Murton defend a slender one point lead over Silksworth when they host mid-table Castle Eden this afternoon.

Although the visitors have won only three games, they have lost just once confirming that they are not an easy side to beat.

Murton field their strongest line up when they will aim to extend the only unbeaten record in the league. Castle Eden are not so fortunate - they are without John Spellman jnr and Richard Ede, but David Carrighan and Gerard Magee play.

Despite losing twice, Silksworth are just a point behind Murton and have won one game more than their rivals. They have home advantage over third bottom Boldon CA, who will miss the batting expertise of David Jones and Andy O'Connell. The pair are replaced by David Downs and Billy Wilkinson.

Bill Quay are third ahead of their home fixture with Houghton. Alan Rackstraw for Chris Liddle is Quay's only alteration and they will hope that the former Felling medium pacer Chris Pleasants, who boasts two seven-wicket hauls, again hits form.

Although second from bottom and without a win, Houghton are no longer the pushovers they once were as captain Ian Hauxwell builds an improved team.

Houghton are unchanged and whatever the result they will still be off the bottom tonight.

Peterlee are 21 points adrift ahead of their derby with Easington. Matthew Briggs and Jonathan Buck line up for Peterlee in place of Richard Winn and Paul Griffiths, while Easington also show changes with Stuart Wilson and Ashley Cooper taking over from Michael Massey and Peter Booth.

A good game is in prospect at the Billy Hardy complex when Hylton meet Ryhope. Although the home side have been inconsistent, they are always dangerous, while Ryhope are joint third in a strong challenging position.

Hylton's chances are enhanced with the return of strike bowler David Batty, Stephen Lee-Merrington and Gary Rushworth, but Gary Braithwaite is unable to play.

Ryhope, who have long succeeded with a youth policy, promote another of their promising juniors Danny Pearson. He comes in for Greg Swansbury.

Shoaib Akhtar, who leads the batting averages with nearly 400 runs, resumes for Dawdon taking over from Keith Laws in the derby with Seaham Park. The visitors make just one alteration with Shaun Sutherland coming in for Ian White.