Re-arranged fixtures

9:53am Saturday 24th May 2008

The murky days of mid-April, when the entire first day programme was postponed, will be remembered on Monday when the re-arranged fixtures take place en bloc.

And the weekend double programme that been created holds out the allure of some cracking matches, with thirdplaced Shotley Bridge facing the two teams above them in the table.

It has been a frustrating time for the Bridge as they have waited week after week for news of their overseas player, and their patience has finally snapped, with the club moving quickly to find a replacement.

Skipper Neil Burdon admitted: "Unfortunately, due to the circumstances in Zimbabwe, we could wait no longer for the arrival of our intended pro Ed Rainsford. It's disappointing both for us and the player concerned.'' They have turned to Sri Lankan left arm pace bowler Nantika Ranjith and, subject to his work permit coming through, he will play this weekend.

Bridge take on the new sensations of the top division today when Ryton are the visitors, and play at Swalwell on Monday. If Ranjith can do for Bridge what Anil Ridee has done for Ryton they will be more than delighted. The visitors hand a first team debut to 16- year-old Joe Harmes in a tough few days, with a trip to Tynedale in prospect on Monday.

However, Tynedale are facing a potential injury crisis as several key players face fitness tests. Opening bowler Richard Darling, keeper Jamie Crichton and pro Stuart Graham have all picked up niggles. Joe Mills, Alex Thompson and Hugh Twizell stand by as replacements.

Sacriston have a potential availability problem of another kind - Harry Hubber's partner is due to give birth so they could be denied his services at very short notice. Ian Pattison is missing for the club's two away trips to Lintz and Annfield Plain - he's on honeymoon.

New signing Andy Smith from Chopwell slots straight into the Lintz lineup as Gary Christie is away. They entertain Ashington in their second match, the Colliers only having one change as they welcome back batsman Ross Sample.

Leadgate hope to kick start their season by making use of two home fixtures, with Ashington arriving this afternoon and Backworth on Monday.

Their side has been bolstered by the return of David Richardson and Paul Hutchinson.

Annfield Plain are another with two matches at home - before Sacriston they take on Newcastle City. Plain have keeper Mark Carlin unavailable with Kieran Gohery slotting in today and David Maughan on Monday.

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