Despite winning six and drawing four of their ten games, Murton will take nothing for granted when they meet Dawdon this afternoon.
"They have managed just two victories but will give us a difficult game," said secretary Herbert King. "Every side has to be beaten and Boldon CA proved a couple of weeks ago that those at the top sometimes find it difficult against teams near the basement."
Of the 12 sides on duty today, Murton are the only one to announce an unchanged line-up. Dawdon show one alteration with the returning Michael Watson preferred to Keith Laws.
Castle Eden are second, seven points off the top, ahead of their visit to Easington. A big blow to the championship contenders is the absence of Allan Unsworth, whose form with bat and ball has played a leading role in his team's success. Wayne Burke is drafted in as a replacement.
It's all change for Easington. Both Russell and David Tarn and Dan Wilson are unavailable, while Glen Francis and Stuart Harbottle also drop out.
Stuart Wilson has returned from holiday, Peter Booth is free from injury and also named are Andrew Price, Ashley Cooper and Tommy Maitland.
Seaham Park continue to confound the critics. After struggling for so long they are third top and can be considered potential champions.
They go to Silksworth unable to call upon the influential Alan Dick, but Ian White returns. With opener Scott Davison away, the Wearsiders bring in Mark Jones.
Craig Gilmore takes over from Michael Garrigan in the Peterlee line-up at home to Washington who are pleased to have Bill Plender resuming following a break. John Mitchell joins him with Neil Hargrave and Andy Wilkie stepping aside.
Houghton, the only side without a win, visit Boldon CA, who are just two places above at the bottom. Jon Grant for Chris Munroe is Houghton's single change, while Boldon are strengthened with the inclusion of Kit Allen and Neil Cook.
Ryhope are minus Paul Watson because of work commitments and his replacement is Glyn Lamb at Bill Quay who have Graeme Hudson and Lee Tudor lining up instead of Chris Dunn and Steve Gould.
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