Swalwell are aiming to Bridge gap to leaders
THE top two sides clash in the Division One game of the day, as unbeaten league leaders Shotley Bridge make the trip to Swalwell.
Last year’s champions are currently in second, 35 points adrift.
An exciting battle lies ahead as the visitors’ in-form batsmen Paul Greenwell, Kieran Milburn and Greg Patterson face leading wicket-takers Nick Phillips (37) and Guy Saxton (31).
Victory for Shotley Bridge would leave them odds-on title favourites, while second-placed Swalwell will want to make inroads into the visitors’ lead.
Success for Swalwell tomorrow would give fresh life to both Ashington and Tynedale’s title hopes.
Third-placed Ashington, 75 points off the leaders, host relegationthreatened Percy Main.
A win for Percy Main would keep them in the bottom two, while Ashington look to bounce back from last week’s defeat at Consett.
Tynedale, two points further adrift, travel to mid-table Ryton.
Tynedale will need to stop the dangerous Moh Ali, who is already closing in on 1,000 runs and has also chipped in with 24 wickets.
Newcastle City host Lanchester in a mid-table clash, while Consett are away to bottom side Stocksfield.
Lintz welcome Alnmouth & Lesbury in an important match near the bottom.
THE top two also meet in Division Two, with Annfield Plain hosting leaders Leadgate.
There are currently 22 points separating the sides, who have similar records with two losses each.
Bedlington will move back into the promotion places should they win at Cowgate. The league’s top wicket taker, Majid Ansari, who has taken five wickets on six occasions this season, aims to add to his 45 victims.
Ansari is also the division’s leading run-scorer.
There is a big game at Morpeth, who welcome Tillside.
Both sides are aiming for the win to keep their promotion bid on track.
There are two important matches near the bottom as Bates Cottages entertain Alnwick, while the bottom two meet at Ponteland, who take on Blyth.
Seaton Burn will be looking for valuable points at home to in-form Greenside.
THERE are two big promotion clashes in Division Three tomorrow as the leaders Warkworth host fourth-placed Blagdon Park and Blue Flames, in second, entertain sixth-placed GEMs.
Only 35 points separates the top six, with fellow promotion contenders Whickham travelling to Ashington Rugby, while Backworth welcome Benwell & Walbottle.
Bomarsund aim to complete the double over Whitley Bay to close the gap on third-bottom Benwell & Walbottle should they lose, while Corbridge host Berwick.