DURHAM and Northumberland meet today at Spennymoor in a Muras Trophy match which will be regarded as a trial of strength before their big Middleton Cup clash next month.

The arch-rivals are always fiercely competitive, but today's match takes second place to the National Inter-County team event at the Summerhill Bowling Club on June 8.

Northumberland can claim six wins in this premier event, but it is 14 years since their last success while Durham's sole victory from their three appearances in the final came in 2000.

The North-East rivals also meet today in the B team Alsop Trophy event at Seahouses, and in the C team Armstrong Trophy at Consett Park. The starting time at all three venues is 2pm.

l Blackhall Club are the early leaders in the North Eastern Ladies League after their more than convincing 5-0 victory over near-neighbours Peterlee.

Meanwhile reigning champions Hartlepool Park were 3-2 winners in a tight match at Owton Lodge, Shotton triumphed against Staby House 4-1, Burn Valley had a 4-1 win over Hartlepool, and Wingate defeated their derby rivals Horden 3-1.

Current league placings: 1 Blackhall 9pts; 2 Shotton 8; 3 Park 7; 4 Hartlepool 5; 5 Wingate 4; 6 Burn Valley 4; 7 Owton Lodge 3; 8 Staby House 2; 9 Horden 2; 10 Grayfields 1.

l The Hartlepool Veterans League annual challenge match was won by defending champions GEC, with the Bill Mulrooney rink leading the way in the victory over the League Select.

Scores (League first): Charlie Dobson 19, George Snedker 9; Bryn Jones 16, Ken Ford 15; Rennie Warnes 12, Eric Bland 15; Norman Taylor 18, Bert Russell 20; Ron Wrigglesworth 20, Steve Stamper 14; Danny McIver 4, Bill Mulrooney 27.