Foster's Northumberland and Tyneside Senior League

Newcastle City proudly sit at the top of the table in their initial season in the first division.

Indeed, they only joined the competition in 2002 moving from the Three Counties Northumberland League. Today they face their biggest test when they host Lanchester, who have the same number of points. City are unable to include Bill Ahmed so Ohma Ahmed takes over.

Lanchester have won three of their four games - more than any other side. They have Andrew Biggs back from holiday and he is included in a full strength line-up.

Ashington, just three points off the joint leaders, go to Annfield Plain with Steve Williams taking over from his son Greg.

Swalwell face a potentially stern test against Shotley Bridge at The Spa. The home side, who progressed in the Foster's Cup with their last ball win over Annfield Plain last Sunday, include Peter Collingwood, who crashed an unbeaten century in just 40 overs last Saturday. They keep the same side hoping to record their first win and regain lost ground in the race for the title which they won last season. Sacriston include Australian professional Gavin Swan for his fourth game of the season at home to Tynedale.

Tynedale are near to full strength. Gary Christie returns for Lintz in their home game with Leadgate. Stuart Clennell is missing, while Leadgate, who won the second division by a mile last year, are forced into making a number of changes. All-rounder Stuart Graham is out with bruised ribs and Alan Reeve has a broken thumb. To compound concerns for the visitors, Gary Innes cannot play because of work commitments. Jason Fletcher and Chris Soulsby will fill two of the vacancies.

In Division Two, Whickham are setting the pace. They go to Kirkley hoping to field their first choice line-up against a side bottom of the table.

Greenside, perennial strugglers, have made a better start and they hope to maintain the momentum at home to Blyth.