Despite losing for the first time last Saturday, Chester-le-Street remain firm favourites to win the championship even though they have celebrated victory only twice during the second half of the season.

"We won five of our first ten games but we have found the going a bit harder since then," said captain Tony Birbeck.

"Obviously, I was disappointed at conceding our unbeaten record but full credit to Newcastle. They play positive cricket and we both went out to win."

Today, Stockton are visitors to Ropery Lane and Birbeck will be determined to at least avoid defeat as his side defends a 23-point lead at the top. David Robson has returned from holiday and is added to the squad while Stockton are strengthened with the inclusion of Robert Lake.

Stuart Robson is promoted from the second team and Richard Thomas and Billy Webster go in the opposite direction. Blaydon are back in second position but admit they have a near impossible task to overhaul the Street.

Their chances of profiting from Newcastle are not good since Stephen Humble and Mark Drake are definitely ruled out and Ray Marshall is doubtful.

Newcastle, who inflicted a first defeat of the season on Chester-le-Street last Monday, are buoyant with Gary Pratt and Will Allen returning to a full-strength line-up.

Gateshead Fell will finish bottom and have only two games in which to record the victory which has eluded them all season. They are at Benwell Hill still missing David Young and wicketkeeper Tom Skilbeck, who has a broken thumb.

Sunderland are aiming to sign off a disappointing season by finishing fifth and at home to Tynemouth, will be without Richard Barnes. Secretary Mike Smith bemoaned the side's early-season form which cost them any chance of retaining the championship and even though they have improved considerably in recent weeks, fifth-top is the best they can hope for.

Tynemouth's chances are enhanced with the inclusion of Wayne Falla, James

Miller, Jonathan Benn and former Sunderland player Graeme Hallam, all of whom are capable of making big scores.

Norton host Durham Academy and skipper Stephen Ball has the Symington brothers, Mark and Craig, available to boost the batting as he attempts to steer his side to what would be only a fourth win of the season.