Lintz to give two matches a good Shot

NORTHUMBERLAND AND TYNESIDE LEAGUE

THE Division One season reaches the halfway stage with a doubleheader of fixtures this weekend tomorrow’s games all reversed on Sunday.

Unbeaten league leaders Shotley Bridge play Lintz while Swalwell in second, only nine points adrift, take on Newcastle City.

The dangerous bowling duo of Guy Saxton (28 wickets) and Nick Phillips (27 wickets) will look to add to their impressive first-half hauls - and Swalwell could go top should Shotley Bridge slip up.

Third-placed Ashington aim to stay with the top two as they meet Alnmouth and Lesbury.

Ashington, who trail the leaders by 47 points, face a side who have won their last two games to move out of the drop zone - helped by in-form all-rounder Dushan Hemantha.

Bottom side Stocksfield hope the second half the season will see them clinch their first win.

Their double-header is against Tynedale, who have fallen off the pace in recent weeks.

Tynedale will be without Sam Mannion and Dan Parker - but David Newton and James Rainford return.

Lanchester, with the same record as Tynedale, play Ryton.

Percy Main, who slipped into the bottom two last week, will come up against the unpredictable Consett.

Amit Sunda, Craig Bird and Andrew Green come in for Percy Main, replacing Phil Cramman, Dan McGee and Michael Phillips.

TOMORROW’S FIXTURES (Sunday’s reversed): Ashington v Alnmouth and Lesbury, Lintz v Shotley Bridge, Newcastle City v Swalwell Percy Main v Consett, Ryton v Lanchester, Stocksfield v Tynedale.

■■IT is top versus bottom in Division Two this weekend as leaders Leadgate meet Blyth, who are still searching for their first victory of the season.

Blyth make three changes, Adam Helsby making his debut and Andy Douglas and Fran Carrigan also coming in.

Andy Clark returns for Sunday’s game with Ben Blackett, while Will Asher, Craig Smith and Gary Cotterill are unavailable.

Morpeth, who have lost their last two matches after going top, have tough matches against promotion rivals Bedlington.

TOMORROW’S FIXTURES (Sunday’s reversed): Annfield Plain v Alnwick, Bates Cottages v Greenside, Cowgate v Seaton Burn, Leadgate v Blyth, Morpeth v Bedlington, Ponteland v Tillside.