Darlington Building Society NYSD Premier League: Bishop Auckland have been hit with a double whammy just when it appeared their championship challenge was going along nicely.

Last Saturday they suffered a shock defeat against bottom of the table Great Ayton and newcomer Billy Teasdale has decided for a quick return to Evenwood.

Bishop's director of cricket Paul Furby bemoaned: "They say nothing is certain in cricket and this has certainly been the case for us in the last seven days.

"Who would have thought we would have lost to Great Ayton especially after totalling well in excess of 200. No sooner had we got over that blow then Billy Teasdale announced that he was cancelling his registration with us.

"He had only played a couple of games but looked a very good prospect.

"He bowled an economical end last Saturday before deciding to go back to his village club."

Today, Bishops host joint leaders Northallerton and welcome the return of Ben Usher and Matthew Cowling.

Frank Smith steps down to the seconds as Bishops attempt to close in on Northallerton's 16 point lead.

Northallerton, held to a draw last week, announce an unchanged side.

Guisborough share the leadership with Northallerton ahead of their visit to fifth-top Redcar. Stephen Pennock is unavailable so Martin Hyde is drafted in.

Redcar are forced into changes as Mally Whitehead and Graham Owen are sidelined. Their places are taken by Anthony Dowson and Ollie Rogers. Redcar expect a good day tomorrow for the final of the MacMillan Cup against Saltburn.

Before then, fourth-top Saltburn go to Great Ayton who were buoyant following a tremendous performance at Bishop Auckland where they won for only the second time to raise hope that they might avoid a quick return to Division One.

"We faced a tough target when Bishop Auckland ended on 231, but Darren Hickey scored his first century for the club and John Doyle weighed in with a half century," enthused captain David Pennock who is more than happy to field the same XI.

Darlington need to make a number of alterations to their line up against Hartlepool at Park Drive. Lee Hutton, David Alderson, Duncan Johnson and Derrick Coates are all ruled out and are replaced by Daniel Morgans, Jamie Watson, Richard Biddle and James Stock.

In contrast, Hartlepool keep alterations to a minimum with experienced all-rounder Dean Burrows coming in for Ian Palmer.

Two sides near the bottom are in opposition when Blackhall have home advantage over Richmondshire.

The Colliers are second from the basement , only 11 points better off than Great Ayton but have the opportunity to move up as Richmondshire are only four points better off.

John Darby, Paul Moss and Ricky Darwin all miss out for the Colliers, who name Mark Cushlaw and Paul Webster. Adam Smith is still unavailable and Richmond retain the same line up which includes promising 16-year-old Jamie Stead.

Darlington RA welcome the return of Philip Crowther; a one-time regular at Brinkburn Road who has missed the last couple of seasons working abroad.

He goes straight into the side to face Normanby Hall at Brinkburn Road and also named is Martin Ferguson with Graham Hird and Colin Cartwright missing.

Graham Robinson has returned from holiday and Eddie Rosa also included taking over from Shoabi Mohammed and Brian Leach.

For their fixture with Markse at Acklam Park, Middlesbrough have captain Martin Ball back in action and Marske miss Gary Lynch who has had an operation on his back.