Coxon admits Cestrians are desperate for first victory
Chester-le-Street welcome Sunderland to Ropery Lane this weekend desperate to get off the mark in the Dukes ECB North East Premier League.
Cestrians’ skipper John Coxon said: “We played pretty well against Whitburn last week, but Jack Burnham’s innings just took the game away from us.
"Most areas of our game were improved, so we’re hoping to continue to move forward this weekend against Sunderland.
“Hopefully, Amaan Ulhaq and Stan McAlindon will return this week and they can help us get our first win that we desperately need. It’s a must-win game.”
Sunderland skipper Greg Applegarth said: “It was a disappointing performance with the bat last week, so we will be looking to put that right, and time for senior players to take more responsibility.
"Younger players Kyle Hutchinson and Louis Dinsdale performed admirably last week.
“We are hoping to welcome George Drissell back from Durham duty, and it will be a week too soon before we have an overseas available.
"Will be a tough game at Chester, who themselves will be looking to rectify their recent performances.”
Hetton Lyons go into their game at home to Burnmoor with three consecutive wins at their Lilywhite Terrace Ground.
Burnmoor’s Alec Lindsey said: “This week sees one change from Saturdays team, with Graham Clark replacing Daz Hickey.
"We had a good win at the weekend over an impressive, young, Newcastle side, with everyone contributing with either bat or ball.
“This week we go to table toppers Hetton Lyons. It will be a tough contest and one we will need to be at our very best, if we are to stop there 100% winning start to season.
“A win will get us back amongst the leaders so hopefully we can get over the line.”
Whitburn journey to champions South North and skipper Paul Shields said: “We go into the game with an unchanged side and on the back of two good wins last week.
"We have made a good start to the season, but know that South North away from home will be our biggest test of the season so far.”
Newcastle travel to Burnopfield and director of cricket Phil Hudson said: “We hope to bounce back from defeat to Burnmoor. We should be at full strength and will welcome back Tom Mackintosh and Kieran Trevaskis into the squad, with the final line up yet to be decided.”
In the other two games, Eppleton without a win so far this season, entertain Benwell Hill at Church Road and league leaders Felling, take on third placed Tynemouth at High Heworth Lane.
Benwell Hill skipper Peter Halliday said: “We are hoping to welcome Luke Doneathy back, but otherwise the squad is likely to be the same as last week. We were delighted with the win against Sunderland and hopefully we can take momentum from that performance into the game at Eppleton.”
In Division One, Washington entertain Willington and skipper Joe Thompson said: “We will have one change from last Saturday as Tom Sproates is away.
"We were disappointed with the result last weekend, but there were a few positives to take and we lost to a good Shotley Bridge team.
"We look forward to hosting a good Willington side and we expect another tough game, but we know if we play to our potential we are good enough to get the win.”
Philadelphia take on Blaydon at Bunker Hill and chairman Malcolm Pratt said: “We could hardly have made a better start to the season, with four consecutive wins under their belts.
"After winning all three league games, we progressed in the Banks Salver last Sunday with a comprehensive victory over Castle Eden.
"This early season success has been achieved without professional Nikil Gangta, who is still waiting for his visa.
"In addition, Steve Wright missed the first two games through injury and Peter Greenwell has yet to play.”
Skipper Shaun Hauxwell added: “So far, so good, but we are certainly not counting our chickens, there's an awful long way to go, who is leading the team for the first time.
"Selection for the visit of Blaydon is delayed in the hope that Gangta will arrived in time to play.”
League leaders Castle Eden travel to Lanchester and skipper Jonathan Malkin said: “We have one change this week, Jason Moses is on paternity leave, but we are unsure who will replace him yet.
"We are looking to make it four wins out of four.”
Sacriston take on Seaham Park and fixture secretary Iain Bestford said: “We expect to have Luke Husband available this weekend, having missed last weekend due to illness, but we expect Jack Keall and Dan Thexton to miss out again due to injury.
"We are buoyed by the win last weekend and hoping to build on that result with another home game.”
Ashington take on Crook and skipper Sean McCafferty said: “We have one forced change with Adam Nichol unavailable and we are hoping to make it three wins in a row, in what will be a tough game against Crook.”
Gateshead Fell, without a win so far this season, take on fourth placed Shotley Bridge at Eastfield Gardens.