Du Toit sees a basic problem
DUKES NORTH EAST PREMIER LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION
NEWCASTLE need to get back to basics - and quickly - if they are to survive in the Premier Division, writes TONY HODGSON.
That is the frank assessment of a frustrated Jacques Du Toit as he surveys the wreckage of a disappointing summer at Jesmond.
Du Toit’s side go into tomorrow’s derby clash with leaders and champions South Northumberland languishing third-bottom in the table.
Just three victories in 15 games mean they are in real danger of the dreaded drop, leading bottom club Sacriston by 42 points with six matches to play.
Du Toit said: “It has been a difficult season. We lost a lot of players over the winter and have not really replaced them.
“Those who have played have not stepped up to the plate.
“We just have not done the basics right - in batting, fielding or bowling.
“We won the first game of the season against Whitburn but in the second match I could see we were going to have problems when we were bowled out for just 130 on a flat wicket.
“I said to the boys I did not want to see a repeat of that - but the message did not sink in and still it is not, which is very frustrating.
“As a result we are where we are the league table does not lie.
“Hopefully we can get our act together in the last few weeks of the season.”
The last thing Newcastle need right now is visit from South North, the only unbeaten side in the division and 50 points clear of nearest challengers Chester-le-Street.
Du Toit added: “We have to be realistic - we go into the match as underdogs and South North are a huge test.
“There is always a chance something unexpected could happen, you never know in cricket, but to do so we will have to play well.”
Du Toit believes the Premier Division is not as strong as last year.
He claims the lack of overseas players this summer has affected the standard of play- as has the type of cricket being played.
Du Toit said: “The league is definitely weaker than it was last year and there are not as many overseas players involved in it.
“Not so long ago a team like South North would always have four seam bowlers but that does not seem to be the case now.
“A lot of new rules have been introduced but I think the league needs to look at maybe playing matches of 50 overs a side.
“I think limited-overs matches is the way to go in this league - it would improve the standard of matches and make them more exciting for spectators.”