More twists and turns are in store

NORTHUMBERLAND AND TYNESIDE SENIOR LGE

IT’S a double weekend in store with a few derby games – and there will certainly be some twists and turns throughout the weekend.

Second-top Tynedale host thirdplaced Shotley Bridge tomorrow, and Tynedale’s Thomas Cant said: “We have quite a good friendly rivalry with them.

“Both teams are playing hard on the pitch and there’s only a point between us, so it should be a good game. At the start of the season we set out to stay up, after losing half of the team and we have.”

Tynedale welcome Sam Peter back into the team.

Lintz entertain leaders Swalwell at Lumley Gardens, with home skipper Gary Christie saying: “The season is going very well at the minute. We have won two or three games in a row and it would be good to keep that going, especially as we are playing two of the top teams this weekend.

“We are really pleased with how we’ve done so far, beating everyone around us. The objective for the second half of the season is to try and get into the top four.”

Andrew Smith and Stephen Smith return for Lintz against their former club.

Consett chairman Alan Waters – whose side welcome Newcastle City to Hope Street tomorrow – said: “This game will mark the last game of the first half of the season and with Sam Shaik moving out of the area, he will not be playing anymore.

“Dan Milligan returns but Mark Dixon is out injured. However, we will have our strongest team out. Our main drive, as with previous years, is to stay in the division, so this weekend is a must win for us.”

Bottom club Ponteland welcome Ben Harris and Stuart Taylor back to face champions Ashington at Callerton Lane.

Ponteland skipper Jonny Appleby said: “We’re at the halfway point and looking to hit the turn of the season, and play a bit a better.

“We did improve last week, it looks as though we’re on a positive route on the bowling side, and then hopefully the batting will click.”

Jonny added: “If we can beat the teams around us and get half a dozen wins, we should be able to move up the table and avoid relegation.”

Ryton and Percy Main go head to head at Parsons Park, the hosts having Neil Robinson returning to the side. Skipper David Howorth said: “This will be another big game as they are a tough side, but hopefully we can turn them over.”