Evenwood return to action today and face Esh Winning, the side which did them a good turn last Saturday when they defeated Kimblesworth.

The leaders are now 26 points in front of Kimblesworth and 31 ahead of Esh Winning, who have played a game more than the top pair.

Evenwood though will be wary of today's opponents since Esh seem to reserve their best performances against the leading teams.

Following a brief period with Bishop Auckland, Billy Teasdale has returned to his home village club and is immediately included in what is expected to be a full strength Evenwood line up. The only doubt surrounds the availability of Darren Wallace.

Despite being a fair way behind Evenwood, Esh have not given up hope of ending in pole position but will need to see off the challenge from Evenwood to have any chance of staying in the race.

Karl Turner, who was on duty with Durham Acadamy last weekend, takes over from Paul Shaw in a strong Esh team.

Kimblesworth suffered a damaging defeat last Saturday and will require maximum points from Etherley to maintain their interest in the destination of the title.

They are boosted by the inclusion of three players. Twins Adam and Lloyd Cochrane both line up as does David Sanger who has missed several games with a broken finger.

Tudhoe's aim now is to end runners-up for the second successive season and be successful in six cup competitions. They go to Shildon who despite showing improvement are still bottom of the table and the only side yet to taste success.

Tudhoe cannot call upon Stephen Maddison, David Curry or Jonathon Taylor who will miss the remainder of the season as he is in America.

David Ronson plays as does Dean Glasper who will be in the same line up as his son Chris. He has enjoyed another good season opening the attack.

Brandon hoping to end in the top half of the table, are unchanged at third bottom Mainsforth, while Crook Town miss Andy Burgess but left hand spinner Michael Fawcett turns out at Langley Park.

Sedgefield are still minus professional Stefan Swanepole but give a warm welcome back to last season's top batsman Peter Elwell who has been in Australia for several months. Malcolm Dickenson and Jonathan Clark also make the line up at home to full strength Willington.