Saltburn secretary Jonathan Bond reckons that Normanby Hall's victory on the third Saturday of the season was the catalyst for a successful winning sequence which has propelled the Seasiders into joint pole position.

"We were certainly brought down to earth. Everybody expected us to win but in a way Normanby Hall did us a good turn," said Bond

"Since then, we have played some brilliant cricket and everybody is pulling together. It has been a real team effort and even when we lose a toss the lads have a positive frame of mind believing they can bowl out our opponents."

Bond accepts that today's game against Middlesbrough at Acklam Park will be difficult.

"They have a very good wicket and if we bowl second, we will certainly have our work cut out to win the game," added Bond who reports that opening batsman John Wyatt is unavailable and his replacement is Jimmy Lawson.

Middlesbrough captain Danny Evans has announced two changes in his line-up with Chris Liddle and James Beaumont included in place of Colin Haslett and Janasar Hussain who are named in the Second XI.

Guisborough, now level on points with Saltburn, defend the only unbeaten record at Marske.

The Fountains Garth side are unbeaten in 18 League and Cup matches and were particularly pleased with their performance defeating Scarborough in the ECB National Knockout Cup Regional Semi Final earlier in the week.

Professional David Towes is in exceptional form and he has now taken 100 wickets in the 40 League games he has played for the club. In addition, he has conceded just over two runs an over and is arguably the most economical bowler in the Premier Division.

Guisborough are forced to make one alteration at Marske because Phil Ramage is unavailable.

Third-top Darlington have 33 points to make up on the leading pair and they need to defeat Northallerton at Feethams to maintain their title challenge. Kevin Mott resumes in a full-strength line-up.

Darlington will not know what to expect from their opponents. After being bowled out for just 30 by Middlesbrough in the Kerridge Cup, they defeated Boro two days later in the League.

"It was certainly a rags-to-riches transformation inside a couple of days but we did not complain!" said Northallerton secretary Ian Morton. With Richard Chandler unavailable, Danny Luck is promoted this afternoon.

Wolviston are delighted to have Mark O'Neil back in their side for the first time in a month when they attempt to win for the first time by defeating Darlington RA. Ken Jones drops into the second team while RA hand a debut to recent signing Darren Hickey.

Blackhall have Gavin Watts taking over from Dave Penman at Thornaby and Hartlepool retain young left-arm pace bowler Martin Johnson for their visit to Richmondshire.

Matthew Stokeld and Darren Nalton strengthen Redcar's chances of victory at Normanby Hall with the Law brothers Adam and Steve making way.