Top plays bottom this afternoon and on current form Eppleton can be expected to win their game against South Shields.

However, it was at Eppleton last season that Shields recorded their first win after losing the two opening games. Shields then went on to enjoy a fruitful summer and ended the season as runners-up.

Shields make one change today with the unavailability of pace-bowler Johnny Wightman. All-rounder David Coulson comes in for Wightman. Eppleton have announced an unchanged team.

South Hetton entertain Boldon, who suffered their first defeat last week. Stephen and Michael Massey are both out of Hetton's side. Boldon received a blow early in the week when Geoff Houmark injured an ankle playing football so Michael Forster is drafted in.

Burnmoor face a tricky trip to Seaham. Graham Thorpe is left out with the return of Stuart Lacey. Burnmoor have Michael Callaghan missing.

Hetton Lyons will be striving to register their second win when they entertain Felling.

Although unbeaten, the Lyons have yet to hit top form and professional Lance Hamilton has struggled for regular wickets.

Felling's improved results of late has seen them elevated into fifth. They are minus three players today: Chris Parker, David McCaffery and Mark Douglas.

Horden will be delighted with the form of 16-year old Adam Dixon. He bowled a steady line and length last week to end with 3-35 and is included for today's visit of Whitburn. However, key players Graham Smith and Carl Watson are still absent.

Whitburn are weakened by the unavailability of Paul Cook and Richard Cattle so Paul Marshall and Andrew Turns play.

Marsden entertain Durham City still seeking their first win.

Durham are without Vishi Iyengar. Anthony Williams comes in for Iyengar for a game which both sides will be desperate to win.