The Bank Holiday double programme may have raised more questions than answers but that all contributes to an intriguing second phase of the season as the clubs head into the hectic mid- summer schedule.

A more accurate reflection of the true capabilities of teams will come to the fore in the coming weeks.

Burnmoor remain top but their lead cut has been to three points. They faced a real test against their two closest challengers and will probably feel they should have had more than two draws to show for their efforts.

It's a different challenge today as they travel to play a resurgent South Hetton side whose two wins last week eased their worries and put them into mid-table.

Having beaten the leaders in a recent cup match Hetton will be full of confidence. They have terminated professional Rhys Barker's contract and will not be seeking a replacement, and they also miss Ashok Patel for this game, Gary Walton coming in. For the leaders, wicketkeeper Alex Lindsley returns from holiday.

Match of the day is at Whitburn where the second-placed side tangle with third-placed Philadelphia, who are unbeaten and running into good form at the right time. Philli took points off Burnmoor last week which will have given them further confidence, and they are strengthened by the return of keeper Phil Empson. Thomas Raine is drafted in after good showings in the seconds.

Whitburn are happy to be just three points behind the leaders after the holiday programme and if they can win this one their challenge will really take off. However, they have lost wicketkeeper Ross Carty with a broken thumb. Paul Shield will keep, while key bowler Neil Johnson returns.

Boldon slipped to fifth after their two holiday matches, but will be expecting to do well today in their home game with a winless Durham City side.

Grant Foster replaces Chris Mackley in the home XI.

Horden have a home game with bottom club Seaham Harbour who are already well adrift at the foot. The home side expect to be at full strength with the return of Steven McCoy, Fox and Frank. Harbour make three changes, two enforced, as Martin Gill returns from holiday and Simon Brown and Ryan James step up.

Seaham admit to a desperate shortage of senior players and have made a plea for new recruits.

Hetton Lyons have found life back in the DSL more problematic than they would like and have made a fitful start on their return, with only one win to date and a position in the bottom half of the table.

They will be desperate to make home advantage count against winless Eppleton. Lyons name an unchanged team.