Crozier spins his way into the record books
DUKES NORTH EAST PREMIER LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION
LEE CROZIER is hoping for a double celebration this weekend after earning an impressive place in the record books, writes TONY HODGSON.
The veteran slow bowler claimed his 1,000th first-team league wicket in taking 3-15 in champions South Northumberland’s emphatic 111run victory over Hetton Lyons on Saturday.
Crozier, 44, followed that up with five more wickets in Monday’s equally comprehensive sevenwicket success against Eppleton.
That victory means the Gosforthbased side need just five points from tomorrow’s home clash with struggling Sacriston to retain their crown - and round off a memorable week for their long-serving spinner.
Crozier has 34 wickets in 2018 and is an ex-South North junior.
His first-team career started at Ryton in 1990, where he took 108 wickets, and then Benwell Hill in the Northumberland County League, where he claimed 179 wickets.
Then from 2000 in the NEPL he took another 129 victims at the Hill before moving to South North in 2004 - and has captured a magnificent 584 wickets since then. Adam Peacock (left) and David Dent batting for Ashington Rugby in their NTCL Division Three clash with Backworth on Saturday. Pictures: STEVE MILLER
This season at Stockton he recorded his 700th NEPL Premier Division wicket - the first bowler to achieve the milestone.
Crozier said: “I had known for a while I was approaching the landmark but to finally achieve it is very pleasing.
“It is probably a sign of my age as much as anything but it is nice to be still making a meaningful contribution to the team.
“We have a very strong bowling attack led by Jonny Wightman and Sean Tindale which means it is sometimes difficult for to me to have a decent bowl.
“However, this year has gone very well for me and it would end a fantastic week if we could seal the championship again tomorrow.”
Crozier added: “It looked like we were going to clinch the title on Monday but then Chester-le-Street bowled out Benwell Hill with just four balls to spare.
“We are very close and we just have to keep on doing what we have been doing and hopefully the title will be ours.
“It has been a great summer for us and everyone has contributed to our success.
“We have had a lot of great times in my spell here and it would be nice to keep that going.”
For Sacriston, nothing less than an unlikely victory will do tomorrow.
Club spokesman Iain Bestford said: “A fixture at the champions elect is always one to savour, giving us a chance to test ourselves against the best.
“The points are vital for us to stay clear of the relegation trapdoor.”
Felling also still need vital survival points and welcome Hetton Lyons tomorrow.
Official Barrie Norman said: “Hetton are flying so it will be no easy job for us to take the points.
“We need them to stay away from the bottom - but so do they for different reasons.”
TOMORROW’S FIXTURES - Premier Division: Chester-le-Street v Eppleton, Felling v Hetton Lyons, Newcastle v Benwell Hill, South Northumberland v Sacriston, Tynemouth v Stockton, Whitburn v Durham Cricket Academy. Division One: Boldon v Brandon, Burnopfield v Blaydon, South Shields v Gateshead Fell, Washington v Burnmoor, Willington v Castle Eden.