Saltburn captain Tony Bell is keeping his fingers crossed for good weather today.

The leaders visit fourth-top Guisborough, whose championship hopes virtually disappeared when their home game was washed out last Saturday.

Saltburn were able to stage their match and in defeating Hartlepool, opened up a 20-point lead over Redcar.

"The weather has certainly played its part in shaping the race for the title and with just two games to go it is imperative that all sides play, rather than some matches going ahead and others being cancelled," said Bell.

Victory at Guisborough could clinch the championship for Saltburn, whose only doubt surrounds the availability of Jimmy Lawrence, while the hosts field a strong side which includes Richard Dove for the unavailable Saul Clifford.

It is second versus third when Redcar meet Middlesbrough with just a couple of points separating the pair.

This will be Mark Cosgrove's last game for Redcar before he returns to Australia. He has been an exciting find, having taken 60 wickets and scored 400 runs. Middlesbrough captain Danny Evans reports an unchanged line-up following a decisive victory last week.

John Glendenen has already announced his retirement and now Andy Fothergill has said he will also be calling it a day with Darlington. With his impending departure, Darlington are giving Danny Page a run-out behind the wicket and he keeps his place for the visit of Normanby Hall to Feethams.

Mark Jobling and Paul Raine are both able to resume for Darlington who are unable to call upon Chris Lawrence. Simon Whitehead is named in the seconds.

Normanby Hall, who only a few weeks ago were involved in a fight against relegation, are now in the top half of the table. Their only change is the inclusion of Mike Pinder for the unavailable Mel Sykes.

Bishop Auckland desperately need the points at Northallerton, who are also in the relegation zone, though their plight is not as desperate as that of the Kingsway club.

After winning the championship last season in style, Bishops lost a number of players and knew it would be tough this time around. In addition, captain Gary Wigham became professional at Shildon shortly after the start of the campaign to further weaken the team.

Bishops have fielded a number of juniors and look as if they have an extremely difficult task to avoid bottom position.

Northallerton, who are 23 points better off than their visitors with only 40 up for grabs, are again much changed.

Luke Jarvis, Peter Guy and John Gregory are all included with Chris Wayman, Paul Sunley and John Place making way.

Thornaby and Richmondshire, on equal points, are also perilously close to the bottom. The outcome of their meeting is vital to both sides and Thornaby's chances of success are weakened by the absence of Jimmy Carter, who has been struggling with an injury for several weeks, and John Kirton.

Mark Bell is promoted from the second team and youngster Chris Metcalfe, whose form with bat and ball is promising, fill the vacancies. Richmondshire hope to field their strongest side.

Marske, who have improved as the season has progressed, will be out to consolidate fifth place when they host Blackhall. It is the first time this season the Seasiders have announced an unchanged side and in contrast the Collierymen make a number of alterations.

Captain Mark Cushlow is working and Stuart Morgan, Stephen Sergeant and Gavin Watts are all sidelined. Ben Usher has returned from holiday and he is joined in the side by Stephen Crane, John Williams and Dean Langridge.

Hartlepool meet Darlington RA at Park Drive with both teams needing points to improve their lowly positions. Although Ian Jackson has been named in the Pool line-up, it is feared he will again be unable to play after pulling a muscle in a recent match when he was only able to bowl 11 balls.

John Wilkinson comes in for David Lamb and if Jackson cannot play Isran Hussain will probably deputise for Hartlepool's final match of the season.

Clubs near the foot of the Premier Division are hoping Barnard Castle clinch the first division championship as they would not be promoted because their facilities are not up to standard.

Barnard Castle lead Billingham Synthonia by nine points and at home to Hartlepool field their first-choice line-up which includes the Stanwix brothers, captain Michael and David. Pool have David Lamb replacing John Wilkinson.

Synthonia are at full strength against Marton. Synners need to win to earn promotion.

Middlesbrough, at home to Wolviston, have Ian Blewitt in for Raf Rashid, while Darlington visit Yarm including Simon Whitehead, Colin Biglin and Peter Mellor for Jamie Watson, Shaun Russell and Nigel Fenwick.

Guisborough name their strongest side in any match this season when they travel to Seaton Carew.

Captain David Pennock lines up alongside Colin Welch and Richard Dove