Cricket clubs across the Tyne Valley are gearing up for a return to action ahead of a busy summer of play.

After last year saw the season start later than planned and with a reduced number of fixtures due to the pandemic, teams in the region are set to get their 2021 campaigns underway with a busier schedule ahead of them.

This weekend sees the Northumberland & Tyneside Cricket League begin, featuring teams from our region such as Tynedale, Stocksfield and Ponteland.

In the opening round of fixtures, Stocksfield’s first team head to Morpeth while Tynedale entertain Percy Main on Saturday in the First Division.

Division Two sees Ponteland start their campaign with a match away to Bates Cottages with several more of our teams competing in Division Three.

Allendale’s first team welcome Blyth, while Corbridge get their campaign underway on the road against Whitley Bay.

Stocksfield’s second team - who also feature in Division Three - are at home as they face off against Benwell & Walbottle.

More of our team’s feature in Division Four, with Tynedale’s second team heading to Percy Main on Saturday, while Ponteland’s second XI get their 2021 season underway with a game against Clara Vale.

Division Five South sees Riding Mill’s first team play Cowgate Sports seconds at home, with two more teams in the Tyne Valley competing in the Division Six South league.

Corbridge’s second team face a home match against Civil Service’s second XI, while Stocksfield Thirds play host to Monkseaton’s second team. .

Ahead of the cricket season getting underway, last weekend saw Tynedale welcome Stocksfield for a 40 overs friendly, with the game being declared a draw thanks to the snowy weather the Tyne Valley faced.

The hosts were 107-2 - including a 50 for Thomas Cant - when the decision was made after the away side had earlier set a score of 237-9 after their 40 overs.

The West Tyne Cricket League is also set to make a return shortly, with the competition set to get under way from April 24.