Boldon CA entertain Tudhoe in crucial relegation confrontation
At the bottom of Readers Durham & North East Cricket League
Division Two, Boldon CA sit just above the relegation trapdoor.
This weekend, they host Tudhoe, the team just above them, at New Road.
Skipper Stuart Smith said: “Myself, Mark Cox and Sam Sanderson return. Conor Elliott misses out because of work commitments and Raj Kumasarmy returns to the side from India, after a long visit back home.”
Tudhoe skipper David Curry said: “We are boosted by the availability of Jonny Hall and James Curry for the game. Unfortunately, the game at Tudhoe was called off by rain earlier in the season, so we look forward to playing them for the first time this season, and are expecting a hard-fought contest.”
League leaders Seaham Harbour travel to Hunwick with a 60-point lead, while second-placed Ryhope welcome third-placed Mainsforth to Recreation Park in what could be a promotiondeciding game for the home side. Chairman Ian Lawrence said: “We have one change this week, as Liam Stores returns to the first team.”
Silksworth looked doomed, as they welcome Evenwood. However, skipper Andy Barrass was still feeling positive and said: “Myself, Scott Davison and Paul Smailes return to the team after missing last week’s game.
"We’re having a tough year this year but, hopefully, we can put in a few good performances between now and the end of the season and continue to pick up some points.”
Horden are second bottom but they have no game this weekend.
In the other game, two teams comfortable in midtable, Peterlee and Murton, meet up at the Helford Oval.
In Division One of the Readers Durham & North East Cricket League, only three points separate the top three teams.
Seaham Park lead the way on 243 points and they welcome Littletown. Skipper Dale Shaw said: “Anthony Watson returns after a stint out. This should be a big boost to our bowling line up and will hopefully give us the extra
firepower to get us to the league title.”
“We are looking to capitalise on our win at the weekend with another win this weekend and keep some momentum, moving into a big game next week.”
Esh Winning with 242 points in second place, journey to Dawdon Welfare. Skipper Paul Chivers said: “Stuart Hall returns for Mark Davison
and it is our only change.
"Last week’s performance was incredible, knocking off 263, it was a fantastic game of cricket. However, we are on to another tough game at Dawdon.”
South Shields are third with 240 points but they have no game this weekend.
Marsden travel to Durham City and skipper Owen Peterson said: “We are hoping to bounce back after a disappointing defeat at Brandon last Saturday.
"Batsman Asif Ramzan is unavailable for the next three games so Matt Evans is recalled.”
At the bottom, Bill Quay look in serious trouble and they travel to Brandon, while Ushaw Moor are lying second bottom and they also travel, to Hylton.