Northern Rock North-East Premier League
NEWCASTLE visit Stockton
NEWCASTLE visit Stockton today,
the Tynesiders rocking a little after
losing their last match despite
posting the highest score in the
club's NEPL history.
Their 308-6 was topped by the
Durham Academy's 311-5 in a real
run-feast.
In terms of the statistical side of last
week's match, first division results
secretary David McKay confirmed:
"Each team made their highest
Premier League score, neither
having passed 300 before. It was
also the highest score that any side
has successfully chased since the
League started - the previous
record being Stockton's 288-5
versus Chester-le-Street in 2005.''
Although still shell-shocked
Newcastle's Matt Hynd was
philosophical about his side's
inability to defend a 300 plus score:
"To be fair Andrew Smith's knock of
158 was a superb innings and he
took full advantage of the shortened
boundaries.
"We must look to take our positive
batting performance from the game
into the match at Stockton and
improve certain areas in the field on
what is likely to be another good
batting track.''
They could find this easier said than
done as they have two key
absentees - Rob Farenheim and
Richie Evans miss the Grangefield
clash, Ben Embleton and Matt
Bashford are drafted in.
For the home side there are signs
that this could be an improved
season. The early form of Durham
player Karl Turner has been greatly
encouraging and if he is available
on a regular basis they should be
able to steer clear of the danger
zone. Stockton only have the one
change with Harry Anderson
available, and James Ward making
way.
Academy manager John Windows
stated before the start of the season
that he had every confidence in his
team's batting strength, although he
felt they were a little light in the
bowling department.
Last week's run fest at Riverside,
even allowing for the boundaries
being very much reduced, gave
substance to his views.
Durham Academy travel to Station
Road this weekend to take on a
Norton side buoyed by their first
win of the season. Both expect to
put out unchanged teams.
While the league table has a familiar
feel about it even at this early stage,
with South Northumberland
occupying the top slot, there is a
genuine belief Chester-le-Street
can maintain their challenge to the
five times champions.
The Cestrians lie in second spot, a
point behind the Gosforth outfit, and
overcame a potentially tricky hurdle
when defeating Benwell Hill last
week. They move back to Ropery
Lane this morning where Blaydon
are the visitors in the match of the
day.
The home team could be
unchanged although they wait on a
late fitness test for John Coxon who
picked up a groin injury a fortnight
ago - there is a feeling that this
weekend's games is too soon.
Blaydon, with a settled team, are a
match for any side on their day and
two victories from three games sees
them nestling in fourth spot ready to
pounce on any slip-ups by the
leading teams.
Sunderland have suffered a
massive blow with the news that
Pakistani international Shahid Nazir
has picked up a knee injury that will
sideline him for a month.
Negotiations for replacement have
started.
The reverse at Norton last week was
unexpected and the match at
Ashbrooke today against bottom
club Gateshead Fell takes on extra
significance. The Fell are
unchanged.
Tynemouth will be intent on
bouncing back after their defeat at
Blaydon. South Shields are the
visitors to Preston Avenue where
the home team will be without
youngster Andrew Smith, a big miss
following his excellent start to the
season with both bat and ball.
Benwell Hill are the latest to try and
upset the South Northumberland
apple-cart today. Nicky Peng
continues to deputise for the injured
Brendan Ford. Hill have a strong
squad, but haven't been able to
transfer that promise into matches.
8:55am Saturday 17th May 2008
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