Cricket: County in need of a win over the leaders.

Byline: JEFF BOWRON

NORTHUMBERLAND need to end a run of three draws with victory over current leaders Suffolk if they are to win the Minor Counties eastern division championship for the second consecutive season, writes JEFF BOWRON.

Northumberland won all three games in the second half of last season following successful run chases after, like this year, they failed to win any of the first three.

"We came up on the rails last season," said long-serving captain and wicketkeeper Phil Nicholson. "And the weather has played a big part in us drawing games this summer. The last two have been severely affected by the rain but we remain unbeaten and have to make the most of our final home game before we travel to Cambridgeshire and Cumberland.

"Suffolk won the MCCA Trophy in 2007 but we beat them in the first game of the season in the same competition at South Northumberland. We need to make it a championship and cup double and having Ian Pattison back is a help because he can score quickly and heavily in the middle order."

Pattison, dogged by injuries this year, missed the draw at Staffordshire due to a side strain but returns in place of youngster Adam Cragg.

Mathew Muchall, whose 43 overs in three championship games for Northumberland this season have produced just one wicket, is replaced by South Shields team-mate Jonny Wightman. Wightman, who has played for Durham and Worcestershire's second strings, makes his Minor Counties debut after impressing for Northumberland's new development side.

Nicholson, who missed the Staffordshire game with a finger injury that is causing concern, will have a fitness test to see if he is fit to return. If not Durham Academy wicket-keeper Richard Coughtrie will again deputise with Marc Symington continuing as captain.

Suffolk who, like Northumberland are unbeaten, have won their last two championship games.

The Jesmond clash should be a landmark day for Phil Caley, captain for the last 14 years, who needs just 16 runs to become Suffolk's record run-maker in Minor Counties cricket.

NORTHUMBERLAND: PJ Nicholson-capt/wk, DNG Myers (Benwell Hill), GD Bridge - pro, G Stewart, A Worthy (Blaydon); PB Muchall (Durham CCC), I Pattison (Swalwell), MJ Symington (Norton), DJ Rutherford (Philadelphia), J Wightman (South Shields), B Parker (Gomersall) - pro.