Leaders expecting a test against Bishops

8:26am Saturday 28th June 2008

LEAGUE leaders Middlesbrough could face one of their stiffest challenges of the season today when they take on a Bishop Auckland side whose ranks have been bolstered by the arrival of former player Darren Hickey from Blackhall.

And there could be another new face on view as Boro have registered Durham player Kyle Coetzer as their England qualified professional. Aberdeen born Coetzer has played 14 first-class matches for Durham, the majority of those coming last year, and averages 38. He has only been on the fringes of the side this season although, as with all county contracted players, his availability for club cricket could be severely limited by calls from his primary employers.

Indeed, Boro are unsure of Coetzer's availability for the Bishops match, but they do have Paul Johnston back after his University commitments last week. It will be behind the stumps where they could have a problem as both Steve Larkin and Jonny Spillane are both on holiday - the wicket-keepers union would be proud of their unity. Yorkshire under-15 player Whalid Gul steps up.

For Hickey it is a return to his roots as he first played at Kingsway as a junior, since when he has been much travelled, both as an amateur and a professional.

John Barker also comes into the side with Guy Wilkes and Matthew Atkinson holidaying.

With five wins from the last six league matches played Bishops represent the most in-form team of the moment other than their hosts, so they could test the home team's apparent invincibility.

Waiting in the wings for any slip-up will be Guisborough who begin their second-half fixtures on home soil against Darlington.

Saul Clifford and Anthony Parsons are missing for the Priorymen, so second team skipper Simon Filer and 15 year-old batsman Jonathan Coates are drafted in. The Quakers, enjoying the relative relaxation of mid-table security, bring in Stephen Lister for the holidaying Simon Lee.

At the opposite end of the table Redcar face a long trip to Richmond - a game that a month ago would have been a home banker, but now represents another opportunity for the Seasiders to demonstrate that their recent good form is no flash in the pan.

Shaz Ahmed is working, so Jason Robinson comes into the visiting line-up, and for the hosts Jamie Stead returns from holiday.

Second-bottom Hartlepool will have one of their strongest sides of the season in the field, with Mike Gough back from his firstclass umpiring duties, and new signings Chris Fawcett and Dave Kennedy debuting. Ian Jackson is also available although Johnny Cannon misses because of a family commitment. Park Drive visitors Great Ayton have Tom Boswell in the side for his Premier debut - he replaces John Russell.

Normanby Hall welcome back skipper Brian Leech but will still be without Keith Martin. They also await news on Mark Davies' availability for the home game with Northallerton. The visitors will be missing Richard Bentley, Andrew Fishburn and Dan Luck who have wedding commitments - David Wake and Peter Wilkinson are two of the cavalry.

There was once a famous phrase issued by a club skipper when asked for details of team changes for the week, and it went - all I can say is we won't be unchanged, but I don't know how many we won't be unchanged by' It occasionally seems like that at Marske where they still have half a team basking on foreign shores, although there is just the one change this week as they bring in Chris Gibbon for the game at Windy Hill Lane against a definitely unchanged (at the time of writing) Blackhall.

In the final Premier game Billingham Synthonia have also hoisted the same again' banner as they travel to take on a Marton side without John Glendenen.

In Division One, where the battle for the championship looks set to go all the way, only one point separates the top three sides, although Barnard Castle hold the current aces, not only heading the pile but also having a game in hand on their two closest challengers.

And Barney have a chance to consolidate their position as leaders as they go to Brinkburn Road to take on bottom club Darlington RA, whilst Stokesley entertain Sedgefield and Thornaby are at home to Normanby Hall.

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