With no team having won more than two matches to date things could not be more competitive in the league, with just 13 points separating the top five sides and no one showing any real consistency.

Bill Quay went to the top last weekend and will be keen to make use of their home advantage when they play Easington, who surprisingly surrendered their 100 per cent record last week but retain a game in hand. If won it would place them first, making this match a key one for both sides.

Quay name an unchanged side.

Seaham Park were frustrated by lowly Washington, who managed to defy their bowlers for lengthy periods in a fighting display last week, causing Park concern they didn't have the necessary fire power to force the win.

They go to Silksworth looking to get back on track, although this will not be straightforward as the home side recorded their first victory of the season last week when they pulled off a great win against Murton, with bowlers Steven Wright and Chris Pringle the star men.

Two other form teams are Dawdon, who were the conquerors of Easington, and Castle Eden, who beat Ryhope, which makes their clash at Dawdon all the more intriguing. Both teams have strength in depth and with fourth taking on third in this one the result takes on extra significance.

Boldon CA go into their game at Peterlee without professional Tommy Nixon, who is nursing an injured finger, while Lee Jackson is also out. Their places are taken by Gary Frater and Michael Towns.

Washington are also still entrenched in the bottom two, but will have gained confidence from their battling display against Seaham Park last week.

They entertain a Murton side still a little shell-shocked from their uncharacteristic hammering last week, a feeling they have been unaccustomed to for a few years.

Murton delayed their selection until last night to see how many of the troops were still standing after a succession of cup ties during the week, although they anticipate naming an unchanged side.

Ryhope are the team sitting this weekend out and will be a little frustrated at the inevitable further slide down the table after their bright opening to the season gave early promise.

Swalwell go into today's Northumberland and Tyneside Senior League programme facing one of the toughest challenges of their season to date.

They could hardly have done any better so far and thoroughly deserve the 100 per cent record that sees them sitting proudly on top of the league with an 11 point cushion.

Today they face a stern test of their leadership credentials as Shotley Bridge are capable of beating anybody on their day, and with home advantage they will be a particularly tough nut to crack.