Norton will aim to take a good haul of points from their game with Sunderland today in a bid to move off the bottom of the table.

To date, they have managed just one win in nine attempts and it will not be easy for them to double their success rate since they are without three players.

Durham County's James Brinkley, Andrew Tate and Chris Thomas are all unavailable. Although Sunderland are minus leading players Lee Rushworth and Stuart Pattison, both of whom have shown good form this season, they have signed young spinner Stephen Merrington from Chester-le-Street and he will make his debut.

The Ashbrooke club has, however, failed in a bid to sign a second player.

Another former NYSD League side Stockton have, like Norton, also found it difficult in their third season in the League but they have moved away from the immediate danger area and are now fourth from bottom. They visit Blaydon and are strengthened by the return of Danny Lewis, who takes over from Ben Lee.

Apart from middle-order batsman, Chris Stephenson, Blaydon have selected their first-choice line-up which has taken them into the top half of the table after a disappointing start to the campaign.

Newcomers Philadelphia have surprised many pundits by losing only once in nine games. Before the start of the season they were considered as relegation candidates but so far they have held their own.

They host South Northumberland at Bunker Hill and show just one change with Shoaib Akhtar quickly regaining his place to the exclusion of Ben Young.

South North, second to Benwell Hill, cannot call upon Ian Gilthorpe, Howard Sidney-Wilmot or Imran Shah but still field a strong side which includes former Durham County player Martin Speight and the returning Nick Tomlinson.

Reigning champions Chester-le-Street take on leaders Benwell Hill, who have been in excellent form in recent weeks. Hill captain Phil Nicholson reports that Ollie Bellwood comes into the team in place of James Walder.

Another Durham player, Michael Gough hit a brilliant unbeaten century last Saturday and the Cestrians will need to quickly take his wicket if they are to profit.In addition, Pakistani professional Shahid Nazir has taken 27 wickets to date, including a five-wickets haul last Saturday when the Hill demolished Sunderland to record their fifth win of the season.

Tynemouth await a fitness check on Barry Stewart ahead of their home game with Newcastle. John Callaghan stands by to deputise and the Seasiders are hopeful that Gordon Muchall will be able to turn out.

Gary Pratt will play for Newcastle but skipper Neil Wake has a pulled muscle in his back and is a definite absentee. Wayne Ritzema will lead the side.