The leadership could again change hands today because Kimblesworth have a free day which gives Evenwood and Brandon the chance to move into pole position.

Most clubs play twice this weekend and the top game this afternoon is between Evenwood and Brandon.

Evenwood, who with one defeat have suffered fewer reverses than any other side, are six points adrift of Kimblesworth and announce an unchanged line-up. They expect to field the same team at Ushaw Moor tomorrow.

A big blow to the chances of Brandon is the news that opening batsman Steve Dunsford will be out of action for some time with an ankle injury.

Ian Johnson is named in the Second XI with Dean Card and Lee Nyland pencilled in for the visit to Evenwood today and tomorrow's home fixture with Crook Town.

Esh Winning are fourth and for their double with Sedgefield and Tudhoe are unable to field their first-choice line-up. Graham Hurst and Peter Maddison miss both games and the pair are replaced today by Andrew Coulson and John Bate, who will keep wicket. Tomorrow, John Parkinson will take over behind the stumps from Bate.

Ushaw Moor - and professional Sanjay Raul - are enjoying a successful season and if the Indian all-rounder maintains the exciting form he has produced so far, a title challenge could arise.

Three players miss the visit to Tudhoe this afternoon. Michael Hayton, David Armstrong and Stephen Hancock are replaced by Scott Nattrass, Kevin Nattrass and Craig Usher. Tomorrow Ushaw Moor have an important home game with Evenwood.

Mainsforth expect professional Robert Chismon and wicketkeeper Gary Johns to return for their double with Shildon and Kimblesworth and Willington are at full strength for their two fixtures at neighbours Crook Town and at home to Langley Park.

Etherley are forced to make one change when they line up at Langley Park in their only fixture this afternoon since Michael Crane cannot play.

Justin Preston, 15, is handed his debut by Sedgefield and will line up alongside James Forster, who keeps wicket for the under-15 side.

Sedgefield visit Esh Winning today and also include Malcolm Dickinson since Ian Bell is unavailable. Youngster Michael Dunn is on stand-by should Andrew Coe not return from abroad in time to play for Crook Town in their derby with Willington. Tomorrow, Crook go to Brandon and Christopher Guy is given his chance since Ian Williams is sidelined.

Paul Clish is attending a wedding today and Keith Smith could don the keeper's gloves for Langley Park at home to Etherley.

Simon Huscroft, who joined Crook Town during the close season, has returned to Langley and providing his registration is transferred in time, he will make his seasonal debut this afternoon. Tomorrow, Langley are at Willington unable to call upon Lee Wright and David Leslie but Clish will play.

Tudhoe's double programme is against Ushaw Moor and Esh Winning and they are pleased to have Chris Glasper in the side captained by Kevin Littlefair. Shahid Anwar has shown good form since being signed as professional and Tudhoe have the chance to move into the top half of the table.

Kimblesworth play just once, at Mainsforth tomorrow when they will again be without Stephen Meek.

* All games in both divisions will commence at 2.30 and be restricted to 40 overs per side to accommodate England's World Cup game with Denmark