Foster's ECB North-East Regional Premier League: Stockton again miss the influential Alan Walker when they visit bottom of the table Gateshead Fell.

Walker has still not recovered from an injury sustained when he was called into the Durham County side a few weeks ago.

"Alan is still troubled and obviously his absence is a blow,'' said fixture secretary Mike Syson, who reports that Peter Howells is another absentee because he is on duty with his university.

Gateshead Fell have also had an involvement with Durham County. They have lost opening batsman Marcus North, who has been seconded to the Riverside for the season in the absence of Hershelle Gibbs.

The Tynesiders have managed just one win and, with five defeats, have lost more than any other side.

Norton have tasted success just once, but with five draws have lost only twice, and at home to Tynemouth have former Peterlee player Keith Hewson returning. Nicky Beall is still absent and Matt Brown continues to deputise.

Tynemouth are hopeful that their former player, Nicky Peng, may be released by Durham to play his first game of the season for them.

Leaders Durham Academy, who boosted their chances of clinching the championship with victory over rival contenders Chester-le-Street last weekend, line up against Benwell Hill, for whom Barry Evans will be attempting to take his 500th wicket for the club.

"Barry has been a great servant and obviously we are hoping that he picks up a couple of wickets so he can celebrate what would be a tremendous landmark on his own ground," said captain Phil Nicholson, who cannot call upon John Grey.

In addition, he awaits a fitness report on Simon Birtwisle, who has only played three league matches so far because of injury.

Chester-le-Street need a winning result against Newcastle at Ropery Lane to maintain their championship aspirations.

Despite losing in the league last week, the Cestrians are buoyant after reaching the regional final of the prestigious Cockspur ECB National Knockout Cup with an emphatic victory at Scarborough last Sunday.

On the same day, their third XI celebrated clinching the Premier League's Banks Bowl with victory over Tynemouth.

David Wilson returns to the Cestrians' squad this morning and Newcastle line up the former Durham City player Joel Hughes, who will be in opposition against his brother Quentin.

Mick Tomlinson is also named, with Paul Muchall and Ben Embleton making way.

Philadelphia hope that former captain Andrew Roseberry, who played for Glamorgan and Leicestershire, will make his seasonal league debut after playing in last week's cup tie with Esh Winning.

Durham University students, Simon Hollingsworth and Glen Read are unavailable and Mike Elliot will not play again this summer - he is in Bosnia as part of his studies.

Sunderland welcome the return from Australia of the ex-Gateshead Fell wicketkeeper Tom Skilbeck and he is added to Simon Old's squad.

Second-top Blaydon, who have won four and drawn as many of their eight games, visit champions South North with only Johnny O'Neill unable to play.

South North have a full strength side as they aim to keep among the title contenders.