There has been only one talking point at Sacriston this week after Paul Burn's performance against Burnopfield last weekend when he scored an unbeaten 131 and took seven wickets for just five runs.

Sacriston are hoping for another five-star performance today from the former Durham County all-rounder who many consider was unlucky not to have been offered a contract when first-class cricket came to the Riverside.

Sacriston still have their eyes on the championship despite trailing leaders Tynedale by 52 points and opponents Percy Main's ambition is to finish in the top ten and therefore qualify for next season's revamped First Division.

Alan Winn misses out for the home team and Stuart Phillips deputises, while a big boost to Percy Main's chances is the return from a West Indies school trip of captain Jonathan Benn, who is Percy Main's leading runmaker with 276 at an average of 38.

Nick Melling and Vic Ottoway are also available.

Table-topping Tynedale, the only unbeaten side, visit Consett with a first-choice line-up. They have professional Philip Hearle, Stephen Lishman and Neil Clark in the top 12 of the batting averages, all with more than 300 runs to their credit.

Consett professional David Jackson has so far failed to trouble the bowlers but he is their leading wicket-taker with 37 victims at 12.8 runs apiece.

Second-top Annfield Plain are at home to Lintz minus Richie Strong. Gary Sams is recalled to Donald Brown's line-up which now misses the batting talents of Bruce Armstrong, who has returned to America to complete a degree.

Lintz cannot include David Nevin or Graham Clennell but Stuart Clennell is available and so are Anthony Ward and Derek McConnell.

Swalwell are pleased that professional Shaun Bradstreet returned for the mid-week cup match. The Australian has recovered from a hand injury.

He has made just seven visits to the wicket yet is only nine runs short of 500 and has the phenomenal average of 245.5. Swalwell lost once during his absence but are still in a good position and should be too strong for visitors Morpeth.

Ryton are minus professional Nick Malan and spinner Keith Allen for their home game with Burnopfield but Stephen Atkinson is available and the opportunity is afforded to 16-year old Graham Johnson. Captain Ian Stoneman cannot play for Burnopfield and his deputy Scott Hall is also doubtful.