Only way is up for resurgent Felling
DUKES N/EAST PREMIER LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION
CLAIMING their second league win of the campaign has given Felling renewed confidence they can avoid the dreaded drop to Division One.
The Tynesiders go into tomorrow’s clash at Hetton Lyons on a huge high after last weekend’s sensational victory over fellow strugglers Stockton.
The match was marked by an incredible haul of 10-24 in just nine overs by paceman Paul Leonard in his first match back at his hometown club following a spell at Boldon.
That victory leaves bottom club Felling just two points adrift of South Shields and 21 behind thirdbottom Stockton and Whitburn going into the season’s run-in.
Vice-captain Anthony Trotter said: “Saturday’s win was long overdue.
“We actually have not been paying that badly even though we have lost games.
“Beating Stockton has given us a massive lift and has dragged them and Whitburn into the relegation dogfight.
“We are confident we can still pull ourselves away from the bottom with several games to go.
“After the Lyons we have to play Shields and Whitburn at home and if we can beat them we will be in a much better position.
“We feel we have let ourselves down this season, especially batting-wise as we have only passed 200 runs on two occasions - but we know there is still time to redeem ourselves.”
Meanwhile, Adam Cragg (left) wants his South North side to bounce back from last weekend’s surprise defeat to Eppleton when they host champions Chester-leStreet tomorrow.
Captain Cragg said: “It was a big shock losing last week but the warning has been noted that no side just turns up and wins.”
Cestrians’ skipper John Coxon said: “South North have a strong side and it will be a good test for us - but we are looking forward to the game.”
Newcastle, in second place, play the Durham Cricket Academy with Newcastle Director of Cricket Doug Hudson hoping to have Durham’s Cameron Steel available.
Fourth-placed Benwell Hill host Eppleton while South Shields head to Stockton for a crunch game at the foot of the table.