Will the Castle be breached? (From Durham Times)

Will the Castle be breached?

12:00am Saturday 23rd June 2012 in News By Chris West

As of this morning there are still three teams who retained a chance of the triple crown, but at least one of those will have to say goodbye to those dreams come Monday night.

Reigning champions Kimblesworth haven't given up hopes of retaining their title as yet despite being significantly thwarted by the weather. After a surprise start, which saw them lose their first two league games, they were just beginning to gather a head of steam when the rains returned.

Nevertheless they are confident that the 49-point advantage that leaders Castle Eden hold over them can be clawed back, even though they have played one more match than the table-toppers.

But their main chance of success may lie in the two knock out competitions where they have reached the last four.

Last night they were at Bunker Hill in the League Cup, and on Monday they entertain Eppleton in the Armbrister semi-final.

In between those two cup ties they have a rest day, and with no game this afternoon they won't be that disappointed if their title rivals suffer further weather setbacks.

Today's league action sees full-strength Castle travelling to second-placed Felling, and third-placed Burnmoor entertaining Marsden.

Burnmoor's league cause has been boosted by the signing of Matthew Sampson-Barnes from Boldon, and while he won't be able to debut this weekend as he wasn't registered in time, he will be available for the crucial league meeting with the leaders.

Burnmoor were one of the lucky few to play and win in last week's double programme and they stick with that winning formula for their match with Marsden who are able to include the returning Steven Neilson in place of Richard Cox.

The loss of Sampson-Barnes is a blow to Boldon, but that has been compensated for by their own signing of Neil Mulvaney.

The free-scoring batsman played for Philadelphia last season but had been taking a rest from the game when persuaded by Boldon skipper Chris Ellison to return.

Mulvaney debuts in the derby at Whitburn where the home team have to reckon without suspected broken thumb victim Ross Carty. Paul Cook returns and Paul Shields will keep.

One man who is retiring is Horden stalwart Graham Smith.

The great club servant has played for almost 30 years for the South Durham outfit and leaves a big gap to fill.

Brian Brolly is drafted in for today's home game against Philadelphia.