Go North East NTSL

Season 2015 Preview

A dramatic final day of action in the 2014 season saw the title slip through Shotley Bridge’s grasp with Tynedale emerging as champions, and Bridge’s conquerors Ashington grabbing the runners-up slot. Swalwell, who had won the previous seven championships, had to be content with fourth place.

The four top sides were separated by just 21 points in the final reckoning, but the gap back to fifth place was an enormous 55 points, and there is every reason to believe that the 2015 champions will once again emerge from the leading quartet of the last campaign when the season gets underway next week.

Bridge have an additional incentive to do well as skipper Peter Collingwood has vowed this will be his final season before retiring, and he is delighted to have Durham man Ryan Pringle at his disposal when county commitments permit. Gary Johnson has also joined from Newcastle, and with Graeme Angus and Phil Carlin both expected to play a much bigger part this year prospects look bright for the Bridge despite the loss of Graham Brinton to Lanchester.

Swalwell will be as menacing as ever. It was something of a shock to their system to miss out on an eighth successive title, and with Lee Innes (Philadelphia) added to an already powerful squad headed by the prolific Chris Hewison, the fact there have been no departures from Derwenthaugh Park means they will, as ever, be the team to beat.

Ashington felt they over achieved a little in 2014 following their promotion back to the top flight, and with the surprise element no longer a factor they could have to work harder for more success. But that self-effacing view discounts the fact they have the outstanding Anirudh Singh on board again for another season of dominating NTSL attacks. With Paul Rutherford returning to the club an otherwise unchanged line-up should ensure the Colliers will feature in the final reckoning once more.

Tynedale’s title success was the fifth in their history, although the first since 2006. They won’t be able to call on Akash Fotedar this time around though, as the Aussie has joined Lutterworth in the Leicestershire Premier League. Another miss will be Richard Darling who has decided to retire to second team cricket after an outstanding first team career. Other than that the champs will be unchanged.

Bedlington will be getting their first taste of the top flight after emulating the achievements of their former Northumberland League stablemates Alnmouth by earning elevation in their first season in the NTSL. The Terriers will be seeking consolidation after losing both Paul Rutherford and Dan Younger, two key performers, although they have compensated by bringing in Joe Carrick, Lewis Tanney and Michael Levison. Alnmouth show just one change with all-rounder Russell Hughes joining from Burnopfield.

Consett have to reckon without the services of Gareth Breese who leaves after five years to join Burnopfield in their new DCL surroundings, and with David Anderson joining Percy Main the acquisitions of all-rounder Kamran Mansoor from Easington, and Daniel Milligan, who has moved to the area from Somerset, are timely.

Lanchester have signed New Zealander Teja Nidamanuru, a 20-year-old all-rounder who plays Auckland Premier cricket, and with Graham Brinton back from the Bridge, Saqib Khan returning from Annfield Plain, and leg-spinner Sam Sanderson also on board they look likely to feature in the top half of the table this time around. Going in the opposite direction could be Annfield Plain who look like facing a tough season after the departures of Allen and Khan – a young Aussie, Jared Lane, fills their overseas berth.

Elsewhere Wayne Ritzema leads a Ponteland team which will include young Tasmanian James Whiteley, Percy Main have signed Aussie Mitch Reid as an overseas amateur as well as all-rounder David Anderson, and Leadgate hope that Durham’s Jamie Harrison will get in enough games to keep them out of a relegation battle as he continues his comeback from injury.