Foster's ECB North-East Regional Premier League: South Northumberland skipper John Graham is confident his side can finally end Sunderland's title chances today and turn the the championship into a two-horse race with Durham Academy.

Graham believes his side has too much quality for Sunderland, who are currently 62 points off the lead, and that victory today will finally end any lingering aspirations the Wearside club may have had of lifting the title.

"The way things are working out it does look as if the Academy or ourselves will win the title," said Graham.

"We have both played very well in recent weeks and neither side has given much away.

"Last week's results were identical in that we both took the maximum 30 points.

"I am confident since we have enough penetration in the attack to bowl out sides who bat second and with spinners Richard Brook and Michael Smalley back in the line-up for today's crucial game with Sunderland, I think we can end their chances once and for all."

However, his view is not shared by Sunderland secretary Mike Smith, whose side's bid has been boosted by the inclusion of Andy Pratt.

He said: "After losing four games on the trot we thought we were out of it but we have secured a couple of outstanding victories in the last couple of weeks and were in a strong position to make it a hat-trick when the Banks Salver semi-final against South North was abandoned last Sunday.

"That result will give us added confidence for today's big game. Compared to the first half of the season, we are batting much better which is down to the good starts we have been able to make.

"The inclusion of Andrew Pratt is certainly a big bonus and although the odds are against us winning the title, with Pratt in the side, I believe we have a chance."

Sunderland though will certainly need to take the maximum 30 points and restrict South North if they are to have any chance of bridging the 62-point deficit.

They will have to do so without the former Middlesex and Durham County opener Michael Roseberry, Michael Nunn and Tom Skillbeck.

In addition, a doubt surrounds early order batsman Lee Rushworth, but Stuart Pattison returns.

"It is unfortunate that we go into the match weakened. We have been minus Roseberry and Applegarth for a few weeks and we have come through okay," added Smith, who reports that former first team captain Applegarth may not bowl again this season.

"Adam, who was the league's most successful bowler in the first three years of the competition when he claimed 102 wickets, is being troubled with a groin injury.

"He is playing in the seconds but only as a batsman and the signs are he will not be able to join the first team attack again this year."

Durham Academy go to Benwell Hill hoping to continue the electrifying form they displayed when they hammered Philadelphia at Riverside last weekend.

Young Kyle Coetzer has been in marvellous form throughout the summer and if Benwell Hill are to have any chance of upsetting the form book they need to claim his wicket early.

The Tynesiders are now fifth-from-bottom after winning the championship last season. There is no doubt that they have Northumberland's Phil Nicholson, who broke a leg in a pre-match warm-up. Also missing today are Steve Dunsford, Gary Evans, Martin Lewis, Phil Mustard and Martin Pollard.

Stockton, by far the most improved side this season, are at home to Gateshead Fell and retain the side which defeated local rivals Norton last Saturday.

On the other hand, neighbours Norton are struggling at the bottom, 11 points off Tynemouth.

They are at home to Blaydon minus Craig Symington and Anthony Bowler, who was given his debut last Saturday. The pair are replaced by Lee Dalby and Peter Wood. Blaydon could be minus captain Mark Drake for the second successive game because of work commitments. Wicketkeeper David Sherrington is unlikely to return after being sidelined for some time with an injury to his neck, but Ian Somerville, who had to leave the field through injury last Saturday, is expected to play.

One definite player to line-up will be Stuart Forster, who struck an excellent 80 when he stood in as a replacement for Drake in last week's victory over Chester-le-Street, which just about ensures Blaydon's survival in the top flight.

Fourth-placed Chester-le-Street anticipate having a full squad to choose from for the visit of Newcastle to Ropery Lane. The Tynesiders expect Durham's Danny Law to turn out, but with Nick Tomlinson unavailable, Kingsley McGarrigle is drafted in.

The outcome of the game between Philadelphia and Tynemouth at Bunker Hill will be of importance to both sides as they fight to avoid finishing at the bottom. Phili may well include Durham spinner Nicky Phillips in their line-up to complement the spin of Lee Beaumont.

Tynemouth, 29 points adrift of Philadelphia, are stronger with the inclusion of Karl Spratt, Stephen Scott and Russell Perry and they are hopeful that Mark Davies will be able to turn out.