Finchen takes the reins for honours bid

NTCL DIVISION THREE

DIVISION 3 features nine of last season’s NCL Premier Division teams, lining up alongside the promoted clubs of Bomarsund and Whitley Bay, and the relegated Benwell & Walbottle.

Two teams expected to be in contention for promotion meet as last year’s runners-up Backworth play hosts to Whickham.

Terry Finchen is new Backworth captain after the departure of Alan Robson to Felling.

Whickham, looking for a more consistent season, have made one signing for the summer, recruiting batsman Owen Lancaster from NEPL Division 1 side Burnmoor.

Last season’s third play fourth as Blue Flames welcome Blagdon Park to Whitley Park. After two successive relegation battles, Blue Flames keep faith with their squad.

David Gibson will again lead Blagdon Park, hoping to improve on their fourth place finish last year. All-rounder Dave Covell has moved from Ulgham, while seam bowler Cameron Hedgely has joined the side.

Nigel Clough is again available after missing all last season. However they have lost three players to higher league sides, with Ben Cuthbertson joined Tynedale, Alex Senior moving to Burnopfield with David Johnson signing for Alnmouth & Lesbury.

Warkworth are looking forward to the new season, with opening batsman Scott Gibson taking on the captaincy this year. Batsman Matt Hall returns to the club who have also signed Australian spin bowler Michael Renfrey.

Benwell & Walbottle make the opening-day trip, aiming to stop their downward slide after two successive relegations.

Ashington Rugby will be looking for more consistency this season. After losing the 2016 NCL title to Tillside by a point, last season saw them flirt with relegation.

Adam Peacock takes over as captain this season. All-rounder Mark Lawrence has strengthened the side, with Michael Adamson returning from Morpeth. Bowler James Richards is available after 18 months out with an ACL injury. An opening-day match with newly promoted Whitley Bay awaits.

Last season’s NCL Division One champions Bomarsund have added wicketkeeper/batsman Michael Marshall from Stobswood and all-rounder Gordon Reed from Ryton. Opening day fixtures: Ashington Rugby v Whitley Bay, Backworth v Whickham, Blue Flames v Blagdon Park, Bomarsund v Berwick, Corbridge v GEMs, Warkworth v Benwell & Walbottle.