Esh Winning were pleased with last weekend's efforts, overwhelming close rivals Tudhoe and cementing their place on top.

However, they were unable to shake off the close attentions of 2006 champions Kimblesworth who kept their perfect record in tact to remain just seven points behind Esh with a crucial game in hand - at Langley Park on Monday.

Today's games therefore take on elevated importance with an unchanged Esh at home to mid table Evenwood and Kimblesworth facing a rapidly improving Shildon Railway who have moved into third spot.

Shildon complete their Bank Holiday programme with a home game against Ushaw Moor, who themselves could be up with the challengers if they beat bottom club Mainsforth today and win the match they have in reserve.

Moor's Sri Lankan professional Omesh Wijisiriwardene is begining to find his feet and looks like being a threat throughout the rest of the season.

Tudhoe will be anxious to get back on track after the manner of last week's loss but they won't find it easy at Willington whose early order batsmen were in outstanding form last week.

On Monday Hylton are the visitors to Tudhoe whilst Willington travel to Evenwood who have enjoyed a decent start to their season having recorded three good wins. There are also three wins to date for Hylton which puts them in the top half of the table before their game today with Crook Town who are another to have a game in hand.

Brandon were a little unlucky not to get more out of their game with Shildon and will now be looking to push up the table when they face struggling Langley Park at home, and visit Tudhoe on Monday.

Etherley were in a sorry state last week - dismissed for just 34 by Ushaw Moor - and today's blank day may be a blessing. The lack of a game only serves to heighten the importance of the Bank Holiday clash against Mainsforth as there is little to choose between the bottom three at the moment.