League president Ken Gardner is looking forward to an interesting finale to the season as sides battle it out for title honours or simply to survive.

"It is extremely tight at the top and bottom of both the Premier Division and Division One and a number of clubs have a lot to play for," said Gardner, who is standing down at the end of the year.

"The race for the Premier Division championship went right to the wire last September and this time it looks as if it will not be decided between Guisborough and Saltburn until the final day."

Guisborough chairman Dave Norminton agrees. "Saltburn are pushing us all the way, but the outcome is now up to us," he said.

"We are 12 points ahead of them and although it might be simplistic, the truth is if we win our last three matches, we will be crowned champions for a third successive year."

Ironically, the last side to achieve the magnificent feat was Saltburn, between 1967-69.

Today, Guisborough are at home to Darlington with a full-strength side on duty with the visitors including Danny Morgans and Kevin Mott for Rob Lawrence and Duncan Johnson.

Saltburn make the short trip to Redcar, where they will not have to face Dulip Samaraweera.

He has returned home with a back injury and Steve Lowes will deputise as Saltburn.

At the bottom, Darlington RA and Thornaby meet at Brinkburn Road in a crunch game, since only 26 points separate the pair. RA have brought in Australian Mark Quinn as replacement professional for Maroof Khan, who is suffering with a back problem.

Thornaby's only change is the inclusion of Sam Toulson for Paul Allen.

Hartlepool are second from the basement, 24 points in front of Thornaby. They go to Richmondshire minus Ashley Day, Jack Wilkinson and Ian Palmer. John Cannon and Gary Tebbett resume, while 14-year-old Paul Johnson keeps his place.

At the top of Division One, Wolviston have Jimmy Jones back, but Jeff Bluckert cannot play at Marske and second-top Great Ayton, keen to play in the Premier Division, are minus Tony Harrison and John Doyle senior at home to Normanby Hall. Colin Murray has recovered from a broken toe and David Collins is promoted from the seconds.

Seaton Carew are also in contention for promotion and for the visit of Bedale will be without Richard Clayton, who suffered an injury to his hand last weekend.

In addition, doubts surround the fitness of Dave Alsop and Mark Windsor, while Tom Dixon is likely to be included in the line-up.

l Bishop Auckland stage a Benefit for Indian professional Amul Mazumdar at Kingsway tomorrow.

An eight-team, six-a-side all-day cricket tournament starts at 11am and includes sides from Bradford, Leeds, Thornaby and Blackhall.