Horden will face their toughest Durham Senior League test so far when they travel to Burnmoor in their attempt to remain in top place, writes Bob Gidney.

Early games against three sides at the basement - Seaham Harbour, Felling and Durham City - helped Horden make a more than useful start, but they will have to step up a gear today.

The leaders will have former Murton player Min Mahill resuming in place of Paul Fletcher to give Andrew Robson more options. The Horden skipper is leading by example and would love to add to his haul of 14 wickets this afternoon.

Burnmoor were full of runs last week and this week they are unable to call on Alec Linsley and Gary Brown. Stephen McDonald keeps his place and Martin Thursfield will be a welcome inclusion on his return from injury.

If Horden slip up Eppleton could take over the leadership. They travel to bottom side Durham City, who expect to field an unchanged team.

Eppleton will be without Matthew Jane and Lee Davis is promoted to keep wicket.

Whitburn face Seaham Harbour. Skipper David Bell knows his side are capable of winning, but is cautiously optimistic.

"I never under estimate any opponents, but on our day we are as good as most sides in the league. I will be impressing the need to work hard against Seaham. I know we have to to gain any rewards," said Bell. Whitburn name an unchanged side for the fourth game in succession.

Seaham will be strengthened by the return of Duncan Lorraine and Stephen Sennett. They replace Shaun Cartledge and Ben Spencer.

South Shields game at Marsden has been postponed.

Last season's runners-up Boldon have yet to make an impression. With three draws they are in the lower reaches of the table and will be looking to register their first win at Felling.

The Felling pitch played true last week when Burnmoor cracked 237. Boldon's Orlanzo Jackson will be keen to exploit the home side's batting failures that have seen them lose twice to date. Boldon have Stephen Lamb back for Michael Turnbull.

Hetton Lyons travel to neighbours South Hetton with Graham Hoban not available and Andrew Loscombe is promoted.

South Hetton will be minus skipper Bob Steel and John Pendlington will lead the side. David Houghton is Steel's replacement.