Blackhall, too near the bottom of the Premier Division for comfort, will hope to cash in on Darlington fielding a weakened side this afternoon.

A big blow to the chances of the Feethams side is the unavailability of opener Neil Pratt, who scored another half century last weekend.

Richie Biddle is also injured and the pair are replaced by Colin Biglin and Kevin Mott.

Darlington, who have suffered just one defeat in 11, are fourth top while the Colliers are fourth from bottom although they have lost just twice.

With eight draws, they have proved a difficult side to beat, but they need to start and win if they are to move away from the relegation zone.

They show one change today with Mark Cushlow taking over from Gavin Watts.

Second-top Saltburn, who scored nearly 300 runs conceding just two wickets last weekend, go to Bishop Auckland on a high, confident they can keep the pressure on leaders Redcar.

Saltburn are unchanged at Kingsway, where Bishops will attempt to consolidate their place in the top half of the table.

They are pleased with the form they have shown to date since being promoted from Division One last season.

The chances of Guisborough against Normanby Hall at Fountains Garth are enhanced with the return from injury of professional David Towse, who has been a huge miss in the last couple of weeks.

Not only does he claim a fair number of wickets but he usually bowls a long, economic stint.

With Chris Murray unavailable, Guisborough make just one alteration but Normanby Hall show three changes.

Roy Myers, Mark Lane and Joe Bell come in for Michael Addison, Shoaib Mohammed and Sajid Hussain.

After an indifferent start, Marske's form is following the pattern of last year when a tremendous second-half of the season surge propelled them into the runners-up position just three points behind champions Guisborough.

They are now fifth and at home to Darlington RA make just one adjustment to the side which convincingly won last weekend. Shazad Ahmed takes over from Carl Bramwell.

Despite losing in their last outing, Darlington RA are pleased with their limited success, but skipper David Eckels will be looking for a third win of the season when Neil Dawson and Paul Robson are named instead of Stephen Russell and Peter Cartwright.

Middlesbrough are at the basement ahead of the visit from Richmondshire. Captain Martin Bell will be without Richie Borwell and will need to claim the early wicketof Shanoka Dissanayake, who scored a magnificent unbeaten 140 last Saturday.

Thornaby are just ahead of Boro at the bottom, but have the chance to move ahead of visitors Hartlepool since just five points separate the pair.

The home side are unchanged and Hartlepool are back to full strength with the return of wicket keeper Neil Marsden, who displaces Andy Smith.

Northallerton go to Redcar minus Richard Chandler and John Sample, whose places are filled by Ian Plaice and Jerry Hall.

In Division One, Great Ayton meet fellow promotion hopefuls Seaton Carew unable to call upon Anthony Doyle, Colin Murray or Glen Mudd.

Henry Blackett, who plays for Yorkshire Schools, is given his chance alongside Tony Harrison and Johnny Grainge.

Fifth-placed Marton host Middlesbrough with Chris Simpson and Chris Lane coming in for Paul Gaynon and Geoff Walker while leaders Wolviston have a free day.