That nothing is certain in cricket was vividly illustrated on Thursday night when leaders Guisborough and second-top Saltburn crashed out of the prestigious Kerridge Cup.

Today, the pair lick their wounds while victors Normanby Hall and Marske are jubilant.

"Make no mistake about it, it was one of the best nights we have enjoyed at Normanby Hall for a long time," said secretary Norman Willey.

"Who would have thought we would have beaten Guisborough but it just goes to show that anything can happen.

"Mohamed Zahid and Steve McNicholas bowled really well, defending a total of just 77. Let's face it, at the halfway stage, we looked dead and buried but managed to win by a couple of runs. We certainly celebrated!"

Marske official Richard Sharratt said the entire club was 'over the moon' at beating local rivals Saltburn.

"It is always nice to come out on top against them, but to dismiss them for just 68 and win by six wickets with more than an over to spare, was an absolutely marvellous performance.

"Tim Hood was the man of the match with seven wickets and an unbeaten 26 but second-teamer Karl Bramwell did just what was needed at the end of our innings to set the place alight."

This afternoon, Guisborough and Saltburn return to league duty determined to quickly erase the memories of the night. The leaders face a stern test at home to Middlesbrough especially as Phil Ramage and Steve Brodrick cannot play.

They are replaced by Graham Murray and Martin Hyde, who is making his debut. Graham Shaw, so important in Guisborough's early-order, was unable to play on Thursday but returns today.

Danny Evans, who steered Middlesbrough into the semi-finals of the Kerridge Cup at the expense of Great Ayton, when John Lowe hit a century, cannot play and also absent is Mattie Brown. Saltburn, just five points off Guisborough. are pleased that John Wyatt has returned from holiday and he comes in for Jimmy Lawson against Hartlepool.

Pool, who are also into the last four of the Kerridge Cup following their win at Bishop Auckland, bring in Ian Palmer for Martin Johnson. More of the same from Steve Chapman will surely spell problems for Saltburn. He hit 85 and took four wickets at Kingsway in Thursday's cup match.

Third-top Darlington are 43 points adrift of Guisborough and at home to Redcar show just one alteration with Richard Biddle named for the unavailable Duncan Johnson. The Seasiders also keep alterations to a minimum with Steve Law selected to replace Matthew Stokeld.

Darlington RA have shown better form in the last month much to the satisfaction of captain David Eckels.

"The lads are more confident but we have got to be consistent and today's visit of Marske gives us a chance of moving further up the table," said Eckels, who reports that Andrew Russell comes in for Mark Eyles.

RA, who have struggled against relegation in recent seasons, currently enjoy the luxury of being fourth from bottom, 70 points better off than Wolviston.

"We cannot take anything for granted, but at the halfway stage we are not looking over our shoulders as we have done in previous years," added Eckels.

Paul Webster is absent from the Blackhall side visiting Northallerton and 12-year-old Anthony Darby, who supported the side last weekend is another change. Northallerton miss the unavailable Peter Guy and Peter Wilkinson is included in the Second XI which leaves the way open for the return of Ian Place and Richard Chandler.

Richmondshire, second from bottom but comfortably 46 points in front of Wolviston, are unchanged when the pair meet.

A boost for Wolviston is the return after illness of opening batsman Geoff Ward and Mark O'Neill is also available as they attempt to win for the first time.

They took the decision not to have a professional but are still enjoying their cricket in this their first season in the top flight. Nevertheless, they have a mountain to climb if they are not to quickly return to Division One.

Normanby Hall are at Thornaby, who have youngster Daniel Woods taking over from Philip Merryweather in Neil Marsden's team.

* Tomorrow, Guisborough have another important cup date when they host South Northumberland in the regional final of the ECB Knockout Cup. Will McDougall takes over from Hyde.

* The semi-finals of the Kerridge Cup, to be played on Thursday July 11 are: Normanby Hall v Middlesbrough, Hartlepool v Marske.