Durham Coast League: Seaham Park are second-bottom but it is far from doom and gloom according to spokesman Billy Giblin.
This week saw both the U11s, managed by John Watson, and U18s, who are looked after by Stephen Sutherland and Graeme Jobes, clinch their respective championship titles.
"The youngsters are the future of the club and although the first team is struggling with just one win in 14 attempts, the juniors have done exceptionally well," enthused Giblin, who reports that Chris Varley had been selected by Durham County U13s for the game with Yorkshire.
Today though Seaham Park turn their attentions in an attempt to improve their position near the basement.
They host Bill Quay and are considerably stronger with the inclusion of Michael McNicholas, David Moorhead, Robert Howe, Chris Hudson and Michael Evans.
It is all change too for Bill Quay. They have Jeff Tudor, Kevin South, Dave Earl, Willie Gardener, Graeme Hudson and Chris Little all coming into contention as they aim to move into the top half of the table.
Hylton veteran Owen Williamson, still bowling as well as ever despite being in the twilight of his career, believes that a change in the rules are necessary to recreate interest in the game.
"All too often sides batting second have just one aim which is to claim a draw," claimed Williamson, who is included in the Hylton line-up for their crucial game at Castle Eden.
"We declared in one match this season after just 32 overs at 3.50pm.
"We gave the opponents loads of time, but they made no effort and the match just petered out into a boring draw
"I accept from their point of view that they prevented us from winning and did not lose, but the 20-20 competition between the 18 county championship sides has proved very popular because it produces a result.
"We have played 20-over cricket in the North-East for years and there is no doubt it is more popular than the Saturday afternoon game."
Castle Eden, seven points ahead of Hylton in second position, are pleased that Michael Higgin can play and he takes over from Stan Cowey.
Leaders Murton defend a slender four-point advantage ahead of their game at Ryhope.
Keith Chapman, who has taken more than 1,000 wickets for the club, returns to the exclusion of Andrew Upperton.
After promising much in the early weeks of the season Ryhope have slipped back into fifth position, but still boast a very useful all-round side.
With John Leslie and Chris Errington both resuming in place of the Swansbury brothers, Adam and Greg, a close result is anticipated.
Houghton will be aiming to win their first match when they host fourth-from-basement Dawdon, who cannot call upon the former Seaham Harbour player Neville Gustard.
He could be out for at least a month through injury.
Silksworth, whose chances of clinching the championship receded with last week's defeat by Castle Eden, are pleased to have Michael Kearney in the line-up at Boldon CA. He replaces Paul Harrison.
The local derby between Easington and Peterlee could produce a close result.
The home side have proved on more than one occasion this season that they can match the best while Peterlee have gradually moved up the table following a disappointing start.
The visitors, however, cannot call upon Michael Buckingham this afternoon.
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