Halliday not bowled over by mixed year
DUKES NORTH EAST PREMIER LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION
DESPITE another Premier Division title being firmly within their grasp, South Northumberland’s summer has been a “mixed” one, writes TONY HODGSON.
That is the view of secretary Gordon Halliday as the Gosforth-based outfit heads into a Bank Holiday weekend double-header against Hetton Lyons and Eppleton holding a gigantic 65-run lead at the top of the table.
The reigning champions all but ended the brave challenge of Chester-le-Street by trouncing them by eight wickets in last weekend’s crunch top-two clash.
With three of their last four games against sides in the bottom four Eppleton, Sacriston and Felling Adam Cragg’s men look a shoe-in for yet another championship.
Despite that, though, Halliday is not totally content with his side’s efforts this summer. He admitted: “It has been a bit mixed to be honest.
“Our targets at the start of the campaign were to do well in the NEPL and in the two national club competitions we entered.
“We did not do as well in the club competitions as we would have liked - we went out at the quarter-final stages which is unusual for us.
“However, we have been very strong all summer in the Premier Division and that is very pleasing.
“If we can take maximum points from our remaining games we will be champions but we know that will not be easy. We have Hetton Lyons tomorrow and that will be a real challenge for us.
“They are third in the table, have Durham’s Jack Burnham in their side and also Stuart Walker opening the innings.
“They are a good side and in good form.
“Eppleton are struggling near the bottom but it is never easy to win on their ground.
“I feel it is unlikely we will clinch the title over the weekend but we are in a fantastic position with so few games to play.”
Benwell Hill host Tynemouth and both will be looking to secure a win to push themselves into the top three.
With just four games remaining in the season, anyone of four teams realistically could be relegated.
Sacriston are bottom, 11 points from safety, and take on Whitburn tomorrow.
Sacriston secretary Iain Bestford said: “The side turning out on Saturday will probably be our strongest so far this season.
“The points tomorrow will be vital looking at how close it is at the bottom.”
Felling travel to fellow strugglers Eppleton but do have a six-point advantage over their opponents going into the clash.
TOMORROW’S FIXTURES: Premier Division (noon) - Benwell Hill v Tynemouth, Eppleton v Felling, Hetton Lyons v South Northumberland, Newcastle v Durham Cricket Academy, Sacriston v Whitburn, Stockton v Chester-le-Street. Division One (12.15): Blaydon v Boldon, Brandon v Sunderland, Burnmoor v South Shields, Castle Eden v Washington, Gateshead Fell v Burnopfield.