Big clash at Crook (From The Northern Echo)

Big clash at Crook

9:17am Saturday 2nd August 2008 in News

GAMES don’t come much bigger in the league than today’s at Crook when Kimblesworth come to town.

Crook have burst into the championship reckoning with a series of powerful performances and they are 16 points behind their visitors with a crucial game in hand.

The sides made a combined total of 600 runs last week, as they both recorded victories by massive margins.

But the home team go into today’s game without two of last week’s heroes as centurion Danny Wilkinson and key bowler Jamie Robinson are both missing.

Kimblesworth have all too vivid memories of a similar situation last season as secretary Malcolm Bartle recalled.

“We all remember how we let the title slip away last year and we are desperate not to let that happen again,” said Bartle.

“Crook have done exceptionally well, and they are now just behind us in the league with a game in hand, so if we can win this one it would be a massive result for us. I’m certain all our lads are up for the challenge and we are able to turn out a full strength side.’’ Third-placed Esh Winning take their turn to sit out the day so Willington, just one point behind, have the opportunity to make serious ground up in the knowledge that one of the top two will also drop points. They carry home advantage against Ushaw Moor today and have everyone available.

At the opposite end of the table nerves are jangling with Brandon desperate to pick up their first victory of the season when Etherley, the only other serious contender for the wooden spoon, visit.

Brandon spokesman Eddie Hobson said: “We have to win! We are starting to look ahead to next season, but we don’t want to risk relegation, even though it’s unlikely any sides would come up.’’ In today’s other games Mainsforth play Tudhoe, John Sweeney replacing Danny Hooper; two full strength sides meet at Evenwood where Langley Park are the visitors, and league cup winners Shildon play at Hylton.