Local league round-up

IT’S a big day in the Dukes North-East Premier League, as the two big guns go head to head.

Six times champions South Northumberland take on the side seemingly best equipped to end their domination, Chester-le-Street.

The Cestrians have already knocked the Bulls out of the national cup so they will travel to Gosforth in the best of spirits and with a full strength squad.

The home team, protecting a 14-month unbeaten league record, will be missing Richard Brook and he is replaced by promising batsman James Carding.

At the opposite end of the table Benwell Hill include Oxford University player Richard Coughtrie in the party travelling to bottom club Stockton.

With Swalwell and Shotley Bridge both rained off last week, Sacriston made full use of the opportunity to push their noses into the NTSL championship trough.

They are now 14 points behind the leaders with their match at Swalwell this afternoon the highlight of the programme.

Sacriston anticipate that Gordon Muchall will be available, although Harry Hubber is struggling with a groin injury.

Another Durham man, Ben Harmison, is expected to feature for bottom club Ryton at home to Percy Main for whom Dave Tweed makes his seasonal debut.

And it’s also guns at dawn in the Warmseal Durham Senior League where unchanged leaders Boldon are set to be tested by secondplaced Whitburn.

The visitors will have their strongest team for some weeks in the field with Aussie Chris Wood and Paul Shields back from injury, and Paul Cook, Ross Carty and Andy Turns returning.

There will be a couple of new signings on display in other games with champions Burnmoor handing a debut to Sri Lankan Ikram Abdeen in their match at Felling, and Adam McGuire playing for new club Eppleton at Seaham Harbour after joining from Hetton Lyons.

With second-placed Willington playing at Hylton and leaders Kimblesworth at Langley Park the toughest Readers Durham County League match for teams in the leading group would appear to be Shildon’s home game against Ushaw Moor.

Shildon will have to do without the key services of skipper Phil Timmens and Phil Garbutt against a Moor team fully capable of causing upsets.

Evenwood have been galloping up the table recently but they’ll have their work cut out at Esh Winning as they face an exodus of players on holiday. Darren Wallace, James Alderson, Matthew McConnell and Kevin Watson all miss out.

It’s a double weekend in the 3D Durham Coast League with teams playing today and tomorrow.

After becoming the first side to topple leaders Castle Eden last week, Washington have the frustration of having to sit one of the days out, so their match at home to Boldon CA tomorrow takes on importance as they aim to maintain their impetus.

Ryan Nicholson will miss that match, however skipper Bill Plender will be back in charge to take on a side including new signing allrounder Brian Conlon.