Darlington Building Society NYSD League

Darlington, who would have clinched the title last season had they defeated arch-rivals Darlington RA on the final day of the season, are confident they can again make an impact in the race for honours.

"We were disappointed last September but that's behind us now,'' reflected committee member Steve Charlton.

"We've started with a win and three draws from our first four fixtures, two of which were affected by the weather and are joint-second behind Redcar.

"It's early days but we were in a strong position against Darlington RA and Middlesbrough when the weather intervened. We then beat Hartlepool and last week gained a draw with Marske, who were runners-up last time."

For the first time in three seasons the Feethams club is operating without an overseas professional.

"In 2001 we had Indian Naveep Sidhu and last year Pakistani Hanif-ur-Rehman was here but this season we have Yorkshire's second team wicket-keeper and batsman Simon Guy and he is doing a very good job,'' he added.

"Mark Jobling is in his first season as captain and overall we are encouraged by the results and the standard of our game.''

Today, Northallerton are visitors to Feethams and the home side retain David Alderson for Duncan Johnson. Northallerton, one of only three sides yet to taste success, have David Leng replacing Albert Aurelias and with Jonathan Barnes again on song, will cause one or two upsets as they did last year.

Barnes has taken 18 wickets in only four outings, twice claiming six scalps to confirm once again that he is a potent force in the League.

Leaders Redcar host Richmondshire and replace the unavailable Darren Nalton with Andy Weatherall, who scored a half-century for the seconds last weekend.

With three wins and a draw from four attempts, the Seasiders have made a splendid start while Richmond will be more confident after securing their first victory last Saturday when they saw off Thornaby.

Andy Mollitt cannot play so Kevin Forbes will lead Richmond and with Robbie Barker at University, Ben Biker is a ready replacement.

Saltburn, who share second position with Darlington, are at home to Darlington RA and have junior James Boardman in for the unavailable Johy Wyatt.

RA captain David Eckels is happy following an initial win last weekend which kept up their unbeaten record. Stephen Marr for Stephen Bell is RA's only alteration.

Bishop Auckland expect professional Amul Mazumdar to play his first game following a delayed arrival. He is pencilled in to take over from Frank Smith while visitors Blackhall have John Darby and Graham Bell coming in for Paul Webster and Mark Cushlow.

Marske are at full strength against Normanby Hall who welcome back Rhys Barker from injury. He replaces Melvin Sykes.

Thornaby, who line-up at home to Middlesbrough, keep faith with the side which lost to Richmondshire last Saturday when a sporting declaration proved costly in the late stages of a game which Thornaby looked likely to win.

Middlesbrough, bottom of the table, hope to kick-start their season which received a setback last Sunday when an inspired display by former West Indian test star Collis King saw them dismissed from the ECB National Knock-out Cup at Dunnington. Richard Borwell for Janiser Hussain is the only change to Martin Ball's line-up.