Foster's Northumberland and Tyneside Senior League: Lanchester have acted swiftly to replace Wallace Albertyn who was injured whilst attempting a catch in last week's game at Sacriston.

"Wallace had taken four wickets and bowled the maximum 15 overs but when fielding he dislocated his shoulder and also suffered a hairline fracture of his collar bone.

"It is going to be at least eight weeks before he will be ready so we agreed he should return to South Africa" said fixture secretary Bob Gardiner.

Lanchester have snapped up former Pakistan Test bowler Atta-ur-Rehman who was available after playing one game this season for Ramsbottom in the Lancashire leauge

"We knew a bit about Rehman because last year he was professional with Esh Winning in The Readers Durham County League. We are confident he will prove an ideal replacement for Albertyn," added Gardiner.

Today, reigning champions Lanchester host second top Ashington. The sides have identical playing records but the Colliers have picked up one bonus point more than their rivals

Rehman makes his league debut and Trevor Fabian, Andrew Biggs and Greg Haliday are also included in place of Phil Carling, Stuart McPhail and Chris Laws.

Ashington will miss youngster Simon Prudhoe who has already made an unbeaten century this season. His place is taken by another teenager Adam Cragg which means that the Colliers will have three 16-year-olds in their line up since Stuart Tiffen and Paul Straker are also named.

Leaders Tynedale visit bottom of the table Whickham with Mathew Ridley named for Neil Clark. Newly promoted Whickham are finding life at the top difficult and are the only side yet to taste success, while today's opponents have chalked up five wins and a draw in six outings.

Tony Claughan is unavailable so Ian Cruickshank is drafted into the Sacriston line-up as they attempt to build on recent good form by defeating Swalwell.

Annfield Plain have welcomed the return of Ian Clough who has had a brief period with Walkworth. He lines up at Benwell and Walbottle and Shotley Bridge include John Rourke and Neil Morley for unavailable pair Donald Brown and Neil Burdon at Lintz.