Title push would be all right – Jacques
JACQUES Du Toit believes this year’s Premier Division is wide open – but hopes his Newcastle side will be firmly in the title mix.
The Tynesiders celebrated their first win of the campaign by seeing off Tynemouth in a high-scoring match on Saturday to lie in fourth place.
They hope to build on that result this weekend but face a testing trip to second-placed Chester-le-Street.
Club captain Du Toit knows the loss of Sean Tindale, Alasdair Appleby and Josh Phillippe will hit his team hard – but hopes the acquisition of Alex Simpson from Eppleton will help compensate.
The South African (pictured right) said: “Losing those three lads was a big blow but it has given other players in the squad the chance to step up to the mark.
“We have a good bowling attack but we need to work on out batting and give our bowlers something to work at.
“Saturday was very pleasing. It was a slow wicket and I told the lads just to be strong and patient – they were and they gained their rewards.
“I am realistic enough to know it will be difficult for us to win the title but a lot of clubs have made changes to their squads so the title outcome is difficult to predict.
“A lot of factors can influence what happens – such as the weather – but hopefully we can have a consistent season and be up there.”
Du Toit struck a superb century in the victory over Tynemouth and feels in good form as the season gets into full swing following its rain-affected start.
He added: “I had felt in good form in the nets going into the match and was middling the ball well.
“It was nice to turn that into a century out in the middle – long may my good form continue!”
Chester-le-Street captain John Coxon was in a reflective mood following last week’s defeat at Whitburn. He said: “We were disappointed to lose last weekend but credit to Whitburn as they played superbly and fully deserved the win.
“We will be looking to bounce back this week against a strong Newcastle side and it is a great opportunity for the lads to show what they can do.”
TOMORROW’S FIXTURES: Chester-le-Street v Newcastle, Eppleton v Stockton, Felling v Whitburn, Hetton Lyons v Benwell Hill, Sacriston v Tynemouth, South Northumberland v Durham Cricket Academy.