Darlington Building Society NYSD Premier League: Normanby Hall match secretary Harry Cowell reckons the league table is upside down.

After five games, Hall are unbeaten with two wins and three draws to their credit and trail leaders Guisborough by ten points.

"It's a long time since we were in such a lofty position, but we are there on merit,'' he said.

"We have played some good cricket and are really challenging in every game. but it takes some getting used to being so close to a side which has won the championship in four successive seasons!"

Normanby Hall host Hartlepool this afternoon and need to make one change with Graham Robinson unavailable.

Guisborough, who have won all four games which went to a conclusion, visit Redcar with an unchanged XI, but the home side show four alterations.

Stuart Mackay, Steve Law and Steve Robson resume and a debut is given to Andy Hunter, 16, who will get his chance in the attack. Going out are Darren Nolton, Shaun McGarry, Jason Robinson and Martin Reeves.

John Place joins his brother Ian in the Northallerton line-up at Richmond, but another set of brothers, Andrew and Matthew Fishburn, are left out.

Other changes see John Sample and Richard Chandler coming into the side. Richmond, bottom of the table and one of only four sides yet to taste success, cannot call upon Trevor Fabien so Martin Clark, who has completed his football commitments, is the ideal replacement.

Billingham Synthonia have John Steel making his seasonal debut in the home clash with Great Ayton. Dave Fairley is also named with Gary Crawford and Gary Burghum stepping aside.

Great Ayton, who have drawn all five games, have fit again Colin Murray taking over from Bilal Rashood.

There is a derby at Brinkburn Road with RA home to neighbours Darlington. With Amal Ditta missing, RA call up Richard Hill from the seconds, while Darlington make one change with Bill Buxton coming in for Lee Hutton.

Middlesbrough go to Marske with Darren Birkett named for the unavailable Colin Haslett while the Seasiders, whose form has been indifferent so far, have Stephen Larkin back behind the stumps. Gary Lynch is also named and the pair take over from Shazad Ahmed and Jason Boardman.

Saltburn, third following three wins and two draws from five outings, face a potentially difficult game at Bishop Auckland who are expected to challenge for the championship after going close during 2004.

Thornaby, relegated from the Premier Division a couple of seasons ago, are eight points behind leaders Marton ahead of their Division One game at third top Stokesley who have also made an excellent start to the campaign.

Marton, meanwhile, host mid-table Barnard Castle as they attempt to retain one of only two unbeaten records in the division.

* The Northern Echo's Cricketer of the Year award is up and running again and nominations are welcomed.

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