During the six years of the competition few sides have won four games on the bounce but rejuvenated Norton have the chance when they visit champions South Northumberland.

Following a poor start to the season which saw them hit bottom spot and go six games without a win, Norton have won their last three games beating Philadelphia, Chester-le-Street and Stockton. They have also beaten Middlesbrough in the prestigious Matthew Oswald Cup.

"We are on a bit of a roll and confidence is good but we face a difficult game at Gosforth," said former Durham County player Marc Symington, who is an integral part of the side along with his brother and captain Craig.

"South North returned to winning form last weekend and are only seven points off the top."

Norton face a newcomer after South North this week brought in Pakistani Waqas Chutghai as a temporary replacement for Kerry Jeremy, who has been called into the West Indies A side to tour Sri Lanka.

Captain John Graham said: "We believe Kerry will miss four games. Fortunately, Waqas, who took 60 wickets in the Lincolnshire Premier League last season, was available and he arrived in the North-East on Wednesday."

Stockton will need to capture the wicket of Pakistani Taufeeq Umar quickly if they are to profit from their game at Benwell Hill.

Umar has made some big centuries but last week was out without scoring.

Dan Myers is unable to play for the Tynesiders and Stockton show one alteration, with the returning Peter Howells preferred to Ian Cooper.

Leaders Sunderland meet third-top Gateshead Fell at Ashbrooke minus batsman Simon Brown but his namesake, the former Durham County paceman, is included. Tom Skillbeck will probably line up against his former colleagues.

The Fell are aiming for their straight fifth win and hopes are boosted with the return of Ian Pattison, who had to stand down last week after suffering a minor injury in a road accident.

Chris Taylor is also back, with Stephen Devenport and Richie Smith reverting to the seconds.

Chester-le-Street captain Allan Worthy has declared early and lost the last two games but the Cestrians should be too strong for Philadelphia at Ropery Lane.

Former Phili paceman Glen Read returns and David Wilson has been called out of retirement to keep wicket in place of the unavailable Wayne Ritzema, whose runs at the head of the innings could be missed.

Phili have signed Alan Loscombe from Hetton Lyons and he makes an immediate debut.

Ian Potter performed the rare feat of clinching 100 wickets in the league with his performance last weekend. Although 12 other bowlers have succeeded, most have played for six years, but Potter has only been in the league for four.

Philadelphia this week announced former Seaham Harbour stalwart Jeff Laws has taken over as captain from Stuart Walker. The ex-Riverside player believes he can give more to the team by relinquishing the role.

Blaydon, who at one stage led the table, are now fourth from bottom and will again be without strike bowler Craig Simpson.

Durham County's Graeme Onions is in the side for the visit of Durham Academy, who recorded their second win of the season against Newcastle last Saturday.