Durham Coast League: EXPECT defending champions Murton to set the pace again this summer.

Despite losing prolific strike bowler Joe Dodd to Chester-le-Street, secretary Herbert King cuts a confident figure.

Dodd was part of a three-man attack which shared 154 wickets last season, but Shaun Smith has moved from Hylton and Shaun Bradbury, who has played for Horden and South Hetton, adds strength. "We look as if we will again be a strong side,'' enthused King.

Murton's ace could be professional and captain Calvin Stephenson who would not be out of place playing at a higher grade. Last year, he rattled up 628 runs and averaged 57.1 in addition to capturing 63 wickets at 11 apiece.

Runners-up Silksworth are pleased that Stephen Hanson has moved from Blackhall especially as Graeme Weeks, cricket development officer with Durham County, has put his bat away.

It is also a case of one in one out at Castle Eden who for a short spell led the table during last summer. Mike Horsley, previously with Hartlepool and Wolviston, has moved into the area but Liam Brown has left.

There are a number of alterations at Hylton, who are looking to consolidate the significant improvements of recent years.

A big blow is the decision of captain David Hanson, who also skippers the league representative side, to join Ryhope while opening partner of last season Joe Bittlestone has announced his retirement.

Boldon CA all-rounder Lee Jackson and wicket keeper batsman Gary Braithwaite from Dawdon come in to fill the gaps and experienced Keith Trotter is captain.

"We finished fourth last season after winning the league two years ago and despite losing two talented and experienced cricketers, we are determined to maintain the momentum,'' said club stalwart Owen Williamson.

"We have some very good youngsters coming along, including Brian Conlon and Christopher Allen, and the pair will be given their chance."

Peterlee will miss the talents of Keith Hewson and Nicky Beall who have returned to play for Norton in the ECB Premier League. Dale Butler is available and his inclusion will, to some extent, soften the double blow.

Ryhope aim to continue the improvement of 2003 and, with David Hanson in their line-up, could mount a title challenge. Last year, Hanson had one century in his total of 724 runs which gave him an average of almost 50.

"David's signing is a major boost and there could be plenty of runs on our ground - Graeme Anderson is again captain and last year he made the highest score in the league, 142. He ended with an average of over 63 after scoring 760 runs," enthused official Mattie Summerside.

Boldon CA have lost Lee Jackson to Hylton but are still hopeful of signing a couple of lads currently playing in the Roseberry Group North-East Durham League while Dawdon are disappointed that two players have moved on. Neville Gustard has returned to Seaham Harbour and Gary Braithwaite will try his luck with Hylton.

Despite making strenuous efforts to improve facilities, Dawdon have been unable to attract any newcomers.

Seaham Park will miss Andrew Worthy, who has gone to Swalwell, but they have had a couple of youngsters netting with a view to joining the club. Graeme Jobes is the new captain and encouragingly the Park will run junior sides at under-11, 13, 15 and 18 level.

"The future of cricket and Seaham Park in particular rests with attracting and retaining young people in the game. If there is anyone who would like to play, we would welcome them," declared secretary Billy Giblin.

There is no change at Easington where David Kennedy resumes as professional while Houghton look to be in for a long summer with no newcomers nor a professional.

Last year, they failed to win any of their 22 games and trailed second-bottom Boldon CA by almost 100 points.

The league has a new chairman in Roy Simpson. He has taken over from John Lowery who has retired after giving more than two decades of service to the league and a lifetime of dedication to cricket.