Darlington and District Cricket League
BARNINGHAM CC face an unenviable trip to defending champions Haughton when the new season starts on April 23.
With just over a month before the first round of games, this season’s fixtures have been published.
Raby Castle will kick off their campaign with a trip to East Cowton, while newly-promoted Lands face a tough opener at Aldbrough St John.
There are just ten teams in the top tier this season, with 12 in the B division and six in the C division – including Northallerton III, whose membership was agreed at an extraordinary general meeting of the league earlier this year.
After West Park folded during the 2021 season, Catterick Village and Witton-le-Wear were relegated to the B division, with Lands and Eryholme promoted in their place.
Cliffe will travel to Eryholme’s riverside ground for their season opener and Middleton St George take on Cockerton.
With only ten teams in the top flight, the league season will be completed by August 20.
There has been talk of organising a cup competition of some sort for the final weeks of the season, but nothing has been arranged to date.
In the B division, Middleton-in-Teesdale will hope the weather comes right to get the ground ready for their opening fixture at home to Haughton II.
Raby Castle II, meanwhile, will host Oxbridge.
In the C division, Etherley will host Ingleton-based King James, who will be hoping to bounce back after relegation last season.
The cup competitions have thrown up an intriguing fixture in the first round of the A division cup competition, when holders Raby Castle and Haughton – traditionally the league’s two strongest sides – will meet. Barningham and Lands have received byes through to the quarter finals.
In the first round of the B division cup, Raby Castle II will take on Cliffe II and Middleton-in-Teesdale host Haughton II.
In the first round of the SG Petch League Cup, Raby Castle travel to Middleton St George, while Barningham host Etherley.
