Skipper Coxon ready for tough semi against Benwell Hill
In the Dukes ECB North East Premier League Banks Salver Cup semi-finals, Chester-LeStreet entertain Benwell Hill at Ropery Lane on Saturday afternoon.
Chester-Le-Street skipper John Coxon said: “We had an excellent all round performance last week against Hetton Lyons. All the bowlers were on form and were very professional throughout.”
“We are looking forward to a tough game against Benwell Hill, who have played well all season and are a strong and competitive team.
"We hope to have everyone available, with Andrew Smith returning.
"We will wait on the availability of Jack Campbell, who may be involved in Durham’s T20s after his recent excellent form.”
Burnmoor travel to South Northumberland and skipper Alec Linsley said: “Ross Hodgson comes in for McKenzie Wright this weekend.
"We play the most decorated team in the NEPL, but are looking forward to it. We are under no illusions that it’ll be a tough game, but will give our all to try and get to the final next Saturday.
“We are the current Premier League Champions and will be hoping that spurs us on, however, we know we are the underdogs, as despite winning our group, we somehow find ourselves with an away from home fixture.
"Hopefully the weather is fair and a good game is had by all!”
In the Banks Salver Plate semi-finals, Sunderland travel to Osborne Avenue, to play Newcastle and skipper Greg Applegarth said: “We have a full squad to choose from, and looking forward to a good game and progressing further as we have been improving every week.”
Whitburn take on Lanchester in the Banks Salver Plaque semi-finals, and captain Paul Shields said: “It’s a big weekend for theclub as both thefirstand second team, both have semifinals.
ThesecondteamplaySouth N o r t h u m b e rl a n d at A s h - brooke.
“We have only one change in the first team, which see’s Matthew Muchall return after work commitments and he comes in for 14-year old Mason Bell, who drops to the seconds after an impressive first team debut.
"Both sets of players are very much looking forward to the games and both go in full of confidence after two impressive wins last weekend.”
SacristonwelcomeBlaydon and fixture secretary Iain Bestford said: “We are once again likely to be without Sol Bell and Jonny Bushnell, due to self-isolating guidelines.
"Will Gidman, Martin Hubber and Craig Robertson, all miss out due to work commitments,butwehopetowelcome back Nathan Bushnell whilst AndrewDixonretainshisplace in the team.
“It' l l b e a n oth e r toug h match given the long list of unavailable players, but it's another opportunity for our youngtalent in the form ofRoss Whitfield, Luke Husband and Ed Foreman, to progress their case for permanent inclusion in our first eleven for 2021.”
In the Durham Cricket League Frank Lees Cup Group A, Seaham Harbour entertain unbeaten South Shields.
Harbour captain Stewart Pattison said: “After the five wicket victory over Seaham Park, we host unbeaten South Shields.
"Michael Stewart, Greg Davison and Calum Blackford are finish the season on a high.” all unavailable. We bring in Ryhope are at home to Seanew signing Jason Creasy, Dyham and Chairman Ian Lawlan Bacon and Henry Sennett.” rence said: “We are virtually at
South Shields captain Anth full strength as Matty Kirtley, Marshall said: “South Shields Liam Kirk and Dan Blackman, will be unchanged from last all return to the side.” weekend’s team, which deIn the other two games, feated Bill Quay last Saturday.” Dawdon in third place, face
Silksworth travel to secfifth placed Marsden at Welond placed Hylton and skipper fare Park and Boldon CA travel Andy Barrass said: “Unfortuto Bill Quay. nately we’re missing a few playIt’s really tight at the top of ers this weekend with Robbie Group B, as leaders Brandon Jones, Michael Waterson, Paul face Ushaw Moor at Brandon Smailes and Jordan Crake, all Lane, while second-placed Esh unavailable for various reaWinning take on Durham City, sons. who are fifth at Rear Brandon
"Paul Dixon should return Road. after missing the last three Third placed Mainsforth games though. As always I’d who have the same points as expect a tough game against Esh Winning, but a weaker Hylton, but hopefully we can ‘run rate,’ welcome Murton to
MorrisonTerrace,whilefourth placed Easington take on bottom club Evenwood at the Welfare Grounds.
Tudhoe host Hunwick and visiting skipper Arron Proud said: “We will be going at full strength and hoping to finish the season with a win.”
Peterlee will try to avoid the ‘wooden spoon’ as they take on Littletown at the Helford Oval.
In the Darlington Building Society NYSD ECB - Premier League
Hartlepool make one change for the visit of Marske to Park Drive. Secret art Mike Gough said: “James Piper returns from holiday and replaces Josh Vaughan, who impressed in the last game.
"We are in good form, as
Nei l W h i t wo rth to o k f ive wickets once again last week, and professional James Lowe continued his excellent run of late, scoring two unbeaten half centuries.
"The team are really enjoying themselves with everyone in the squad putting in great efforts.”
Gough added: “Marske have won their last two league games and have been recently being playing three spinners. Sam Berry with his leg spin and googlies is their danger man and care must be taking against him especially. Their batt i n g p ro fe s s io n a l To m Hewison is a top player on his day and is a hard hitter, so we need to be on our game from the first ball.”
Whitburn batsman Thompson drives.