall has been in great form, but we don’t want to lose all four group games.”

Host club Newcastle provide six players, including professional Jacques du Toit, while Hetton Lyons wicket-keeper Jack Jessop returns to the side.