Keeping Lyons in check will be a feat of Clay
HETTON Lyons may be roaring at the start of the summer – but captain Jarvis Clay is refusing to get carried away, writes TONY HODGSON.
The Lilywhite Terrace side hold a seven-point lead over champions South Northumberland going into this weekend’s visit of Whitburn.
The Wearsiders have won all three of their matches so far – against Stockton, Benwell Hill and the Durham Cricket Academy – in an impressive display of their potential title credentials.
However Clay – now into his third season as skipper and 10th as a player – is keen to keep his team’s feet firmly on the ground.
He said: “We have had a good start but there is a long way to go and a lot of cricket to be played.
“There are a lot of good sides in this league so we just need to build on results so far and see where that takes us.
“We feel we have a good all-round side – our batting is very strong and we have plenty of bowling options.
“We recruited well over the winter as well – Jack Burnham has been allowed to play club cricket while he serves his suspension with Durham, and Stuart Walker has rejoined his hometown club from Felling.
“Both will be key players for us this summer and have already made decent contributions with the bat.”
Clay expects fourth-placed Whitburn – one of Walker’s former clubs – to provide a stiff test for the leaders tomorrow.
He added: “They probably have one of the strongest bowling lineups in the league so it will a big challenge for us – fingers crossed we can come through it.”
Whitburn have two players returning to the side.
Ross Carty is back to keep wicket, along with Paul Shields, the skipper, replacing Craig Henderson and Ben Markham.
Shields said: “We are looking forward to the game.
“Both teams are in excellent form and if that is repeated tomorrow the crowd will be in for a treat.”
Newcastle journey to champions South North and will have new signing Max Shenton making his debut.
Newcastle chairman Phil Hudson said: “Max is an opening bowler who has been plying his trade in the Nottingham Premier League.”
Ben McGee and Rob Thompson both return from work commitments, James Carr, Dan Humble and Andrew Heron all making way
Newcastle hope to bring in another new signing soon.
Felling, having enjoyed their first win last weekend, welcome Tynemouth tomorrow and will be unchanged. Felling’s Simon Wood said: “Tynemouth are a bit ahead of us but we are at home, are full of confidence and ready to produce the goods again.”
Benwell Hill are at Grangefield Ground, the home of Stockton, with both teams sitting in mid-table. TOMORROW’S FIXTURES - Premier Division: Eppleton v Durham CA, Felling v Tynemouth, Hetton Lyons v Whitburn, Sacriston v Chester-le-Street, South North v Newcastle, Stockton v Benwell Hill. Division One: Blaydon v Castle Eden, Boldon v South Shields, Brandon v Willington, Gateshead Fell v Burnmoor, Seaham Harbour v Burnopfield, Sunderland v Washington.
JUNIOR LEAGUE AND CUP CRICKET REPORTS WILL BE IN TOMORROW NIGHT’S GRASSROOTS SPORT