Durham Coast League: Leaders Murton meet third-top Seaham Park in the match of the day this afternoon at the start of a weekend double programme.

Contrary to expectations, Seaham have stayed the pace and at the halfway stage are only 16 points off the top. With 20 points up for grabs in each game, they could easily make up the difference over the next two days.

It has certainly been a rags-to-riches transformation for the Park who won only once last season and finished third bottom. They have been successful on six occasions in this campaign and pose a genuine threat to leaders Murton and second-top Castle Eden.

Seaham hope to have all-rounder Alan Dick home for their two matches. He works away from the region and is not always available. Tomorrow, they are at home to Dawdon in a local derby.

Murton, who have Ian King back for the unavailable Jonathan Seed, follow up today's match by visiting Ryhope tomorrow where they anticipate being unchanged.

Castle Eden are just six points behind Murton ahead of their double with Silksworth and lowly Washington. A big boost to their chances of taking maximum points is the return of all-rounder Allan Unsworth.

Fourth-top Bill Quay have Chris Dunn and Steve Gould in for unavailable pair David Hunt and Chris Little at home to Houghton before visiting Boldon CA.

Ian Bellerby has recovered from injury and returns for Boldon who also name Sean Erskine for father and son David and Jason Jones at Peterlee today. Tomorrow, at home to Bill Quay, Jason Jones plays instead of Erskine.

Mark Simpson drops into the Peterlee seconds to accomodate the returning Michael Garrigan against Boldon, but makes a quick comeback tomorrow when Peterlee go to Houghton.

Dawdon field their strongest line-up for their double with Ryhope and Seaham Park. Ryhope are not so fortunate and at Dawdon will be minus Paul Watson and John Minniss so Adam Swansbury and Ian Douglas are named. Tomorrow, the side is back to full strength at home to Murton.

Washington have so far managed just two victories in their first season in the League. They go into their two fixtures with Easington and Castle Eden without Andy Gibson whose place goes to Andrew Wilkie.