NE Premier League: Coxon urges Chester-le-Street to get back on track after Whitburn setback

The team will be unchanged, giving the players a chance to make amends after failing to defend a total of 257.

John Coxon said: “We were disappointed to lose last weekend, but credit to Whitburn as they played superbly and fully deserved the win.

“We will be looking to bounce back this week against a strong Newcastle side.

“It’s a great opportunity for the lads to put their hands up and show what they can do, against good opposition.

“We are certainly looking forward to the challenge ahead.”

Newcastle have won one game this season, with the other abandoned. Last week, they rattled up 283 before dismissing Tynemouth for just 96.

Chairman Phil Hudson said: “We will be unchanged from last week after a great win in our first fixture of the season.

“We had sound performances all round, which augurs well for Saturday’s assignment at a strong Chester-le-Street. All players deserve to keep their places after the result last weekend.”

Whitburn travel to Felling, with skipper Paul Shields looking to build on last week’s excellent win against Chester-le-Street.

“It was a great game of cricket, with chances for both teams to win it,” he said.

“The game was played in a great spirit and finished off with everyone having a pint in the bar afterwards!

“We have the same side as last week and new signing Chris Stewart is having a game for the second team, to get some cricket under his belt.

“He will replace Ross Carty for the first-team game on Monday, in the Salver.”

Hetton Lyons host Benwell Hill and skipper Jarvis Clay said: “Carl Watson is unavailable due to wedding commitments.

“We had a disappointing defeat last week (at Stockton, where they were bowled out for 100), as the season finally began in earnest.

“We expect a tough match, but if all live up to our expectations, a victory is possible against a club who have strength in depth.”

Benwell Hill lost a tight game to early-season leaders South Northemberland last week and will be unchanged.

Skipper Kyle Coetzer remarked: “Our defeat in the last over last weekend was hard to take and our batting let us down, but it is early days, so it’s onwards and upwards!

“The Lyons have recruited well over the winter and it could well be another close and tight match.”

Eppleton entertain Stockton at Church Road and secretary John Smithson said: “The lack of proper grass practice was a factor in our performance last weekend (a narrow defeat to Sacriston).

“We need to win a few games in the near future and be very competitive in every game.”

Newly-promoted Sacriston host Tynemouth in their first home game in the top flight, following an opening-day postponement.

Tynemouth official Don Catley said: “We hope to improve on last year and feel we have put together a really good squad this season and added well to our existing players.”

Durham Academy travel to champions South North and will face a tough task, as the champions have two wins from two games.