Sunderland aiming to bring Hetton Lyons down to earth
Sunderland welcome unbeaten Hetton Lyons to Ashbrooke this weekend in the Dukes ECB North East Premier League looking to bring that run to an immediate halt.
Sunderland skipper Gregg Applegarth said: “We are hoping to bounce back after a spirited performance against Chester-leStreet last time out.
"We will have to be on good form verses a competitive Hetton Lyons side, who are currently unbeaten this season.
“We are also pleased to welcome our overseas player Will Bosisto over for his first game of the season this weekend.
"However, we have a few absentees for work and wedding commitments, so there will be a few changes from last week’s side as we look to gain the victory.”
Lyons skipper Stuart Walker said: “Chris Martin is in for David Lowther and It should be a good hard fought game.”
Chester-le-Street entertain league leaders Felling and skipper John Coxon said: “It was great to win last week, and we put in a good performance which was pleasing.
"Quentin Hughes was excellent all round and well supported by the rest of the team.”
“We’re looking forward to this week’s game against Felling.
"They’ve started tremendously well and it will be a tough game, but we will be working hard to win the game.
"We should have everyone available this weekend for the first time this season.”
Whitburn travel to Benwell Hill and skipper Paul Shields said: “We name an unchanged team after last week’s disappointing performance at South North.
"So, we go into the Benwell game looking to improve and get back to the performance levels that saw us win against Chester-leStreet and Eppleton.”
Benwell Hill skipper Peter Halliday said: “Luke Doneathy is still doubtful and Anthony Hunter is unavailable.
"It was a great win at Eppleton last week, but focus switches quickly to Whitburn, who have recruited well over the winter and will provide a tough test on Saturday.”
Burnmoor take on Burnopfield and Alec Linsley said: “After the disappointing loss at Hetton Lyons last week, so we go in to this “must win” game with an unchanged side.
"Captain Ryan Pringle will want to put right the wrongs and get back amongst the teams at the top.
“It’s always a tough game against Burnopfield, buoyed by the magnificent 197 from John Oswell at the weekend.
"We are confident we have enough in our side to turn things round, starting this Saturday.”
Eppleton, who are without a win so far this season, take on Newcastle at Church Road.
Visiting director of cricket Phil Hudson said: “We make one change following last weekend’s defeat to Burnopfield.
"Ben Robinson returns to the side following a bout of food poisoning, with Matthew Stewart dropping into the seconds.
“After a positive start to the season, we have been on the wrong side of a couple of narrow defeats and fine individual performances and will look to put that right on Saturday.”
In the other game, champions South North entertain Tynemouth at Roseworth Terrace.
In Division One, Castle Eden lead the table with four wins from their first four games.
They take on Washington at Parklands and skipper Jonathan Malkin said: “We are unchanged from last week and looking to continue our winning ways against a good competitive Washington side.”
Washington skipper Joe Thompson said: “We will be unchanged from last weekend’s game.
"We go to Castle Eden this weekend, who have shown in the early season that they are going to be one of the teams to beat.
"We will go there full of confidence after a decent start to the season.
"However, we know we will need to perform at our best if we’re to come away with the victory.”
Philadelphia are second with three wins and a tied match last weekend and on Saturday they have professional Nikil Gangta making his debut in the home game with Gateshead Fell.
Chairman Malcolm Pratt said: “Nikil has averaged 40 in the India first class game and I'm looking forward to him opening the batting.
"Philadelphia’s only doubt is paceman Steve Wright, who had to withdraw from the attack last Saturday, after bowling just one over as he suffered a shoulder injury.”
Willington travel to Ashington and the hosts skipper Sean McCafferty said: “We have Callum Storey doubtful for the weekend due to injury, but Ben Harmison comes back into the side after missing last week.
"We are hoping to make it four wins in a row on Saturday.”
Sacriston play Shotley Bridge at Front Street, with fixture secretary Iain Bestford stating: “Luke Husband and Matthew Brown come in to replace Mark Fort and Ed Foreman, who are both unavailable.
"We're looking to extend our two game winning streak and we welcome back to the club two former players in Dan Anderson and Reece Carr.”
In the other two games, Blaydon entertain Lanchester, while Crook welcome Seaham Park to their Dawson Street ground.