Seaham Park out to shake off titles rivals in top of table clash
In the Readers Durham & North East Cricket League, it’s the big game at the top as Division One league leaders Seaham Park travel to secondplaced Esh Winning’s Rear Brandon Road ground.
Visiting skipper Dale Shaw said: “After last week’s performance, we are hoping to put some clear distance between us and second, with a win in a tough game at their ground.”
Marsden need some points to push themselves clear of the relegation mire. They face promotion-chasing and third-placed South Shields.
Skipper Owen Peterson said: “It is our ‘local derby’ and our team is unchanged, following last Saturday’s defeat at Durham City. We know we’re in for a tough game, as Shields are challenging for the league title but, hopefully, we can upset the form book.”
Littletown host bottom club Bill Quay and head of cricket Craig Arundel said: “We keep the same side that fell to a defeat at Seaham Park last weekend.
Captain Paul Cassell said: “This is a huge game for us as we succumbed to a bad defeat last week and also didn’t have a very good result against Bill Quay earlier in the season.
“We have what we would consider our full strength side out for the game, who will all be desperate to redeem themselves for the reverse fixture result.”
Ushaw Moor are second
bottom and host third-bottom Dawdon Welfare at the Recreation Ground. The visitors do have a 32-point cushion, so the onus is on the home side there.
In the other game, Durham City welcome Brandon to Green Lane. The visitors must win to keep their slim promotion chances alive.
Hylton have no game this weekend.
Division Two leaders Seaham Harbour host Murton and skipper Stewart Pattison said: “We have both Dane Wilson and Shaun Hagan returning but Calum Blackford is away on a farming holiday and exciting prospect Joe Carlin will play in the second team.”
Tudhoe entertain promotion seeking Ryhope, who are in second place. Skipper
David Curry said: “We are boosted by the inclusion of batsman Andrew Carrick and all-rounder Harrison Whitfield. We played Ryhope in a cup tie during midweek and it was a well fought contest, which they won.”
Curry added: “We are looking to give them another competitive game but they are in great form in the league and are a very good team. So we know we will have to be at our very best to have a chance of winning.”
Silksworth travel to third placed Mainsforth and skipper Andy Barrass said: “No confirmed team news as yet but it looks like availability will be affected by the start of football season. Another tough game, this time away to Mainsforth, but we’ll give it our best shot.”
Horden are 11 points adrift of safety but they have a tough game at home to in-form Peterlee. With Boldon CA having no game, this is the ideal opportunity to make some points up, as the season enters the last stages.
In the other game, Evenwood welcome Hunwick to the Welfare Ground.
Boldon CA have no game this weekend.