Ryton set early pace

9:19am Saturday 10th May 2008

RYTON are the talk of the Wellstream Northumberland and Tyneside Senior League, the topflight newcomers have taken the division by storm with two successive victories.

And they enjoyed a sensational defeat of Lintz in the League Cup, where the much travelled Shoaib Akhtar blasted six sixes in an over.

The club appear to have unearthed a gem in Sri Lankan player-of-the-year Anil Ridee.

Ryton entertain a Sacriston side that have also started well, Aussie Travis King impressing for them.

Shotley Bridge, without Ed Rainsford, who has yet to arrive from Zimbabwe, head the table by just a point from Ryton and Swalwell.

A struggling Newcastle City side are the visitors to the Bridge today, while Swalwell go to Lintz, with Richard Hawthorne making his debut.

Champions Esh Winning are in a familiar pole position in the Readers Durham County League, with Shildon hanging on to their coat tails.

Esh will be heavy favourites to consolidate their position at Etherley today, but new pro Rizwan Malik is out with a shoulder injury which may give a little hope to the beleaguered home side.

The Railwaymen have Gary Davis and Rob Nevison back in the team to face Crook, and Sri Lankan Hemantha Boteju will debut. Nick Dalton returns for Crook, who will be otherwise unchanged.

Ryhope's early-season optimism appears well founded as they top the 3D Durham Coast League.

The acquisition of Lee Gilbert and Stephen Wright in the close season looks to have more than compensated for the loss of Robbie Atherton and Jon Minnis.

Boldon CA face Ryhope today, Dave Gilbert deputising for Greg Swansbury. Boldon are unchanged.

Castle Eden are second and entertain Peterlee, who played like heroes to hold Murton last Saturday.

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