Hartlepool CC hoping to get over Kerridge and Fifteen15 Cups disappoinment at Great Ayton

Seaton Carew bowler John Fitzpatrick takes the wicket of Stokesley batsman Andrew Wheel with this over at Hornby Park on Saturday. Picture by Tom Collins.

After a disappointing week which saw Pool crash out of the Kerridge Cup at the semi final stage, and the Fifteen15 at the group stages, Pool will be happy to get back into league cricket.

Their oppononents, Great Ayton, have made a bit of a surge to the top of th table, but are still prone to having a serious off day.

Their cause was not helped when professional Whalid Gul broke his leg while playing a few weeks ago.

Pool make a few changes to last weekend side. They are able to welcome back Alan Tebbett, Chris Harrison and Dale Metcalfe.

However, they are missing Neil Coverdale and Jon Rickard from the top of the order and Aaron Feroz, who reverts to the second team.

Pool’s bowling attack last week had an average age of just 19.2 years, and whilst Harrison

(if he bowls) will increase that somewhat, Pool still have a lot of young talent on show.

The concern for Pool this week will be how to replace the runs of Coverdale and Rickard.

Coverdale has been in exceptional form this year, providing a solid platform for others to build from.

Rickard, who has not been available all year, and has not always been at his best, still holds the ability to destroy teams by scoring at such a high rate.

Phil Mustard will be hoping he can carry his Twenty20 form for Durham into his club cricket too, especially this week if he opens the batting.

Skipper Lewis Stabler should have no issues with the ball. Ollie Mole and himself will provide the pace. whilst Jonathan Carson, Dale Metcalfe and Brad Frank will provide the spin.

Frank last week took four economical wickets in his spell which swung the game back in Pool’s favour.

Team: Stabler, Watson, Mustard, Seymour, Tebbett, Mole, Carson, Metcalfe, Frank, Richarson, Harrison.

The second team are at home against Whitby tomorrow and away to Darlington on Sunday, while the third team are away at Norton on the same day.

Meanwhile, Seaton Carew travel to Acklam Park to take on Middlesbrough in their league clash.

On Sunday, Seaton’s third team travel to Windy Hill Lane to take on Marske.