Local cricket round-up: South Northumberland will take another decisive step towards the championship of the Foster's ECB North-East Regional Premier League if they win at Norton today.

They hope that Ian Hunter, who has formed a formidable opening attack with Reon King, will be available. Captain Kenny Gresham is injured so Marc Symington will lead Norton who also include Andrew Tait and Adam Harker.

Stockton, hoping to finish third, are unchanged for their home game with second-placed Durham Academy, who need nothing short of victory if they are to keep the pressure on South North.

The game of the day in The Readers Durham County League is between Willington and leaders Evenwood. Just eight points separate the pair, but Willington have a game in hand on their rivals.

"So far as we are concerned, it will be a case of winner takes all. We have got to claim maximum points and restrict Willington to as few bonus points as possible," said Evenwood captain Craig Rutherford. Willington secretary Steve Barker believes his side could lose but still end in pole position. He said: "We have an extra game to play and I don't think it would be the end of the road if they come out on top tonight."

Michael Pedelty for Jonathan Gill is Evenwood's only change while Willington could be without skipper Steve Donnelly. Horden go into the Bank Holiday programme knowing that two victories would almost certainly give them the Federation Special Durham Senior League championship if Burnmoor are unable to do the same.

The current leaders entertain Whitburn today without Keith Cheetham. They hope that Andrew Robson will have recovered from a leg injury sustained in a Representative Match last Sunday. Opponents Whitburn expect Bill Johnson to make his first appearance.

Burnmoor welcome back John Tindale, Paul Burn and Michael Callaghan against South Hetton. Professional Mark Benfield is also expected to resume if he receives the all clear from his finger injury.

South Hetton also have key players returning to strengthen the side with Bob Steel, Peter Nord and Craig Brammer all back.

There is another crunch game in the Durham Coast League with leaders Murton at home to Hylton, who have 25 fewer points. Both teams are at full strength.

Murton though know that even a draw will give them a very good chance of taking the crown. Lanchester are in a very strong position to clinch the Foster's Northumberland and Tyneside Senior League title. They go into their home game with Swalwell 47 points in front of Newcastle City