Northumberland Leagues

Sep 12 2009 by Chris West, The Journal

WITH championship and relegation issues already decided in the Wellstream NTSL the runners-up spot is still up for grabs going into the last round of matches this afternoon.

Shotley Bridge occupy that place but only by four points from Sacriston, who have put together a blistering run of seven straight victories.

Sacriston’s final game is at Lintz who, after flirting with relegation for much of the campaign, have pulled away strongly with four wins in their last six matches.

Both sides put out unchanged and full strength sides as they vie for close season bragging rights.

Bridge have home advantage as they take on a Percy Main team who look set to finish fourth after a successful return to top-flight cricket. And to add to their satisfaction at an excellent season the club have confirmed that popular pro Mohtashim Ali has been re-engaged for 2010. Michael Phillips and Simon Curtis return to the Main side today.

There may not be a dry eye in the house when former Bridge player David Jackson plays his final game before retirement when his Leadgate side entertain Benwell & Walbottle.

The 54 year-old all-rounder will hang up his boots after a record-breaking career in North East club cricket that has earned him legendary status.

A formal retirement occasion is being planned in just a few weeks time with the Annfield Plain, Shotley and Consett clubs being invited to celebrate a remarkable life in the game.

Elsewhere, triple champions Swalwell take their final bow at home to Ryton who will be glad to see the back of 2009, Tynedale take on unchanged Annfield Plain and Ashington have a number of injury doubts ahead of their trip to Morpeth and defer selection.

Just two short weeks ago, Alnmouth were polishing up their SG Wealth Management Northumberland League trophy and dusting off their shelves in preparation for the return of the coveted silverware for another 12 months.

And who could blame them, they held a 35-point lead with three games to play. If the rather large lady was not yet singing she was clearing her throat! But a mixture of fire and water has turned their season upside down and set up an enthralling end to a campaign that looked as good as over. Initially it was Blue Flames who lit the fuse when they played with fire in their bellies to leave Alnmouth looking burnt out.

Then last week the flash floods descended upon Berwick, where the title holders were due to play, making cricket impossible whilst at the same time the Blues boys were in the pink romping to their seventh consecutive win to go two points clear at the top.

But now the heat is on the Flames as they go for glory. They have never before won the title and Bedlington are the team who now stand between them and the championship – 21 points will be enough to secure the silverware.

Unsurprisingly, Flames have a strong team in the field with only Neil Hurren absent – pro Saleem Akhtar returns, as do Richard Worrall, Mark Moody and Rob Walker. Bedlington will not make it easy for their visitors, skipper Paul Straker is pleased with a campaign that has seen the emergence of several promising youngsters, and the Terriers will be at full strength.

Alnmouth welcome back Ian Pearson and include 14-year-old Callum Batey in the squad travelling to Blagdon Park, although Chris Hauselburger will once again be missing through work.

Kirkley need a win to ensure they retain their Premier Division status, and hope the omens favour them as they entertain unchanged Berwick, the last team they managed to beat, and in the first half of the season at that.

Keeper Steve Atkinson returns, but the hosts are sweating on the fitness of opening bowler Dave Walton who is carrying a hamstring injury.

Lee Frost is back to skipper Bates Cottages at Clara Vale where the home team have a full squad available, Andy Dover is in the Corbridge team who play at full-strength Stocksfield, and veteran Warkworth keeper Eric Hall hangs up his gloves after his side entertain Bomarsund – it seems a bit of a hasty decision as Hall has only played in the league for 49 years and is just 64!