Crook Town are hoping their batting improves when they go to leaders Mainsforth today.

Crook were league runners-up last season, but they have lost three games already this season, their latest setback coming last Saturday when they failed to score 100 against Sedgefield.

Dave Nevins will return for Crook, while Dave Snow comes in for Darren Brown.

The leaders, who have won their first six matches, are without David Irvine and Gavin Peat, so Arthur Willoughby and Nigel Milner replace them

Kimblesworth, who lost their unbeaten record last weekend, will be trying to bounce back against unchanged Tudhoe.

David Showler and David Sanger are both unavailable, while bowler Nigel Darling is doubtful with a knee injury.

Ushaw Moor are close to full strength as they look for only their second win of the season away to Willington, with only Micky Hayton missing with a shoulder injury.

Willington are without Stephen Hirst and Simon Goodwin, so Shah Ali and David Hodgson replace them.

Brandon youngster Craig Hewitt keeps his place behind the stumps in the home game against Langley Park, so Michael Fort has to be content with a place in the seconds.

Veteran Ian Johnson also keeps his place in the side after being promoted from the seconds.

Langley are without batsman Keith Smith, so Peter Caulfield replaces him.

Shildon Railway have a tough away game at Leadgate and they will be without Jim Middleton and Andrew Raine, so Chris Lye and Philip Dunn replace them.

Esh Winning are without batsman Ian Dixon because of a shin injury at home to Etherley, who promote youngster John Sweeney from the seconds.

Sedgefield, who are third off bottom, are without Martin Lower at Evenwood, so John Paul Hartshorne again deputises.

David Wilkinson returns for Evenwood