Burnmoor, with three successive victories, have moved quietly up the league and now sit ominously in second place, 20 points behind leaders Horden.

They will benefit today by the return of pace bowler Des Beach although his colleagues have bowled well in his absence - and none more so than Ian Conn.

His 29 victims to date have cost just an economical 11.8 runs each, which is remarkable considering the number of overs he bowls every week.

However, Beach's return is offset by the unavailability of Paul Burn.

Marsden, who visit the current champions, attempt to protect their unbeaten record.

Their task has been made more difficult with the unavailability of three players.

Vice captain Harry Mann has a fractured toe and could be out for a month while both Graeme Fox and Andy Barrass also miss out today.

South Shields travel to Boldon looking for revenge against the team who beat them twice last season.

They are still trying to produce a level of consistency and their batting will be tested against some of the quickest bowling in the league.

Wicketkeeper Lee Whalley returns to the Shields team and Graham Flaxen drops into the Second XI.

Boldon, who have slipped of late, need a win to make them serious title challengers and are forced into just one change.

Geoff Sargon is brought into the side in place of Michael Forster.

Whitburn's form is gradually picking up and they will be looking for a second win in a row.

Having won comfortably at bottom-placed Seaham Harbour last week, Whitburn will have high hopes of further success when they entertain second-bottom Durham City, who have yet to win this season.

They will be able to field their strongest side for a number of weeks and include all-rounder Paul Cook and batsman Michael Smith.

David Bell, who has been out of the game for a couple of seasons, plays his first league game.

Bell severely damaged a finger while playing for South Shields, but after batting in a couple of cup games he makes his first league start.

Opponents Durham will have early-order batsmen Alex Richards and Johnny Johnson returning.

In their last game together, Richards hit a century and Johnson 61 not out in a healthy opening partnership.

On the debit side, David Burgess and Andrew Warbrick are missing and there are doubts surrounding professional Chris King.

Seaham Harbour, desperate for a win, face two of their former players Neil McKinney and Stuart Lacey at Eppleton today.

After several late withdrawals last week, Seaham hope to be able to field a stronger side.

Eppleton have Matthew Jane out injured and Elliott Alexander is called in.

With David Lowther and Matthew Hooper also missing, Anthony Beston and Andrew Gibson are called into the side.

South Hetton entertain Felling, whose batting totally collapsed last week.

They have Charlie Wilson replacing Graeme Wright. Ian Houghton returns for South Hetton.

Hetton Lyons will be looking to reduce Horden's lead at the top when they meet.

The leaders expect to be unchanged for this crucial game.

The Lyons include the Errington brothers Steve and Paul, but Gary Dawson is still not available.