Sunderland captain Adam Applegarth believes his side's game in hand will be crucial in the final run-in for the championship.

"We are only four points ahead of Blaydon but I reckon two or three other sides are also in with a chance. Apart from Durham Academy, we have played one fixture less than our rivals so we are obviously in the driving seat," claimed Applegarth.

"The extra match could be vitally important but what worries me is the weather. I have been playing at Ashbrooke for 20 years and I can never remember such a wet summer. In a way, we have been fortunate to play as much cricket as we have but it is so tight at the top that I am naturally concerned that rain might help one club and hinder another."

Today, Sunderland make the short trip to South Northumberland and include the former Durham County player Darren Blenkiron for only his second game. He is a straight replacement for Andrew Pratt who Applegarth is resigned to losing to the county. "Andrew has been our designated County player and I suppose we have been lucky to get half a season out of him," enthused Applegarth.

South Northumberland skipper Andrew Heather was very disappointed with his team's batting performance at Blaydon last weekend. He thought his players bowled and fielded well but let themselves down at the wicket.

"We played much better on Sunday when we reached the final of the Banks Salver, defeating Stockton whose professional Dawnley Joseph impressed with a fine batting performance but we will have to show the same level of commitment if we are to defeat Sunderland today," said Heather.

A boost to South North is the expected return of Chris Hewison, who has been badly missed in the early-order in recent games.

Blaydon, hot on the heels of Sunderland, will meet South Northumberland in the final of the Banks Salver at the Riverside on Sunday August 20.

"We just cannot believe how well we are doing. "We had a tremendous weekend when we not only defeated South Northumberland but also Tynemouth and it will be a tremendous experience for the players to turn out at the Riverside.

Blaydon are at Benwell Hill this morning , hoping for a repeat performance from professional Warrington Philip, who a few years ago became known in the North East when he was with Wearmouth.

Blaydon are unchanged today but former Whickham and Burnopfield professional Michael Urwin, who a couple of years ago captained the Tyneside Senior League in the prestigious President's Cup, is pressing his claims for a regular place.

He has been troubled with a back injury for some time and after building up his fitness with the thirds and seconds has starred for the Senior side in recent cup matches.

"Michael is another string to our bow. His experience could be invaluable in the next few weeks and in addition, Craig Simpson is turning in some good performances for the second team and also knocking on the door for a first-team place," said Foster. Benwell Hill make just one change with the former Durham City opening batsman Paul Currie taking the place of Charles Walder, who played his first game of the season last weekend after returning from a year in Australia.

Chester-le-Street, disappointed not to defeat Sunderland last weekend, meet Tynemouth at Ropery Lane unable to call upon Allan Worthy while Ian Hunter could well be on duty with Durham County tomorrow which would rule him out of today's match.

Another ex-Durham City player Paul Chivers could win back his place and so too, could David Robson, who starred with bat and ball in the second team match last Saturday.

Tynemouth, who along with Newcastle have yet to win, name their strongest side. It is confidently expected that Barry Stewart will play even though he was unable to bowl in last Sunday's cup match because of a niggling injury.

Tony Lion retains his place after top-scoring with 88 in the cup match against Blaydon.

Stockton host Gateshead Fell with an unchanged line-up which still does not include unavailable captain Robert Lake. The Fell, too, announce the same side which includes in-form Australian professional Marcus North, who has really hit form since wickets became harder.

Durham Academy meet Newcastle at the University ground and Geoff Cook is unsure whether Mark Davies, Gary Pratt, Ian Pattison and Nicky Peng will be available following duty with the England Under-19 squad.

Newcastle, propping up the table, were encouraged by their performance against Benwell Hill last week and believe they have a chance of avoiding basement position at the end of the season.

"We competed much better in the local-derby with the Hill," claimed spokesman Ken Pearson. "Overall, it was a much improved performance although we let ourselves down by dropping catches. Even so, we were close to winning our first match and the drawn result must have given the lads confidence for the remaining matches."