Leaders Guisborough will be without two of their most reliable players when they meet Richmondshire at Fountains Garth this afternoon.

David Towse, arguably one of the most successful and economical bowlers in the league, and long-serving Gary Bolton are both ruled out.

Towse missed both his side's game last weekend and will also be absent next Saturday, but he is expected to play the remainder of the season.

Bolton, who played in every one of Guisborough's 33 league and cup matches last season, is injured.

"I split the webbing on my hand playing in the Kerridge Cup against Hartlepool last Friday and had five stitches inserted at hospital.

"I was hoping to play this weekend, but it is out of the question and I could be back for the big match at Northallerton next week," said Bolton, who over the years has missed very few games.

While Guisborough need to make a couple of changes, Richmondshire are more fortunate and have announced an unchanged line-up as they attempt to move near the bottom of the table. So far, they have won one and drawn nine of their 13 games, but have lost on only three occasions.

Northallerton, who led the table earlier in the season, moved up into second position when they were the only side to secure 20 points from last weekend's rain-affected programme.

They meet Darlington at Feethams unable to include captain Ian Gill.

Chris Wayman is also missing with Dennis Norman and Ian Place taking over.

Danny Morgans and Duncan Johnson are named in a strong Darlington line-up, taking over from Liam Brown and Paul Raine.

Saltburn, ten points behind Guisborough in a tightly congested race for the championship, will field their first choice line-up at Normanby Hall, who have selected Michael Addison for the unavailable Graham Robinson.

Bishop Auckland are in the running for honours with a game in hand on the three sides above them. They face Middlesbrough at Acklam Park showing no change.

Boro welcomed the return of captain Martin Ball and Mattie Brown who displace Darren Riley and Chris Bruton. Boro are celebrating winning the league junior cup defeating Thornaby by seven wickets on Tuesday, when John Paul Price returned the magnificent figures of five wickets for five runs.

Darren Hickey will make his debut for Great Ayton at Blackhall following his transfer from Darlington RA.

Also named are David Collins and James Marshall, the trio replacing Dave Pennock, John Russell and Tom Harrison.

Blackhall, second bottom after winning just once in 13, have Andy Grey coming in for David Brown.

Peter Cartwright resumes for Darlington RA against Redcar at Brinkburn Road. Mark Barker leaves the side while Redcar name Dave Dowson for Mally Whitehead who cannot turn out.

Hartlepool go to Marske happy to rely on the same side selected for last weekend's double programme.