The game of the day is between leaders Tudhoe and reigning champions Evenwood, who are again in a challenging position.

"It is another big match for us. There is not much between the five leading clubs but we are out in front and it is up to us to stay there," said Tudhoe secretary David Linford.

Kevin Littlefair and John Taylor are absentees today and father and son Ian and Chris Glasper line up. Simon Davies, who has been in magnificent form this summer, also plays and Evenwood will need to claim his wicket quickly.

Evenwood official Billy Teesdale reports that captain Craig Rutherford is unavailable and Ben Alderson is also missing. The pair are replaced by David Wilkinson and Paul Watson, while all-rounder John Maughan is doubtful because of injury.

Willington are second from top - their highest rating since they rejoined the league and with a hat-trick of cup wins over Philadelphia and victory against Horden in cup competitions, are confident they can maintain their title challenge.

They go to Ushaw Moor unable to call upon Darren Brown and Will Hutchinson deputises after averaging more than 100 in the Second XI.

Also included for his first game of the season is former Crook Town player Andrew Coe, who will strengthen both the batting and bowling departments. Peter Maddison will play his first game for Ushaw Moor but captain Michael Hayton cannot turn out.

A big blow to the championship chances of Esh Winning is the news that Ian Dixon, who is in the Army, is unlikely to play again this season after being posted away.

"Ian is a very good batsman and he will take some replacing," said secretary Joe Lawlor, who reports that Malcolm Gray fills the vacancy today in the home game with Kimblesworth, who are at full strength.

Etherley, who cannot call upon Eddie Seery, make three further changes visiting Mainsforth. Danny Hinge, Richard Mangles and Ashley Raine are all named in the Second XI and are replaced by Stephen Taberer, Drew Kirtley and Lee Gowland.

With Andy Howells back from injury and Nigel Milner also available, Mainsforth are close to full strength although Craig Dargue cannot play and John Cavanagh is included in the second team.

Brandon and Crook Town meet in a bottom-of-the-table clash.

Scott Hopson and Dean Storey resume for the home side while Crook are strengthened with the availability of Andy Burgess who takes over from Peter Robinson.

Philip Heslop replaces Malcolm Dickinson in the Sedgefield side against visitors Langley Park, who have Paul Clish and Phil Daughtry returning.

Ryan Moralee is unavailable and David Leslie is still on the injured list.