Foster's ECB North East Regional Premier League: Buoyant Chester-le-Street are confident they can go all the way and wrestle the championship from South Northumberland - following on from three superb performances last weekend.

Following a slow start to the season the Cestrians are now in their last three league fixtures and are second from top, 24 points behind South North.

Captain Allan Worthy said: "I thought we put in three fantastic efforts over the holiday weekend. We comfortably saw off Sunderland, who started the day in pole position before winning at Philadelphia in the Banks Salver and then chalking up our third success in as many days at the expense of Durham Academy."

Worthy reckons that Ben Harmison's innings for the Academy was the best he had seen so far but that it was eclipsed by Daniel Shurben, whose century swept the Ropery Lane side to victory and into second place.

A blow to Chester-le-Street's chances of maintaining the momentum is the news Ian Jones has returned to Sacriston.

"The lad only wants to play Saturday afternoon cricket and has gone back to his roots," added Worthy, who tomorrow will line up for Northumberland against Norfolk in the Minor Counties game at Jesmond."He has done a brilliant job for us and I wish him every success."

Today, the Cestrians visit Tynemouth, who have improved considerably from last season. In fact, they have won as many games in the first few weeks as they did throughout the whole of 2004.

Dave Barrick, their Durham County contracted player has proved a great signing, is included in a full strength line up today. Wayne Falla has recovered from illness and both Michael Phillips and Matt Summers have completed their studies. The trio take over from Chris Dunlop, Nick Foster and Tony Lyon, who revert to the Second XI.

Match of the day is at Ashbrooke where South Northumberland are visitors. Despite a loss of form last weekend captain Simon Old is convinced his team can make a significant impact in the race for the championship.

He said: "South North are a good side, after all they have won the championship in successive seasons and currently lead the table but we can beat them providing we play at our vest best in all departments."

Sunderland are forced into making changes. Regular wicket keeper Tom Skillbeck is out and either Simon Brown or Ronny Boyd will stand in.

Boyd, who has had a long association with Sunderland, made his Premier League debut last weekend when he took two catches a couple of stumpings and conceded only one bye in 65 overs against Benwell Hill.

Former Durham County paceman Brown, was absent from Monday's line-up with a back injury and he will undergo a late test, while Gary Scott is 12th man for England in the Test match against Bangladesh at the Riverside.

There is some good news for Old since Jim Butler is back to lend his weight in the attack.

South Northumberland captain John Graham is happier now he has added West Indian Kerry Jeremy to his line up.

He said; "He has given our attack a cutting edge and we have won every game following his arrival.

"I thought we played some excellent cricket last weekend winning three games. Now we are in pole position it is up to us to keep our noses in front if we are to win the championship for a record breaking third successive season."

Stockton, with two wins out of six rely on an unchanged line up at home to Gateshead Fell, who are currently fourth from top.

Norton are bottom ahead of a visit from Philadelphia, who are 12 points and two places above them. Phili upset the form book last Saturday defeating Durham Academy, and today, show one alteration with talented youngster Greg Dixon taking over from Mark Moore.

After leading the table in the early weeks, Blaydon are now down to six before hosting Newcastle. Their loss of form has coincided with the absence of Durham's Graeme Onion and Craig Simpson, both of whom are injured.

Gary Stewart meanwhile, who took four wickets against South Northumberland last weekend will no doubt again play a pivotal role in the attack. Newcastle are boosted with the inclusion of Paul Lindsay and Rob Flunder but John McCreddie has returned to the Midlands and it could be some weeks before he is able to play again.

Benwell Hill meet Durham Academy at the Racecourse ground and are hopeful that Durham's Calum Thorpe will be able to play after being absent last weekend with a neck injury.

* The Foster's ECB North-East Regional Premier League formed in 1999 has attained the criteria set by the England and World Cricket Board in all areas accept that of promotion and relegation.

The League management committee, having obtained the agreement of the Northumberland and Durham Cricket Boards and with the consent of local leagues, is hoping to form a second division from season 2007.

Any clubs interested contact chairman Alan McKenna on (0191) 4222767 or secretary Keith Telford on (0191) 4171899.