Leaders Sacriston will miss Paul Burn when they defend the only unbeaten record at Benwell and Walbottle.

Burn, who many consider was unlucky to miss out on a contract when Durham County went first class, has been in scintillating form in the early games but he is unavailable this afternoon and his place is filled by David Metcalfe.

Benwell and Walbottle, who were promoted at the end of last season, have won once and lost on four occasions but they field their first-choice line-up.

Zimbabwean Neil Ferreira makes his debut as a wicket-keeper/batsman and four other players are included in a much changed side.

Stephen and Andrew Reed, Wasim Aslam and David Anderson all resume to the exclusion of David Hodgson, David Thompson, Stephen Cook and Michael Green.

Ryton have lost Indian all-rounder Mandar Sane who has an injured shoulder and they have turned to another Indian, Keiron Powar, the brother of last year's professional. He plays his first game at Burnopfield and is joined by Neil Henderson who takes over from Noel Alnut. Andy Peart plays his first game of the season for Burnopfield and the former Consett all-rounder Neil Remmer resumes. Javed Iqbal is unavailable and Ryan McVittie is in the Second XI.

Consett, with one win in five attempts, host unchanged Lintz with Kevin Hobbs coming in for Wayne Greenwell. Lintz stole a march on their rivals last week when they won the only game to be staged and moved up into joint second position.

Lanchester show just one alteration at home to Annfield Plain. Wicket-keeper Gary Whitfield cannot play and his place is taken by Jim Potts. The Plain are back to full strength with opener Bruce Armstrong and all-rounder Donald Brown replacing David Newstead and Gary Sams.

Tynedale have made a much better start than last season and they share second place with Ashington and Lintz. They face a tricky game at home to Swalwell and include Craig Bower for John Robertson. Swalwell captain Paul Dumighan has announced an unchanged side.

It is neck and neck at the top of Division A2. Leadgate start favourites at home to Alnwick and Whickham are at Backworth also aiming to win their fifth game out of six.