Murton under threat

THE dominance of Murton looks to be under serious threat this summer.

Champions in five of the last six seasons, the loss of star men Calvin Stephenson and Joe Dodd will be a significant hurdle for new skipper Graeme Robson to overcome.

But it is not so much the possible dimming of Murton’s powers that will be a factor, but the significant strengthening of the contenders for their title.

Castle Eden have made a clear statement of intent in their signings of Stephenson as pro, and Davey Hanson from Seaham Park. Added to those quality acquisitions are the returning skills of Alan Unsworth, missed for the last few seasons because of family commitments.

Ryhope, third last time, also appear to have strengthened with the arrival of Jimmy Taylor and Andy Docherty (both Seaham Park), and Berwick Hall from Murton.

Steven Wright captains a team that looks like challenger material.

Easington struggled in 2008 but welcome back to the club proven performer John Sample, who has spent many years at Northallerton in the NYSD League, and he has brought with him a class batsman in Mark Cowell.

Washington are another to keep an eye on. The arrival of Billy Teesdale will be a boost, and his Evenwood colleague, Ryan Nicholson, has also joined, although Michael Thorpe has departed for Willington.

In last year’s flatter-to-deceive category were Boldon CA who, despite having a decent looking squad, ended up well down the rankings. Joint League player of the year, Karl Bellerby, will lead them this time, and he will be able to utilise the talents of opening bat Gary Frater, who has returned from Whiteleas.

Bill Quay are determined to shake off the also-rans tag of 2008, and with the signing of Joe Dodd as pro they are expecting to be pushing at the opposite end of the table.

Boosting the squad further is the returning Mattie Dench.

It’s been a tough winter for Seaham Park, who finished fourth in the last campaign.

As well as the departures of Hanson, Taylor and Docherty, the Hauxwells, Ian and Sean, are trying their luck in the DSL with Philadelphia, Alan Dick has retired and Andrew Worthy will struggle with his work commitments again.

One new arrival is John Atkinson, the former Sunderland batsman.

Paul Smailes at Silksworth and Dale Butler at Peterlee lead virtually unchanged lineups into the new season, while Dawdon have lost talented youngsters Craig Scurr and Anthony Watson to Seaham Harbour, and Craig Stephenson to South Hetton.