It’s a double-header weekend in the Darlington Building Society NYSD ECB Premier League, as leaders Richmondshire welcome Stokesley on Saturday and Barnard Castle on Bank Holiday Monday.
Vice-captain Robert Carr said: “We are at full strength, with Matthew Cowling, Josh Dowson and Craig Swainston all back in and we need to continue our winning run against a dangerous Stokesley side, to keep Marton at arm’s length.”
Darlington hold a 10-point cushion above the two relegation slots and have a crucial match at Great Ayton before they host Thornaby on Bank Holiday Monday. Liam Coates and Peter Armstrong are out, with Nathan Wright starting.
Champions Barnard Castle could do their Feethams friends a favour, as they travel to second bottom Seaton Carew. Barney are in good form and skipper James Quinn said: “The boys are in good spirits after last week’s dominant performance over Marton, it was just a shame we could not claim the final wicket to earn maximum points.
“Seaton have enjoyed some good results recently and it’s been a while since we have won there, but we are eager to perform well and hopefully head back home with a positive result.”
In between the league games, the Teesside University Hundred Finals Day takes place at Saltburn on Sunday, with four games taking place from 9.30 to 5pm.
New Dukes ECB North East Premier League leaders Burnmoor host Whitburn and skipper Alec Linsley said: “We have one change this week from last week, Ross Hodgson comes in for McKenzie Wright. It’s the first time we’ve played Whitburn in the league for a number of years and know it’ll be a tough one.
“We will be pushing for another win to try and retain our top spot. It’s our annual Beer Festival and Family Fun Weekend, so we are expecting a bumper crowd for the match.”
Chester-le-Street travel to South North who are four points adrift of the top in second place. The Cestrians as they are 19 points behind in third place.
Skipper John Coxon said: “It was a fantastic performance from everyone last Saturday against Hetton Lyons. Recently, we have been playing our best cricket of the season, so that fills us with confidence ahead of the final run in.
“It’s a must win game for us on Saturday, as it is for South North. With an unchanged side, we will be confident of getting a win, which will set us up for the final three games.”
Sacriston travel to Felling and fixture secretary Iain Bestford said: “Will Gidman returns from holiday and is joined by Luke Husband, but Jonny Bushnell and Rory McInnes-Gibbons are both unavailable. We are looking to build on a positive result last week.”
Felling skipper Chris Nicholls said: “Ben Forster comes in for Anthony Trotter. It’s always a good game against Sacriston, no reason why this should be any different.”
Hetton Lyons entertain Eppleton and skipper Jonathan Malkin said: “Gareth Wade comes back in for Ollie Watt. We are hoping to improve on last Saturday after a disappointing day, everyone was pretty embarrassed by last week’s display at Chester-le-Street and the lads are keen to put it right.”
Northumberland and Tyneside Cricket League leaders Lanchester travel to Newcastle City, with a nine-point lead at the top. Skipper Kieron Taylor said: “We've got Greg Halliday coming back in for Jonny Green, as we look to bounce back from last week's poor performance.”
Division Two leaders Leadgate entertain second-placed Seaton Burn victory would see them promoted.
Seaton Burn will be looking to spoil the party and skipper Andrew White needs to make three changes. Out are wicketkeeper Ross Kirkwood, Dave Marshall, and Cliff Lyall.
In the Readers Durham Cricket League, Easington are at Seaham Park and home skipper Adrian Hedley has Jack Lacey and Antony Watson missing.
Horden are locked in a relegation battle with three other clubs above them. They have Wayne Binks back in their side, for their crucial match at Whiteleas.
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