Norton, bottom of the table with just 12 points from three games, have a chance to redress their indifferent start to the season when they host Tynemouth.

The Seasiders lost a number of leading players during the close season, and although they have drawn their last two matches after losing their first game, they are unlikely to be one of the more successful sides.

Norton need a win to kick-start their season and their chances are enhanced with the return of four players. Justin Peacock and Chris Thomas resume and Mark Symington will link up with his brother Craig after being in Durham County's squad for last Sunday's match with Warwickshire.

Chris Fawcett is the fourth member of the quartet to rejoin the side and he will partner his brother Anthony.

Tynemouth persuaded opening batsman Wayne Falla to play in the first two fixtures but he was absent last weekend. He is not keen to play the full day game but Tynemouth are still hopeful that he will help them out today.

In addition, they would like to have Durham contracted player Gordon Muchall available but this will depend on whether he is on standby for tomorrow's National League game at Glamorgan.

Stockton are only marginally better off than Norton at the basement and they host Newcastle who are just ahead of them.

Stockton introduce 15-year old Kevin Ward who takes over from Ben Lee and the Tynesiders name Chris Clark for his first league game of the season. A blow to their hopes is the absence of Durham's Gary Pratt.

Philadelphia renew rivalry with Chester-le-Street and appear to have an insurmountable task ahead.

Even though they were bowled out for just 140 last week, the Cestrians still maintained their 100 per cent record.

Chester are stronger than they were when they clinched the championship last year; Phili are newcomers adjusting to life in the top flight.

But they were close to winning their second game last Saturday and welcome the return of all-rounder Ross McLaren and will be hoping for another good showing from new professional, Australian Graham Swan, who has taken nine wickets at an average of 16 in his first three games.

Sunderland were disappointed with their batting display at Ropery Lane last week but their only change could be in the bowling department when they play Gateshead Fell at Ashbrooke.

Spinner Chris Brown is being considered but an unchanged line-up will be given the opportunity to prove last Saturday's batting debacle was an exception to the rule.

Gateshead Fell's batsmen, in contrast, have been among the runs leading their side to three consecutive victories. With Stewart Hutton still unavailable, an unchanged side will be on duty.

Blaydon face second-top South Northumberland and Benwell Hill entertain Durham Academy.