Normanby Hall are not exactly out of the woods yet but 54 points from their last three games has given them a sporting chance of avoiding relegation.

Yet only a couple of weeks ago, they looked dead and buried before gaining a 14-points draw with Hartlepool and then defeating Guisborough and Bishop Auckland last weekend.

"It's amazing what three good results can do when 20 points are at stake in every match. We were bottom of the table but now we are in the middle and although we have played a game more than most of our rivals, survival is now in our own hands," said Hall official Norman Willey.

Today, Normanby Hall have another fight on their hands in their bid for survival when they host table-topping Saltburn, who defend a narrow 13-point lead over Redcar.

Hall cannot call upon skipper Brian Leech, Andrew Robson or Graeme Addison who are replaced by second-team captain Lee Sykes, Craig Addison and Dave Brown.

Saltburn have an injury doubt concerning Faz Ahmed but if he is able to turn out, the Seasiders will be at full strength for the crucial match.

Guisborough, now 27 points adrift of Saltburn, host Redcar in a match of vital importance to both side.

The home side have a lot to do if they are to overtake the leaders while Redcar need to wipe away the memory of a nine-wickets defeat at Marske last Sunday when they were bowled out for a meagre 54 runs.

Middlesbrough are also in with a chance of claiming the title and they visit Bishop Auckland, who have now sunk to the bottom of the table.

Danny Evans' side is strengthened by the return of James Beaumont and Guy Watmore. Brett Roberts retains his place after taking his first wicket in the Premier Division last Sunday. Michael Lawson and Lee Roberts drop into the second team.

The experience of Derek Soakell could be vital for Bishop's and the Kingsway side desperately need to pick up points if they are to avoid playing in the First Division next season. Shishan Marambe is missing though.

Marske, who have carried out three giant-killing acts in recent weeks, will be confident ahead of their visit to Park Drive for the game with another of the struggling teams, Hartlepool.

Redcar were Marske's latest victims and more of the same from strike-bowlers Tim Hood and Richie Rennard could well cause problems for Pool's batsmen.

Pool suffered a 10-wicket defeat in their last match when they were desperately short of bowlers and today, they are still without Ian Jackson and Ian Palmer although John Fitzpatrick is hopeful of playing.

Jerry Boyd has returned from holiday and steps in to strengthen the attack and youngster Isran Hussain will almost certainly be given his chance with the ball.

Darlington RA visit Thornaby and expect David Eckels to have recovered from a hand injury. They are pleased with the form of professional Paul Thomas who claimed his 58th wicket in the League last weekend. In addition, Andrew Russell, 15, and Paul Freery, who is 17 continue to show outstanding potential which pleases captain Peter Eckels.

"We are trying to build a platform for the future and the two lads have done exceptionally well in recent matches. I feel the club is on the right tracks.

We have already won five matches, four more than we did all last season and there is no doubt there has been a significant improvement, enthused Eckels.

With Mark Jobling unable to play, Darlington bring in Simon Whitehead for their match with Northallerton, who have skipper Ian Gill resuming.

Several other changes see the inclusion of David Wake, Barnaby Heap, Luke Jarvis and Dave Elliott and leaving the side are Dennis Norman, Peter Guy, Don Jack, Doug Burnett and Chris Waymen.

Richmondshire, in contrast, show just one alteration for their important home game with Blackhall. Anthony Swainston takes over from Chris Whitton while the Collierymen rely on an unchanged side.

Division One leaders Billingham Synthonia meet third-top Wolviston hoping to have Martin Cull, Simon Driver and Chris Atkinson all back but Nigel Skerritt is out.

Barnard Castle, in second place only four points behind the Synners, face Great Ayton with John Ashworth taking over from Andrew Toulson. While Middlesbrough, who host Yarm, include Michael Lawson and Lee Roberts in Mattie Brown's side.

Guisborough visit Marton unable to include Steve Donlan, Dave Pennock, Brian Bulmer, Rob Weatherhead and Will MacDougal, but Richard Dove, Chris Murray, Phil Latham, Geoff Coates and Toto Shah are all named.

Northallerton, too, make a number of changes for their game against Darlington at Feethams. Chris Wayman, Chris Mulholland, Kevin Gardner, Dave Leng, Paul Kendrew and Graham Peary all line up to the exclusion of John Gregory, Darren Jack, Dave Sterling, Doug Burnett, Don Jack and David Cleary.

Stephen Horsley, Ian Conway and Paul Jackson are in the Hartlepool team which faces Marske