Sunderland face off against Willington in summit thriller
It is the big match at the top of the Dukes ECB North East Division One, as league leaders Sunderland entertain third-placed Willington at Ashbrooke.
Skipper Greg Applegarth said: “We have a full squad to choose from and are looking forward to continuing the good cricket played last weekend against Willington, who we know will be a tough challenge.”
Willington manager Karl Brown said: “After a solid win against Shotley Bridge, the first team is unchanged going into the game.
"After beating Shotley, the team also had a good win against Felling on Sunday in the Banks Salver, so confidence is high going into the top of the table clash.”
Sandwiched in between Sunderland and Willington are second-placed Castle Eden, who travel to bottom club Boldon.
Skipper Jonathan Malkin said: “Christopher Freeman and Ryan Ball are replaced by Alan Unsworth and Isaac Unsworth. We had a good win last week but are still looking for consistency and another good result.”
Newcastle entertain Lanchester and director of cricket Phil Hudson said: “We are looking to build momentum following back-toback wins and are delighted to welcome back Ben Mussett and Tom Mackintosh to the top order, especially with Kieran Trevaskis away.
"Joe Boaden drops back to the second team and Matty Stewart retains his place following a great 45 score.”
Lanchester are just above the relegation trapdoor and need points. Skipper Greg Patterson said: “Myself and Luke McCabe return to the side and we are looking to build on last week’s good win at Philadelphia.”
At the bottom, three teams are vying to get away from the relegation zone and two of them meet up at Eastwood Gardens, where Gateshead Fell host Philadelphia. Only a single point is separating the two sides.
Philadelphia will be without three players – all bowl
ers – as Steve Wright has struggled for several weeks with a leg injury.
Chairman Malcolm Pratt said: “He made his comeback last week but is again ruled out, while Alex Davison, who has impressed since being promoted from the second team, and Gary Embleton, are also unavailable.”
Pratt added: “Hopefully, young Luke Robinson can play. He is suffering with a foot injury, which caused him to miss the midweek junior game, and is to see a physio before letting captain Shaun Smith know whether he can turn out.”
Crook are the other team in trouble and they face Ashington at Dawson Street. The visitors have an outside chance of promotion and have match winners throughout their team, so this will be a tough ask for the home side.
Two teams safely settled in mid-table and separated by just two points, Blaydon and Shotley Bridge, meet up at Denefield.
In the Dukes ECB North East Premier League, leaders Burnmoor entertain Tynemouth and skipper Alec Linsley said: “After a hard fought draw last Saturday against South North, we will be looking to return to winning ways against a strong Tynemouth side.
"It’s only their second visit to the Village Ground and I’m sure they will be looking to improve on their last visit, which saw them leave emptyhanded.
“We go in to the game at full strength, as Paul Craig is available. Graeme Bridge is also fit to bowl following a couple weeks out with a hamstring injury.
"We are currently top as we approach the business end of the season. Lots of ups and downs between now and then but, hopefully, we can keep on track with a win.”
Fourth-placed Chester-leStreet are by no means out of the title race yet and they entertain Whitburn at Ropery Lane.
Skipper John Coxon said: “We have now had a couple of excellent wins and the confidence is back that we can challenge for the title again. Jack Harrison was excellent with the ball again but he will be missing this week, with his brother George. Hopefully, we will welcome back Andrew Smith from injury and Matthew Cranston should also return.”
Sacriston are at in-form Eppleton, who have won their last three games in the league.
Fixture secretary Iain Bestford said: “We're seriously depleted, with captain Phil Peel out for a few weeks because of a broken finger, so Dan Thexton will stand in as skipper. Mel Betts also misses with a hamstring injury and Jack Keall and Stan McAlindon are both unavailable.
"So, Andrew Dixon and Mark Fort are promoted from the second team and Craig Robertson makes his first appearance of the season.”
Washington travel to Felling and skipper Joe Thompson said: “We will hopefully be back to full strength with four lads returning, who all missed last week for various reasons.
"We see this game as another massive opportunity to pick up some points and we feel like the cricket we’ve played lately has been good.”
“Thompson added: “Felling will also be up for the game, so it will be a tough match. But we’re confident that, if we play to our potential, we can reverse the result of game earlier in the season.”
In the other two games, South Northumberland have had the most draws this season (five) and host in-form Hetton Lyons, who have only been beaten once in their last seven outings.
Burnopfield are in freefall and need to re-group to get some points on the board.
However, they face Benwell Hill, who have had a great season and are third, still in with a chance of the league title.