Leaders target derby double
BOLDON host Whitburn at Sunderland Road tomorrow in a derby that has developed into a top of the table clash, writes RICHIE MARTIN.
Chris Ellison's side would have hoped that their 29-point haul from last week's victory over Philadelphia would have given them breathing space at the top, but both Whitburn and Felling romped to 30-point triumphs, keeping the gap down to just three points.
Philadelphia's paltry total of 70 last Saturday was the fifth time this season that Boldon's opponents have failed to reach three figures.
Four wickets for Phil Shakespeare, and three for Nick Sampson-Barnes ensured that Phili had no chance of holding out for a draw, as they did on the opening day of the season.
Boldon are unchanged for the fourth consecutive week, with their settled squad and flexible batting order suffering just two defeats, compared to their six victories so far this season.
Sri Lankan Sura Malinga will be endeavouring to repeat his performance in the last meeting between Boldon and Whitburn, especially after a relatively quiet few weeks.
The 26-year-old paceman devastated the Whitburn top order, finishing with 6-16 and playing an enormous part in Boldon's first victory of 2010.
Prior to Malinga's efforts, half-centuries from left-handers Shaun Bradbury and Matthew Sampson-Barnes, as well as 43 from Geoff Houmark, were crucial in Boldon's 228-4, with Ellison's men claiming maximum points from the fixture.
The second XI sees just one change to the side that beat Philadelphia by seven wickets last weekend. Left-armer Ryan Hale returns to the side, with Dicky Dawson making way.
The seconds are currently in second place behind Burnmoor, however, they take on bottom side Philadelphia tomorrow, who have won just once this term.
Boldon's busy schedule of cup ties continued on Wednesday night with a trip to Esh Winning.
Houmark (57) was the major contributor to Boldon's 144-4.
Skipper Ellison and stand-in 'keeper Geoff Sargon also added useful runs.
Esh Winning's reply began well via Lawlor and Carmedy, but their dismissals, along with a second-baller for Pakistani pro Murtaza, effectively ended the run chase for the Durham side.
Anthony Brown took a hat-trick in his 4-33, and Malinga conceded just 11 runs from his four overs, with Esh Winning falling nine runs short.
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Weather for South Shields
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 8 C to 19 C
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