West Indian Imran Jan plays in Guisborough's opening game of the season in the Darlington Building Society NYSD Premier League Premier Division game against Hartlepool at Fountains Garth this afternoon.

"Imran has been suspended for two years by the Trinidad and Tobago Cricket Board and we were therefore unsure if he would be able to play for us,'' said chairman Dave Norminton.

"We contacted the ECB earlier this week and they confirmed that he is eligible. Obviously we are delighted since Imran was an integral part of our championship-winning side last season.''

Former Durham County player Michael Gough has turned professional with Hartlepool who also include Steve Sergeant from Blackhall.

Darlington meet newly-promoted Billingham Synthonia at Feethams with Neil Pratt leading the side in place of Mark Jobling, who has stood down.

Synners have Keith Martin at the helm once again as they attempt to consolidate their new-found status.

Brenton McDonald, an early-order batsman and leg-spinner from Australia, will hopefully improve the side which won the Division One championship in 2004.

There has been a late change of captain at Langley Park who visit neighbours Esh Winning for their opening game in The Readers Durham County League.

David Gladstone has decided to skipper the Second XI with a view to bringing the best out of a number of talented youngsters and his place in the senior side is filled by Stephen Grey.

New signing Phil Adsett from Coxhoe is unable to make his debut today and Danny Wilkinson is out for a month.

Three-times champions Evenwood have had a busy week attempting to ensure that Rayad Emrit would arrive in time from Trinidad to play in the home game with Mainsforth.

"We have been in touch with his agent a number of times and we expect him to be here and make his debut," said secretary Alf Teesdale.

It is a big day for Hylton who will fulfil their first fixture in the League, taking the place of Sedgefield who have switched to the Darlington Building Society NYSD League.

Hylton meet Shildon at the Billy Hardy complex in Sunderland but their only new signing, David Tait, will be attempting to win promotion for Washington Nissan from the Albany Northern League Second Division.

Durham Coast League champions Murton make the short journey to Seaham Park. They are without three of last season's title-winning side with Howard Ramshaw now retired, while Shaun Smith and Min Mahil have moved on.

Castle Eden have an attractive home game with Silksworth who may not be the force they were last season after losing captain David Tait, Steve Hanson and Michael Kearney.

In the Foster's Northumberland and Tyneside Senior League, Annfield Plain will attract attention when they line up against Swalwell.

Former Durham County batsman Martin Speight has joined the Plain who have also signed Jamaican Nikitta Miller as professional.

Speight, though, will not have to duel with the highly-rated Stephen Humble who will be missing from the Swalwell attack following his transfer to South Northumberland.

Newly-promoted Ponteland are visitors to Sacriston who will hand a debut to left-arm bowler Patrick Molenara from Australia. Philip Shield has returned to the club from Ryton.

* Dawdon's fixture with Ryhope in the Durham Coast League Division B has been postponed because of a power failure at the ground.