Philadelphia are seeking to continue unbeaten run
Philadelphia will almost certainly be unchanged for the visit of Boldon as they seek to extend an unbeaten sequence to six games in the Dukes ECB North East Division One.
Unfortunately, paceman Steve Wright is still sidelined with a leg injury.
The Bunker Hill side, which came close to toppling promotion candidates Willington in their last match, will be keen to turn draws into wins as they attempt to move away from the bottom end of the table.
Chairman Malcolm Pratt said: “Following an uncertain start to our first full season in the league, we have improved a lot in recent matches, winning twice and drawing three games, and look a better allround team.”
Sunderland hold a slender two-point lead at the top as they head to Shotley Bridge. Skipper Greg Applegarth said: “We have a full squad to choose from and we are expecting a tough game, especially having not played and been able to carry on our momentum from the last game.”
Willington, in second place, welcome Gateshead Fell to Manor Road. Manager Karl Brown said: “We are back to full strength this week and the team is again full of confidence but knows it could be a tough test.”
Castle Eden, in third place, are just nine points behind the Ashbrooke outfit and they entertain Crook at Parklands. Both teams have had mixed results of late but the home side need to press for a win to keep the pressure on the two teams above them. Skipper Jonathan Malkin said: “This week, Phil Wimpenny is back in for Lewis Simpson and Richard Ede comes back in for Alan Unsworth.”
Newcastle are at fourthplaced Ashington and director of cricket Phil Hudson said some injured players would be back: “Kieran Trevaskis will play his first league game for several weeks and, furthermore, Tom Mackintosh should make his debut, having been thwarted by the weather last week. Francis Collins should also come back into the side after a spell out with a finger injury. Chris McBride is also back and Ben Mussett will play, having missed the last three league games.”
Ashington skipper Sean McCafferty said: “We are hoping to go in to the game with no changes, as we are still missing Callum Storey. But, apart from that, we have a full squad to choose from. We also expect a tough game against a talented Newcastle team.”
Lanchester host Blaydon at Ashley Park and the visitors will be looking for a win to keep in touch with the promotion pack following their recent run of poor form.
In the Dukes ECB North East Premier League, Burnmoor are just three points behind the leaders South North in second place, and they visit Whitburn. Skipper Alec Linsley said: “Following last week’s washout, we are off to the coast, having met on three occasions already this season, and this will be the final encounter. Having been on the receiving end in those three games, we expect Paul Shields to have his players fired up to turn the tables. We will be going all out to stop that happening and continue putting pressure on the leaders and those around us with another win, as we enter the second half of the season. Only one change for us, Paul Craig is unavailable. Josh Coughlin returns, which sees us have four seamers and three spinners at our disposal for the first time I can remember.”
Home skipper Paul Shields said: “We are hoping for an improvement on the weather and we make two changes, with Sam Harris and Matthew Muchall coming in for Jack Burnham, who has Durham commitments, and Ewan Jenkins, who drops down into second team.”
Chester-le-Street are 12 points behind Burnmoor and they journey to Washington.
Skipper John Coxon said: “This week, we’re hoping to have Andrew Smith returning from injury but Jake McCann is still injured and George Harrison is unavailable. It is a big weekend in our season as we have the T20 quarter-final on Friday, then the league game against Washington. Both will be tough but we will be looking to get two wins and set up the next part of the season.”
Washington skipper Joe Thompson said: “We should be unchanged and look forward to welcoming the Cestrians in what should be a good game. We will go into it looking to continue our good form with the bat and, hopefully, back it up with the ball, put in a full performance and get some points on the board.”
Benwell Hill, in fourth place, welcome Eppleton and skipper Peter Halliday said: “We are without Callum Harding, who will be a big miss, given his form this year. We are hopeful his injury is not as bad as first feared, though, and should have him back soon. Rory Hanley returns to the team following injury and I am delighted to have him available again.”
Sacriston are 10 points above the relegation positions and entertain South Northumberland at Front
Street. The home side will be looking for their third win of the season but face a daunting task
against the unbeaten visitors. Fixture secretary Iain Best ford said :“We are without Mel Betts and Chris Rush worth, so Nathan Bushnell and Ed Foreman come in for what we expect to be a very tough game. South North batsman Sol Bell returns to face his former club on the back of three consecutive centuries in the league.”
Hetton Lyons host Felling at their Lilywhite Terrace Ground, with both teams winning three times in their last five outings, while Tynemouth, who have only lost twice this season, welcome Burnopfield.