NE Premier League: Burnmoor add Symington to title-chasing squad ahead of tough opener at Boldon

Burnmoor are fired up for the new season in Division One, determined to better last season's third-place finish.
Burnmoor signing Marc Symington bats for Seaham Harbour last season.Burnmoor signing Marc Symington bats for Seaham Harbour last season.
Burnmoor signing Marc Symington bats for Seaham Harbour last season.

Marc Symington has joined from Seaham Harbour, boosting the batting line-up, and they have retained the services of professional Samiullah Khan.

Moor skipper Alec Linsley said: “We want to improve on third position from last year and take a winning mentality into every game.”

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Burnmoor start their season with a trip to Boldon on Saturday (12.15pm).

Boldon were fifth last season, with nine wins and nine defeats, and have strengthened for the new campaign.

Opener Gary Scott had a generally disappointing season at Felling last year, but he will bolster the batting, while Boldon have also snapped up Laurence Wood from Burnopfield.

Irish paceman Barry McCarthy is Boldon’s Durham player for this season.

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Official Peter Crane said: “Our aim is to finish in the top four and, with the signings, we have the squad to do just that!”

Sunderland finished up in sixth place in 2017 and are out to improve on that performance this summer.

They welcome Gateshead Fell to Ashbrooke for their opening game.

Sunderland’s youngsters were given the opportunity to develop last season, and that experience should help their all-round strength this term.

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Brandon, at home to Blaydon for their opener, have made a major signing in Karl Turner from Barnard Castle.

He will ensure runs and wickets to boost the side, who ended up fourth last season.

Stephen Humble has joined from Premier Division champions South North, alongside Darren Gill and Mark Messer.

Brandon skipper Chris Peareth said: “We hope to be competitive and consistent and make a challenge for honours this season.”

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Newly-promoted Castle Eden start their campaign with a tough test at Burnopfield.

But they have one of the best professionals from the NYSD League in recent years on board, with Saeed Bin Nasir guaranteeing them runs.

Jeremy Warner and Jim O’Neill have joined from Durham University to strengthen the squad.

Skipper Jonathan Brown said: We aim for a mid-table finish and perhaps better if all things go well for us.”

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Burnopfield were runners-up last summer, finishing 19 points behind champions Sacriston.

Skipper Neil Killeen said: “We want to consolidate and develop our youngsters, who are held in high esteem at the club.

“On top of that, we have brought in some experienced players, with Scott Steel, Adam Khan, Jonathan Pears and Alex Senior all joining the club.”

Willington, who ended up in mid-table last season, begin their campaign away to relegated South Shields.

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Washington are without a match – they were scheduled to visit Seaham Harbour, who resigned from the league and have resurfaced in the North East Durham League.

Washington must wait until next week’s visit of South Shields for the first competitive action.