Big hitters match up in NYSD league games

MacMillan Cup winners Hartlepool journey to second placed Saltburn and are unchanged for the match. Secretary Mike Gough said: “We played Saltburn last month in the MacMillan Cup and they gave us an extremely hard game. They are a young side who are hungry for success, so we are expecting another tough challenge.”

Gough added: “After another enjoyable two wins last weekend, we seem to keep on improving and to win the MacMillan Cup final last Sunday, was really pleasing after a poor batting start, but a 90-run partnership between Neil Whitworth and Jake Richardson, transformed the match and gave us a richly deserved victory.

“As well as having a very balanced team, we also have three match winners in James Lowe, Paul Braithwaite, and Neil Whitworth, who can win games as they are top all-rounders with both bat and ball. Neil Whitworth has been in outstanding form especially last weekend, having to bat in difficult situations at the start and then keeping his composure and getting our team over the winning line.”

League leaders Middlesbrough head to champions Richmondshire, and make one change to their in-form team. Boro skipper Matthew Bell said: “We welcome back Cole Pearce who missed the game due to illness last week, and are really looking forward to the game.”

Great Ayton welcome Marton to Leven Park and skipper Jon Grainge said: “David Grainge is back, while Danny Burns and Nasar Hussain miss out.”

Marton skipper Alex Wardell said: “We need to get back to winning ways after some recent bad results. Mark Lawrenson comes back into the side, as Owen Kelly is unavailable to play.”

Stokesley make the long trip to Barnard Castle and skipper Jonny Weighell said: “We are an unchanged team from last Saturday and its always a tough trip away to Barney. We have a young side, so we are hoping for a positive result and hope to gain some good experience for our younger players.”

Home skipper James Quinn said: “We are unchanged and played some really good cricket at Marske last week, but were frustrated by their lower order, who stopped us from getting maximum points. We will be expecting a tough game as always against Stokesley and with only six games left there is not much room to slip up, so we will be pushing hard for a win to keep in touch with the leaders.”

Billingham Synthonia travel to Normanby Hall and club official Danny Phillips said: “Elliot Holmes and Mike Yuill come back into the squad for the visit to Cricket Lane. After a couple of disappointing home defeats where we have struggled with the bat, we are looking to put that right this weekend.”

Darlington Building Society NYSD ECB – Division One

Darlington are third and they take on Sedgefield at Feethams. Peter Greenwell returns and Matty Harwood drops to the second team, to bolster their batting.

Fifth placed Sedgefield take a young side to Feethams, and hope to have the in-form Luke Henderson returning on the back of a 93 and 6/37 last weekend, and Sam North is available alongside the experienced Martin Lower making a return to his old club.

Dukes ECB North East Premier League

Banks Salver – East Group

The top two meet up at the Village Ground, as champions Burnmoor host the Hetton Lyons and skipper Alex Linsley said: “We have one change this week, as Ross Hodgson makes way for the long awaited return to the side for Mark Robson and we are all looking forward to the game.

“It’s always a tough game and they’re arguably one of the strongest teams in the group, who currently sit on top. We will be keen to try and dislodge them and return back to the summit on Saturday.”

The Lyons fixture secretary Gary Adey said: “We’re unchanged from last Saturday. We are expecting a tough game against the 2019 NEPL champions, and we know we need to be at our best on the day.”

Philadelphia travel to Castle Eden and chairman Malcolm Pratt said: “Phili are again unchanged for the visit to Castle Eden, as the selectors give youth their chance to stake claims to feature in next season’s early games.

“With no relegation to worry about, 15-year-old Luke Robinson, who famously took all six wickets in an over against Langley Park in an under 13 game, is named alongside 16 year old Brett Walton. Another young player with a bright future is spinner Greg Halliday, who has impressed in most games, none more so than against Whitburn last week, when he bowled an economical eight overs.”

Eppleton are in third place and will be looking to keep the pressure on the top two clubs. They travel to bottom club Boldon, looking for their third win of the season.

Banks Salver – West Group

Chester-le-Street in second place, travel to Crook, and skipper John Coxon said: “It was a great win last week on a really difficult wicket. The partnerships between myself and George Harrison – who got an excellent 47 and that between Brodie Glendinning and Jack Campbell – who hit an entertaining 41, were key to getting an excellent score in those conditions.

“The bowling was excellent all round, particularly Liam Simpson with three wickets and Jack Harrison claimed four wickets.

“We are looking forward to our first trip to Crook this weekend, and should be unchanged for the third week. We will be looking to continue our good form, aiming to top the group.”

In the other two games, Lanchester host Willington and Burnopfield are at home to bottom club Sacriston.

Durham and North East Cricket League

Frank Lees Cup – Group A

Dawdon in fourth place, welcome second placed Seaham Harbour and visiting skipper Stewart Pattison said: “Michael Stewart drops out with my return. Apart from that, we are unchanged this weekend.”

Frank Lees Cup – Group B

Mainsforth in third place, are at second placed Brandon and captain Brady Smith said: “Ryan Cummings comes into our team, as we hope to continue our winning ways after last week’s win.”

Evenwood entertain Tudhoe are both in the bottom three and secretary Luke Bannister said: “It is a must win game, as they are struggling like us – Luke Collinson comes in to replace Dean Cummins.”

Esh Winning travel to Hunwick and captain John Carmedy said: “We have one change this weekend as Billy Storey is not available, but we are still waiting to see who will replace him. We got back to winning ways last Saturday against Tudhoe, so hopefully that can continue this week.”

Hunwick captain Arron Proud said: “We are waiting to see how a few injuries clear up before picking the team. Will be a tough weekend this one, but we are more than capable of getting something.”

Second-bottom Peterlee journey to Green Lane to play Durham City who need a win to keep in touch and Easington travel to Murton.