The derby at Eppleton looks set to be the most interesting game of the day when they entertain top-of-the-table Hetton Lyons. Nineteen points separate the sides as a result of Eppleton being left kicking their heels last week when rain washed out their match.

Ironically, two miles down the road the Lyons played and won handsomely. They are strengthened today by the return of slow left-arm bowler Ian Male with Paul Errington returning to the Second XI.

However, Eppleton's main threat is likely to come from Lance Hamilton.

Much will depend upon how home professional Jonathan Beukes can handle Hamilton.

There is an intriguing contest in prospect between the professionals, especially with Beukes averaging an impressive 92 with the bat. There is also an interesting battle at the bottom in prospect where Marsden visit South Shields.

Marsden are the only side in the league yet to win a game and skipper John Dunn would love to inflict defeat on his former club.

Both teams have experienced problems scoring runs but Shields have returned the more impressive results. They make one change for this game, Richard Binns is left out and batsman Jeff Marshall is drafted in.

South Hetton's fixture takes them to Whitburn and they will be hoping for a better batting performance than last Saturday. They are without Ian Houghton but could still be too good for Whitburn, who have shown some recent batting displays that leave much to be desired. Boldon have an ideal opportunity to return to winning ways after slipping up lately. They lie seven points ahead of opponents Durham City, who have Vishiran Iyengar returning for Tim Stonock.

However, Boldon have availability problems, with Grant Forster, Byron Longstaff, Chris Miller and Matthew Jackson all missing. Burnmoor could take over at the top tonight if they beat Felling.

Horden are still plagued with injuries and it is likely that Stephen McCoy and Graeme Smith will miss the game with Seaham Harbour.