Northern Rock North East Premier League
Jul 19 2008 by Chris West, The Journal
THERE may be a chink of light for beleaguered Newcastle ahead of their match starting this morning at Jesmond against Durham Academy.
The winless Tynesiders, who have shown signs of improved form in the last month or so despite the constant weather disruptions, will be coming up against a team whose form has been erratic of late, and who are facing a mini injury crisis.
It was a bittersweet couple of days for the Academy last weekend as they crashed to defeat against Sunderland, being bowled out for just 65, but the following day turned on a superb batting display to defeat South North in the Banks Salver semi-final.
The visitors will definitely be missing Calum Harding, who suffered a broken nose when trying to hook a Shahid Nazir bouncer, and Ben Stokes also misses out with a broken bone in his hand. Michael Turns dislocated a finger when captaining Durham under-17s to a win over Yorkshire but could still play. For the home side Rob Fahrenheim and Paul Lindsay are back in action.
Chester-le-Street have two home games to savour this weekend as they entertain struggling Benwell Hill today and then welcome Derbyshire Premier League side Ockbrook and Borrowash to Ropery Lane tomorrow for a last-16 Cockspur Cup tie.
Street go into the two matches with the same 13 players as last weekend, and are hoping Luke Evans will be able to play in both games – although this may depend on how Durham view his fitness with county commitments coming up next week.
South Shields look to continue their challenge for the championship when they travel to Teesside to take on Stockton, but they do so without leading bowler Matthew Muchall. Muchall has taken more wickets than anyone else in the league, and stands fourth in the bowling list with an impressive average of just over 11, so his absence is a blow.
However, Stockton have started to exhibit some old frailties in recent weeks and are too close to the drop zone for comfort. They have absentees of their own in Guy Darwin and Joe Thwaites, with Chris Parr and Alan Baird brought in.
Leaders South Northumberland complete a trio of title contenders taking on lower-placed sides as they entertain Gateshead Fell. Brendan Ford returns after recovering from his hamstring injury and Neil Corby also plays. For full-strength Sunderland it’s the same again as they try to continue their push up the table when they welcome Norton to Ashbrooke. Jon Kean and Ben Duncan are back to bolster the Teessiders.
In the final game of the day Tynemouth entertain Blaydon who give a debut to former Norton overseas man Craig Knox, while the hosts have John Callaghan returning to the side.
