Now that the dust has settled on the 2017 season the important matter of restructure of the NTSL and Northumberland League has now taken place. Swalwell lost out to Castle Eden in the play-off final held at Durham's Riverside ground so will remain in our league with Castle Eden promoted from the Durham league into the NEPL.
As a result our 1st X1 will play in the top division of the reformed structure (Division 1) and will go up against 9 of the sides from last year as well as welcoming promoted Alnmouth & Lesbury and Stocksfield into the top tier. The full division is as follows;
Alnmouth & Lesbury
Ashington
Consett
Lanchester
Lintz
Newcastle City
Percy Main
Ryton
Shotley Bridge
Stocksfield
Swalwell
Tynedale
The 2nd X1 will this season play in Division 5 South, there has been an effort to try and regionalise some of the lower divisions to eliminate some of the travelling. As a result the division will contain many familiar teams but will also see the addition of Hebburn 1st X1. The make up of this division will see the 2nd X1 come up against the following;
Annfield Plain 2nd
Benwell & Walbottle 2nd
Consett 2nd
Cowgate 2nd
Greenside 2nd
Hebburn 1st
Lanchester 2nd
Leadgate 2nd
Lintz 2nd
Ryton 2nd
Stocksfield 2nd
Tynedale 2nd
Best of luck to both Saturday teams as they hope for another successful season. Who knows maybe this time around there could be some silverware on the horizon??