Northumberland Leagues Preview
May 24 2008 by Chris West, The Journal
WHILE the fixture books don’t show it, there is double delight for Wellstream Northumberland and Tyneside Senior League supporters this weekend with the normal programme today and the re-arranged fixtures from the aborted first day of the season taking place on Monday.
The programme holds the allure of some cracking matches, with third-placed Shotley Bridge facing both the teams above them in the table.
Bridge have waited week after week for news of their overseas player, and their patience has finally snapped, with the club moving quickly to find a replacement.
Skipper Neil Burdon said: “Unfortunately, due to the circumstances in Zimbabwe, we could wait no longer for the arrival of Ed Rainsford, which is disappointing both for us and the player.
“We have signed Sri Lankan left arm pace bowler Nantika Ranjith and, subject to his work permit coming through, he will play this weekend.”
Bridge take on the new sensations of the top division today when Ryton are the visitors, and then play at Swalwell on Monday. If Ranjith can do for Bridge what Anil Ridee has done for Ryton they will be more than delighted.
The visitors hand a first-team debut to 16-year-old Joe Harmes in what will be a tough few days for them also, with a trip to Tynedale in prospect on Monday.
Several key Tynedale players face late fitness tests. Opening bowler Richard Darling, keeper Jamie Crichton and pro Stuart Graham all have niggles.
Joe Mills, Alex Thompson and Hugh Twizell stand by as replacements for the two home games, beginning against Backworth this afternoon.
Sacriston have a potential availability problem of another kind – Harry Hubber’s partner is due to give birth shortly. Ian Pattison is missing for the trips to Lintz and Annfield Plain.
New signing Andy Smith from Chopwell slots straight into the Lintz line-up as Gary Christie is away. They entertain Ashington in their second match, the Colliers welcoming back batsman Ross Sample.
Leadgate hope to kickstart their season by making use of two home fixtures, with Ashington arriving this afternoon and Backworth on Monday. Leadgate have David Richardson and Paul Hutchinson back.
Annfield Plain are another with two matches on home soil – before Sacriston they take on Newcastle City. Plain have keeper Mark Carlin unavailable for both matches with Kieran Gohery slotting in today and David Maughan on Monday. City will have Imran Dogar back.
There is just the one set of fixtures this weekend in the Three CountiesNorthumberland League with the big game taking place this afternoon at Bomarsund where Bormasund Welfare, currently second, play Warkworth, currently third.
The home team hope to be unchanged, but Warkworth hope to have West Indian right arm quickie Maurice Lester for the game. Also returning to the visitors’ line-up is Mark Robson.
Leaders Kirkley boast the only remaining 100% record and go into their home match against Blyth with a few players carrying injury niggles, although all are expected to play. Bedlington entertain Clara Vale with Nicky Carr back and junior Josh Laverick is drafted in.
Blue Flames have Shaun Collins and Mark Moody back at Stocksfield. Heaton Park are unchanged for the visit of Corbridge who welcome back Andy Dover.
Alnmouth’s Joe Poole and Bob Daisley likely to be in for Ben Oliver and Robins Tudor. Visitors Bates Cottages have two new faces – Ross Symington and Michael Fishwick, the latter making his seasonal debut.
