Berwick look to keep promotion hopes on track

The Borderers have had two fixtures cancelled and one abandoned as the downpours continue to make this summer a real damp squib – but with seven wins and just three losses, they are in a good position just outside the leaders in fourth spot.

Dominic Donaldson has crashed 794 runs so far since arriving at the club from Australia as the overseas pro and has a personal best score of 140, while Manu Shuklar’s strike rate of 107.33 is the highest at the club.

With 35 wickets, Declan Mark leads the bowling and his figures of 6/46 have been the best so far this term. Michael Shearer is the most economical bowler with a 2.78 average.

A victory over second-placed GEMS would put Berwick right back into contention to join neighbours Tillside in Division Two next term.

The Etal oval outfit host Cowgate Sports looking to pull clear of the side who sit below them in tenth spot.

Last weekend’s postponement meant Tillside side remain in ninth on 158 points while the Tynesiders are on 134.

They have lost four fixtures to the bad weather this summer while being beaten in five games that have had the go-ahead and winning four.

Hugh Tyser tops their batting charts with 269 runs – including a highest individual score of 123 – while Joe Bickerton leads the bowling with 20 wickets this season.

Wooler have endured a very disrupted season in Division Six North with no fewer than eight fixtures being affected by sodden pitches.

Yet they remain joint second in the table level on points with Lions while Cramlington are the leaders just 19 points in front.

They are scheduled to visit Ulgham this weekend and will want to keep leading batsman Ali Graham, who has 334, in among the runs. Graham is also the top bowler with 19 wickets.

Berwick’s second XI are also in Division Six North and want the sun to shine on their away game at Cramlington on Saturday as they look to get out of the basement.

Sam Cadman is their top batsman with 150 runs and Louis Otterson has taken 10 wickets to lead the bowling.