New faces give Jonny plenty of confidence

BOWLER Jonny Wightman hopes the signing of Calum MacLeod and returning captain Adam Cragg can help South Northumberland reclaim the North East Premier League title.

After back-to-back league titles in 2014 and 2015, South Northumberland had to settle for fourth last year but did manage to win the Royal London Club Championship.

MacLeod made an instant impact with a century at better than a run a ball in the club's first league match this season, an eight wicket win over Stockton.

Wightman followed that up last weekend by taking full advantage of a damp wicket at South Shields to take 5-15 off 8.2 overs as the hosts were dismissed for 78.

The opening bowler’s job wasn't quite finished though as he was there at the death with the bat as the visitors snuck home with a one wicket win.

And with their improved batting line up, and two wins from two, Wightman is targeting silverware.

“We are happy with two wins out of two, we want to win every competition we are playing in,” he said.

“Over the last couple of seasons our batting has not be firing on all cylinders but we have Calum MacLeod from Scotland and captain Adam Cragg to add a bit more strength at the top of our order.

“Adam left the club to travel to Australia and missed the whole of last season but we are hoping we can challenge on all fronts.

“Callum is a quality cricketer and has made it look pretty easy.

“Hopefully he can get more centuries as the season goes on.”