A big boost to the chances of Ryhope ahead of today's top-of-the-table clash against Hylton is the return of professional Paul Watson, who has been on holiday.

When the Wearsiders signed him from Horden they agreed he could have time off and during his absence Ryhope have remained unbeaten after four matches. They have won twice and drawn twice and are only 11 points adrift of Hylton, who sit two points in front of second placed Murton.

Ryhope, at one time the strongest side in the league, are hoping to return to the glory days and have added experience to their youth policy.

In addition to Watson, who has performed admirably in the Federation Special Durham Senior League with Horden during recent seasons, they have also signed Graham Anderson, who has taken over as captain, Graeme Smith and John Leslie. The quartet are all included in a strong line-up at Hylton.

"It is another big game for us,'' declared Hylton stalwart Owen Williamson, who is still turning in good performances at the age of 54.

"Ryhope have assembled a good side and will take some beating, but we have shown the form in our first four games which won us the title last season.''

A blow to Hylton, though, is the unavailability of Sean Gleeson, who has been a regular wicket-taker in the early games. David Batty can play and will probably open the attack in the absence of Gleeson.

Murton are just two points behind Hylton and they too face a difficult challenge at home to unbeaten Easington.

With Phil Grimwood available again, he is immediately recalled to the Murton line-up to the exclusion of Jordan Vout, who reverts to the second XI.

Castle Eden, with just one defeat so far, are hopeful of climbing further up the table at the expense of second from bottom Dawdon. The visitors cannot call upon either Tony Banks or Gerard Magee and will decide nearer the start who will fill the two vacancies. Dawdon, without a win, keep faith in the same XI.

Houghton are at the bottom, but only four points worse off than Dawdon. They go to Bill Quay strengthened with the inclusion of Kenny Marriott and Andrew Beston, so Bradley Smith and Ryan Furneval drop out of the team. Bill Quay keep alterations to a minimum and Craig Smith for Paul Bentham is their only change.

Seaham Park had high hopes of securing their first win of the season last week when the weather intervened.

They make the short journey to Silksworth, happy to name the same line-up, while the hosts also announce that their first-choice side will be on duty.

Peterlee, last year's runners-up, have yet to taste victory having lost two of their four fixtures. They are at home to Boldon CA and their hopes of securing a first win are strong as they have a full squad to choose from.

Boldon CA, hoping that their youth policy will pay dividends this season, name several youngsters.