Foster's ECB North-East Regional Premier League: The match of the day is between second-top, unbeaten Blaydon and Chester-le-Street, who have lost twice but by a strange quirk of the system enjoy a two-point lead over their rivals.

"We have done much better than anticipated and with five wins and five draws in ten outings are the only unbeaten side," said Blaydon chairman, Ken Forster.

"It will be difficult today though, as Chester-le-Street have a very strong side and they will take some beating.

"Only recently they were worthy winners when we played in the Banks Salver."

The Tynesiders are definitely without Ray Marshall, while Chester-le-Street line up Andrew Bell for Graeme Bridge.

"We went into pole position for the first time defeating Stockton last Saturday, but it was a close call since there were only three balls left when we claimed the last wicket," said Cestrian captain Allan Worthy, who is in tremendous form with the bat.

"It is an extremely tight league this time with little between the leading sides so obviously we need a good result today."

Sunderland are fourth ahead of their fixture with third-placed Durham Academy at the Racecourse ground. Secretary Mike Smith reports that Stuart Pattison misses out through injury, but Tom Skillbeck is available.

"Today's fixture marks the halfway stage and we are in a good position to mount a strong challenge. The Academy lost for the first time a couple of weeks ago and only gained a draw in last Saturday's rain-affected programme. Those two results cost them the leadership, but obviously they are a very good team," said Smith.

Norton are much stronger for their home game with South Northumberland, who have failed to maintain the consistency which won them the 2003 championship.

Nicky Beall and Steve Riddell return to a full-strength Norton line-up, while South North choose to make changes.

They have left out Michael Smalley and Johnny Gill and gone for a mix of experience and youth.

Howard Sidney-Wilmot is included along with 18-year-old David Harbottle.

"We have managed just three wins so far and are looking to freshen things up a bit. Hopefully, the experience of Wilmot and Harbottle, who has shown good form in the Seconds, will help us to lift our game a little," said captain John Graham.

Stockton show three alterations to their line-up for the visit of Benwell Hill. Peter Howells is free from his university commitments and is named together with Craig Barrington and Duane Atkinson. Pierre Jason has returned to his home after coming down from university, while Chris Oliver and Simon Davidson also make way.

Benwell Hill are hopeful that Simon Birtwhistle will at last resume following a lengthy lay-off with a shoulder injury. Should he be declared fit the Tynesiders will field their first-choice line-up.

Philadelphia are near to full strength at Newcastle. Mark Moore continues to deputise for injured wicket keeper Phil Empson, but Simon Hollingsworth is unavailable. Newcastle, have the former Gateshead Fell batsman Chris Clark lining up and hope that Durham County's Gary Pratt will also be able play. Ben Embleton, who started the season with Burnmoor, is also named.

Tynemouth have selected John Burn ahead of Ian Stewart for the visit of bottom-of-the-table Gateshead Fell, who have decided on fielding the same XI who were on duty last weekend.

* Clubs wishing to join the league in 2005 should initially contact the chairman Alan McKenna on (0191) 4222767 or secretary Keith Telford on (0191) 4171899. Clubs must be part of the Feeder system, meet certain criteria and formally apply by August 1.