Foster's ECB North-East Regional Premier League: A fortnight ago Norton were bottom of the table without a win but all of a sudden their form has taken off.

Following an initial victory over Philadelphia, they defeated high-flying Chester-le-Street last week, and on Tuesday night inflicted a nine wickets defeat on Middlesbrough in the Matthew Oswald Cup.

"It certainly looks as if we have turned the corner," claimed Norton team manager Keith Symington.

"Three wins on the bounce will have done a lot for our confidence, and last Saturday's success at Ropery Lane was particularly gratifying since the Cestrians were almost certainly challenge for the title."

Symington's two sons, Captain Craig and Marc, the former Durham County players are playing their part and recently Keith also played in the same team.

Today, Norton attempt to win their fourth consecutive match but they will not find it easy at home to Benwell Hill, the only unbeaten side.

John Watson for Ben Hall is Norton's only change, while Benwell Hill with a win and seven draws from eight outings, expect to see at full strength, including Taufeeq Umar, who scored another big unbeaten century last weekend.

Stockton are fifth from top ahead of their home game with Chester-le-Street, who suffered a first defeat of the season last Saturday.

The home side cannot call upon Craig Barrington so Tom Armstrong is called into the line-up.

The Cestrians miss Graeme Bridge, who is on duty with Durham County against Northants, and another bowler, paceman Glen Read is again an absentee.

Andrew Bell is free from injury and resumes, while 15-year-old Stephen McTaggard retains his place.

In a recent match with Sunderland he claimed the wickets of three top batsmen, but because of his age is only able to bowl six overs at a time before taking a rest for 12 overs.

The same rule applies to another of Chester-le-Street's talented youngsters Liam Simpson, who is allowed seven overs before having a 14-overs break.

Leaders Sunderland are at home to Blaydon and captain Simon Old reckons they will have a difficult match on their hands since they have never beaten the Tynesider's at Ashbrooke.

"We are in great form and have a chance to record a hat-trick of victories, but Blaydon have proved something of a bogey side on our own ground," declared Old, who will again miss wicket keeper Tom Skillbeck.

Ronnie Boyd turned 50, is expected to deputise. The coach only made his Premier League debut a few weeks ago but was hugely impressive behind the wicket.

But Old has no doubts about lining him up to take Skillbeck's place.

Blaydon are hopeful that Durham County's Graeme Onions will be able to turn out.

He has missed recent matches but the plaster was last week removed from his hand injury.

His opening strike partner in the attack, Craig Simpson is again ruled out and there is no doubt that Blaydon have missed the two players in recent games during which they have fallen from pole position to seventh from top.

Philadelphia badly need a good result when they entertain Gateshead Fell at Bunker Hill.

Their chances are not good since Mark Turner is again on duty with Durham County and misses his third consecutive game in the league.

The all-rounder has proved an integral part of the Phili side to date, and there is no doubt that they are much stronger with him in then line up.

Gateshead Fell are enjoying their best season since the league was formed six years ago.

They climbed into second position recording their fourth win of the season last Saturday.

Two ex-Riverside players Nicky Phillips and Ian Pattison have been in tremendous form in the opening weeks of the season.

Basement side Newcastle meet Durham Academy at Maiden Castle.

They hope that West Indian Jason Bennett, absent last Saturday with a back injury, will be able to play.

Tynemouth entertain champions South Northumberland, who are now third after failing to win either of their last two matches.

Tynemouth will be without youngster Matthew Summers, who has returned home after completing his studies with Durham University and Michael Phillips is also out.

Richard Heasley, a fast bowler from Belfast, makes his debut and Andrew Smith is also called into the team.