SOUTH Northumberland are right back in the thick of the Dukes North East Premier League title race after pulling 61 points back on leaders Chester-le-Street in the last four games.
And the bank holiday double presents them with the perfect opportunity to complete their remarkable comeback in style.
However, the Bulls will have to be at their very best to enhance their challenge as they face formidable opposition in the shape of Benwell Hill today, before confronting the Cestrians on Monday.
The Gosforth outfit are now just 20 points behind Chester, who were streets ahead just a month ago, but today’s derby at Denton Bank is a must win for the in-form Bulls given that Chester will start as heavy favourites in their home game against struggling Stockton.
The Hill have won their last two matches to consolidate fourth place in the table, and they are at full strength – but so, too, are South North.
The Cestrians have a big weekend in front of them as they entertain Central Yorkshire League side New Farnley in the Barbados Cockspur T20 Club Cup tomorrow, the winners earning a place in the televised finals day at Chelmsford in September.
South North have already featured in two of those finals days in recent years, and they know how high Chester could be flying by tomorrow night – so they will be hoping for a bit of ‘jet-lag’ from the leaders at Roseworth Terrace the following day.
With the Durham pyramid appearing to be in a state of flux at the moment, it could well be that relegation from the NEPL will not be an issue this year, but on the other hand it would be sensible to try and avoid finishing bottom of the table.
That is easier said than done for Gateshead Fell, who are currently 35 points adrift of second bottom South Shields.
But at least they do have two home games in which to try and make some progress, starting with Blaydon today before the Academy visit on Monday.
The bad news for the Fell is that Blaydon’s side will include Mark Stoneman, who was one of the few batsmen in form for Durham in the championship this week, although the Academy could be a bit leg weary as that game is likely to be their fourth in four days.
Gateshead show just one change with Mitch Phillips replacing Steve Devenport.
South Shields expect to be at full strength for their opener against the Academy, but they have delayed selection for the home game against Newcastle as several players are likely to have work commitments.
Sunderland expect to be back to full strength for their double, with Chris Rushworth and Chris Youldon back in the fold.
The Wearsiders present the main threat to Benwell Hill’s fourth-place hopes, and they look to have a favourable fixture list over the bank holiday with a home game against a Hetton Lyons side missing leading run scorer Shaun Birbeck, followed by a trip to lowly Stockton.
Hill complete their demanding weekend with a game at Blaydon on Monday.
CHRIS WEST
