Still smarting from the unexpected reverse to the new boys, rain at Wood Terrace has twice since denied Blaydon the opportunity to bury the demons from a result that left them shell-shocked and irate.

Unable to call upon the services of a Durham-contracted player throughout the season and with an overseas player who suffered a torrid time with the bat, the Denefield Bank side has been unable to stay with the league' pace setters.

They have, however, edged into the top five and with only two defeats all season remain a major Premier League force full of experienced players.

Western Australian James Baverstock's miserable return of just 30 runs in 10 innings was ended in July, when he was replaced by South African Craig Knox.

The Cape Province all-rounder notched his first 50 for the Tyneside club in last weekend's winning draw against Durham Academy that saw Allan Worthy register an ominous century to take his season tally to 590 at an average of 49.16.

Denefield Bank is something of a fortress to a side that cleverly plays the conditions designed to suit its composition.

The seemingly never-ending rain may reduce the effectiveness of the home side's strategy of strangling and pressurising through accurate spin.

Twin twirlers Graeme Bridge and 19-year-old Jonny Malkin have wheeled through 412 overs – comfortably more than all of the other bowlers combined.

In Knox they now also have greater potency at the start of the innings.

Ahead of tomorrow's final league match of the season, South Shields have a chance to familiarise themselves with conditions at Blaydon in tonight's Austin Cup final against Shotley Bridge.

Tomorrow, the Pet Supermarket-sponsored side welcomes back Lee Whalley from a fortnight of self-imposed exile. The right-hander chose to spend time away from the game in order to rediscover his appetite.

Players like Whalley are essential to any club; they are the glue of the team, essential to a strong dressing room and in bonding an effective unit.

His ilk are worth far more than can be portrayed by figures alone, but within such types lie a deep sense of pride when performances drop below expectation.

Shields – still very much a club in transition – can ill afford to be without players of Whalley's experience.

Matthew Muchall has every reason to finish an excellent season on a high.

After drawing a blank last week, he fell two behind leading bowler, Stephen Humble of South Northumberland, who has taken 46 league wickets.

Jonny Wightman is just one wicket behind his opening partner alongside Norton's Jon Kean, who bagged a magnificent seven at Wood terrace a fortnight ago.

Of 17 individual scores of 50, 15 have been recorded by Paul Muchall, Geoff Cullen and Dan Shurben; the remaining two by Philip Bell who last wielded the willow on June 28, before the ever-lengthening football season held sway.

Mike Fishwick's work commitments tomorrow morning create the space for Whalley to return.

However, the former skipper will be available in time to take his place in a second XI desperate to obtain a result good enough to lift them off the bottom of the table.