POWERFUL Morpeth Harriers are expected to underline their undisputed status as the region's top senior men's club by retaining their title in today's North-East Royal Signals Road Relay Championships at the Team Valley.

As North-East cross country champions and North of England silver medallists, Morpeth have such strength they can afford to split their best athletes into two teams, hoping to repeat their performances in this month's Durham Cathedral Relays when they occupied the top two positions.

If, as expected, Morpeth are able to turn out all their big guns, including brothers Mark and Ian Hudspith, they could well provide the first two six-man teams in the prestigious event.

Sunderland Harriers, who have won the handsome trophy ten times, have had to re-jig their first team - second last year - because of athletes resting before next weekend's English National Cross Country Championships, but the Wearsiders could retain the veterans' title they won last year.

Brian Rushworth, who recorded his first over-40 victory in last weekend's North-East Veterans Championships at Darlington, could again lead Sunderland to the team gold medals this afternoon, though he could find himself challenged by top Durham City vet Rob Hand for the fastest 2.25 mile circuit on the trading estate course.

Chester-le-Street AC have built up the strongest women's section in the North-East and should have little trouble carrying off the women's prize.

The Cestrians were runners-up in the Northern Championships and could field an even stronger team if Great Britain international Dianne Heneghan is back in action alongside the in-form Morag McDonnell, an excellent sixth in the Inter Counties Championships at Nottingham last week.

The meeting starts at 2pm, with registration and changing facilities in the Marquis Way Centre.

* The North Yorkshire and South Durham Harrier League stages its fourth fixture of the season at Whitby, with New Marske's Paul Welham and Louise Jackson (Richmond and Zetland) leading the individual senior tables.

* Sprint-king Jason Gardener knows he will only get one shot at glory when spearheading Great Britain's challenge at today's European Indoor Cup final in Leipzig.

With every event at these inaugural championships contested by one athlete from the eight competing nations, the reigning European 60 metres champion and record holder admits he will have to get his preparations spot on if he is to come home ahead of the field.

''Normally when you have a heat it allows you to prepare, shake down and warm up your body for a fast time in the final,'' said Gardener, the second-quickest 60m man in the world this year.

''Given it is a straight final, I think a time in the mid-6.50 seconds will be enough to win, but you never know what will happen on the day - I might go a lot faster."