GATESHEAD Fell have only lost one Dukes NEPL game this season and currently enjoy a comfortable berth in mid-table, but their tranquility is set to be tested today when league leaders South Northumberland arrive at Eastwood Gardens to try and complete the next instalment in their seven-in-a-row bid.
With the national cup defeat now fully out of their systems, the Bulls are looking to power on towards a league and cup double. And having already tasted success this season at the Fell in the Banks Salver, the title-holders are looking for a repeat performance to enable them to maximise the advantage over their two closest rivals, who could potentially inflict wounds on each other when they clash today.
Other than their overseas and Durham players, Jonny Nicholls was Gateshead’s leading bowler last term, and his return from holiday will provide them with a little more firepower with which to tackle the top dogs, who go into the match with an unchanged line-up from last weekend.
In terms of firepower, there are few teams that can boast the strike capabilities that South Shields have at their disposal, but their potent attack will have their work cut out today when they travel to Ropery Lane to tackle the powerful Chester-le-Street, who have a big weekend.
Mike Fishwick plays for the visitors, replacing Oliver Stedman, while the Cestrians have a full squad to choose from yet again.
Tomorrow, Chester make the long trip down the east coast to play Scarborough in the fourth round of the ECB National Club Knockout Cup, a mouthwatering fixture at an atmospheric ground and a great day out for bucket and spade lovers!
The one downside for Chester is that Luke Evans will be cup tied because of four overs he bowled for Durham earlier this year.
Benwell Hill show just the one change when they entertain Blaydon, Graeme Race returning to replace Matt Hynd. Mark Stoneman is still injured, so the visitors’ side is unchanged from last week.
Tynemouth are only 16 points above bottom club Stockton, so their home match with a Newcastle team just one place above them in the table has turned into a must-win affair for both sides.
Second-team skipper Andrew Lineham steps up to replace Daniel Young in the home line-up, with all-rounder Philip Morse also playing in place of James Sander. For Newcastle, skipper Richie Evans will be back at the helm, taking over from Ross McLaren.
Durham Academy will probably rest Matthew Sampson-Barnes as a precaution as he was struck on the head last week, if so Liam Coates will take his place as the youngsters play their fifth Maiden Castle match in succession. And there is a lot riding on it, with bottom club Stockton desperate for points, and the Academy desperate to avoid the ignominy of replacing them at the foot of the table.
In the day’s final game, struggling Norton entertain a Sunderland side which includes Chris Rushworth.
CHRIS WEST