Battle intensifying at both ends of the table

A DOUBLE programme takes teams to the halfway stage of the season, with the battle at both ends of the table intensifying.

Normanby Hall have a key role to play as they face two of the top three sides. A strong start to the season has faded a little in recent weeks and Hall have slipped back into mid-table, so a game at Acklam Park followed by the visit of Guisborough will provide a real test of their resolve.

They expect to be unchanged for both matches, although there is a slight doubt about Kiwi Test player Paul Wiseman today due to personal commitments.

After the home game against Hall, Middlesbrough play at bottom club Billingham once again without the services of the league’s leading run scorer, Paul Johnston, as his 11 days of cricket with Durham UCCE continue into next week.

Also missing tomorrow will be the top amateur wicket taker James Beaumont, who will be playing for Cumbria, but Scottish T20 World Cup hero Kyle Coetzer, and new pro Mohammad Siddiq both appear.

Before the trip to Cricket Lane an unchanged Guisborough outfit begin their weekend at Fountains Garth today where Marske are the visitors.

The Seasiders have delayed selection but Guy Whatmore is missing today, and Karl Bramwell misses the Windy Hill meeting with Great Ayton tomorrow.

After knocking Boro out of both the Kerridge and Macmillan cups confidence at Marton could not be higher as they attempt to also usurp their fierce rivals in the title stakes.

Newly-wed John Glendenen is back from honeymoon to beef up the squad, although spinner Ben Hutchinson is on holiday.

Marton begin their programme at Leven Park this afternoon where Great Ayton will have Neil Pearson returning after holiday.

Darlington’s double sees them at Mandale Bottoms for their first game, and then back to Feethams to take on Hartlepool. James Dobson, Paul Raine and Dave Eckels play in the first match but miss the second, with Lee Hutton and Steve Lister drafted in and Mark Stainsby dipping his broken toe in the Pool for the first time since his recovery.

Northallerton are forced into changes, with Richard Chandler only available tomorrow, and Joe Clarkson away on league duty tomorrow, while Ian Gill is a doubt.

On the plus side Richard Bentley is back from holiday in time for both games, the first of which could not carry more significance as it pits them against bottom club Billingham.

Before tomorrow’s trip to Feethams, Hartlepool look to reignite their title challenge at Park Drive against Richmondshire boosted by the news that Mike Gough is available for both days, although this is tempered by the fact that Marc Symington is missing tomorrow as he’s playing for Northumberland, and Chris Fawcett only plays in today’s game.

Bishop Auckland are at full strength with the return of Ben Usher, Neil Killeen turns out twice for Blackhall although university student Dan Hardy has returned to Devon for the summer.

Mike Muldowney makes his seasonal debut for Thornaby after a long injury battle and is joined by the returning Andrew Emmerson, and Kev Forbes returns to the Richmondshire line-up.

In Division One the scene is set for a battle royal with promotion chasing Barnard Castle needing to make full use of home advantage when they take on runaway leaders Stokesley this afternoon.