Champions Guisborough go into today's home game with Northallerton defending an unbeaten record which stretches back to August 2000.

And after last Sunday's magnificent ECB National Knockout Cup victory over an all-star Nunnington team, Northallerton appear to have an impossible mission this afternoon.

"I am very happy with the start we have made. We have had some tough matches and I thought that if we were within touching distance of the leaders after four games, we would have done all right. As it is, we are in pole position," said captain Johnny May.

Guisborough produced something special to defeat Nunnington despite being without their influential early-order batsman Graham Shaw.

"We batted very well but I was particularly pleased with the performance of the bowlers who kept it tight. Without doubt, it was a superb performance and not many sides will beat Nunnington,'' added May.

Shaw returns today and Northallerton miss recent signing John Sample. Also absent is Dennis Norman but John Place resumes and debutant Rob Meynell is promoted from the second team.

It is a while since Normanby Hall were second from top and with two wins and a draw from four outings, they have made an assured start.

Their new professional, Mohamed Zahid, who was with Esh Winning last season, has given the side a new dimension with both bat and ball. Hall entertain Middlesbrough and anxiously await a fitness report on Graham Robinson, who has been troubled by a hand injury.

Boro miss footballer James Beaumont, who is on tour with the successful Newcastle United Under-17 side but Ross Whatmore returns as skipper, Danny Evans, attempts to keep pace with the leading pack.

Darlington, in fourth position, visit Hartlepool keen to enhance their early-season aspirations. Danny Morgans takes over from Lee Hutton in a strong side which includes new professional Hanif-ur-Rehman.

Hartlepool show a couple of alterations with Danny Shurmer replacing the unavailable David Lamb and Ian Palmer preferred to Kevin Peake. Pool have managed just one win but their side is good enough to achieve more.

Marske are in third place and for their derby with Redcar have Stewart McKay, Neil Coverdale and John Wiltshire all returning. Vinod Nazir and Adam Patterson drop out and James Riley has returned to University.

Redcar have Shaun McGarry ready for his first game of the season and he is a straight replacement for Matthew Stoker who has returned to duties with the RAF.

Wolviston, searching for their first victory following promotion, entertain Blackhall and are keeping their fingers crossed that Paul Adamson, who bats in the first four, can play especially as Jeff Ward is sidelined.

Blackhall have not made the start they hoped for after finishing runners-up last season and they need maximum points to kick-start their campaign. Two changes are made with Gavin Watts and Dave Penman taking over from Philip Bell and Dean Langridge.

Richmondshire's new professional, Australian Michael Ponter has made an interesting start and another good performance could spell problems for Thornaby. With Eddie Prentiss sidelined, Carl Tait comes into Clive Layfield's line-up. Thornaby will have Phil Merryweather back and Paul Allen is named in the Second XI.

Darlington RA appear to have their work cut out hosting Saltburn. Skipper David Eckels has Nigel Whalley coming in for the unavailable Colin Cartwright and with Simon Walker resuming for Saltburn, Abi Rashid drops into the Second XI.