Crunch derby clash for Villagers
WHITBURN travel to Sunderland Road tomorrow for a game that could make or break their season in the Warmseal Durham Senior League, writes DAVID LARKIN.
The Universal Sealants-sponsored side go into the game in third place, 17 points behind tomorrow's opponents. A win against their near neighbours would put the Villagers back in the title race, but defeat would leave them with a mountain to climb.
If David Bell's side need any motivation going into the game, they need only cast their minds back to May when they were very much second best against a strong Boldon side at the Village Ground.
Whitburn had no answer to Sura Malinga, who finished with figures of 6-16, as they suffered their worst day in many years, and their first league defeat against Boldon since 2004.
They were dismissed for a meagre 95 afer Boldon had eased to a score of 228-4.
However, the Villagers picked themselves up off the floor following that result, and Boldon have had a few hiccups while still doing enough to keep themselves at the top of the table.
Sandwiched between Boldon and Whitburn are Felling, who have emerged as credible challengers for the Senior League title in recent weeks.
The Gateshead side could be the main beneficiaries if tomorrow's game finishes in a draw and they overcome Eppleton.
Whitburn name a strong side for this game with Neil Johnson – who underwent key hole surgery on his knee on Tuesday – the only notable absentee.
His place is taken by Paul Shields, who returns to the side after a holiday.
Whitburn's batsmen found some form last week against Durham City with four of them – Andrew Turns (62), Stuart Walker (58), Aden Bannister (50 not out) and Ross Carty (46) – making significant contributions as they posted a score of 237-3 in just 41 overs.
Carty made the most of a rare opportunity to open the batting after the late withdrawal of Neil Ayre due to work commitments last weekend, but is expected to resume his place in the middle order with Ayre returning to partner Walker at the top of the order.
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Weather for South Shields
Saturday 11 February 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 2 C to 4 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 2 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: North west
