Stockton share bottom position with Tynemouth, but they will still be wary of their visitors when they meet this morning.

The Seasiders recorded a magnificent, totally unexpected victory last week when they scored more than 100 runs from the last ten overs against Blaydon.

And the man who made it all possible, Wayne Falla, is included in the Tynemouth side even though he stated pre-season that he did not want to play the all-day game.

"Wayne was absolutely brilliant last Saturday. Technically, he is an exceptional player and he simply dominated our innings from beginning to end and it was just a pity he was run out for 135 when we only needed four runs for victory," said Tynemouth chairman Don Norton.

Another boost for the visitors is the return of captain Russell Perry who took ill following Tynemouth's game at Norton a fortnight ago.

He was taken into hospital and expected to turn out last week but on doctor's orders, decided to delay his comeback until today. His inclusion for John Callaghan is the only change.

Stockton, the only side yet to record a victory, prefer Danny Lewis to junior Kevin Ward who drops into the Second XI.

At the top, Chester-le-Street aim to extend their slender lead by defeating Newcastle at Ropery Lane. But with the Tynesiders' Scott Kay another batsman in scintillating form, they have no easy task.

Ashley Thorpe, on duty with Durham Seconds against Lancashire at Stockton, is set to miss the match while Newcastle captain Neil Wake reports that a full-strength side will be on duty.

Paul Lindsay resumes and Newcastle University student Tom Burne will play his second game. "I was really pleased with our performance when we defeated Sunderland last weekend which will have given us confidence for today's match. It is a really big weekend for us, since on Monday we play another of the early-season front-runners Gateshead Fell," said Wake.

Marc Symington misses out for Norton in their home game with Benwell Hill and his brother Craig is doubtful with an Achilles tendon strain. He missed last night's cup match at Lanchester as a precaution and hopes to be able to play today.

Benwell Hill cannot include Durham County's Michael Gough, who has so far managed to play in only one of the five fixtures but skipper Phil Nicholson is pleased that Simon Birtwisle is back.

Sunderland captain Simon Old is looking for an improved batting performance and more runs against South Northumberland at Ashbrooke.

He felt that the target of 221 set for Newcastle last week was insufficient and he was not surprised that the Wearsiders went down in the first derby match of the season.

Sunderland's only selection consideration this morning is whether to play off-spinner Paul Goodwin, who has returned from university. South North skipper Adam Heather, whose side is just three points off leaders Chester-le-Street, adds John Gill to a squad of 12 which does not include the unavailable Imran Shah.

Gateshead Fell make two changes for the visit of Philadelphia, with Mark Brown and spinner Chris Beever coming in for Philip Bell and Chris Taylor. A boost to the chances of Phili is the return of opener Graham Hoban, who has adapted well to the Premier League.

Blaydon, rocked at losing to Tynemouth last weekend will be without spinner Johny Walker for their match with Durham CA who took ill during the match and was kept overnight in Newcastle RVI.

"Johny is home and feeling better but I am not sure when he will be able to play again," said chairman Ken Forster, who reports that Derek King is likely to be drafted into the vacancy and that youngster Gary Stewart, who has shown excellent potential in the early matches, will retain his place