Match of the day is between newly installed leaders Castle Eden and Murton, who were deposed last weekend.

"We were top early doors, but dropped back when we lost to Silksworth. We now have our noses in front again, but there are still seven games to play and obviously this fixture is crucial," observed Castle Eden secretary Leo Taylor.

The home side need no reminding of Murton's ability as their rivals came out on top of a Frank Lees Trophy game only last week.

"We have experienced the highs and lows. Obviously going down to Murton was disappointing but we bounced back last weekend with a tremendous performance at Boldon CA," added Taylor.

"We will need to be at the top of our game in the remaining seven fixtures if we are to win the championship for the first time since our return from the NYSD League."

Today Castle Eden anticipate fielding an unchanged side, but Murton are not so fortunate. Neither Ian King nor David Scorer can play and are replaced by Gary Symonds and Ian Todner.

Seaham Park continue to enjoy their best season in years, but they will field a weakened line-up as they attempt to hold onto third place at the expense of Bill Quay.

A big blow is the absence of all rounder Alan Dick and also missing are Omar Akhtar and Asim Akhtar. Michael Evans has been persuaded to come out of retirement and help while David Moorhead and Craig Robinson are also named.

Bill Quay need to make three alterations to their line-up but are stronger and delighted to have Michael Orridge, Alan Rackstraw and the former Wearmouth early order batsman Matthew Dench back.

Peterlee, who struggled throughout last season, are now up to fifth from bottom, but will want to quickly put behind them the disappointment of being bowled out for only 60 last weekend.

They visit Dawdon minus Michael Buckingham and Chris Ford but Craig Gilmore is available and they will be relying on the power and guile of classy all-rounder Mark Simpson for inspiration.

Dawdon will miss Craig Price who has been in good form with the bat for most of the season. His replacement is Keith Laws.

Washington have won four times during their first season in the competition and last week celebrated when their under 18 side won the William Orton Cup. Three changes are made for the home game with Ryhope. Mark Lee, Peter Lyall and Andy Gibson are also named. Matthew Garrod leaves the team as do juniors Dan Talbot and Phil Hooper.

Ryhope have not lived up to pre-season expectations and are surprisingly third bottom. Adam Swansbury is preferred to John Errington who reverts to the second XI.

Houghton are well adrift at the bottom and the only side without a victory. At home to Silksworth they miss Gary Robinson who broke a wrist last Sunday, but Paul Elliott and Kenny Marriott are expected to play.

Easington are at home to Boldon CA who line up Jason Jones and Carl Purvis for George Lincoln and Sean Erskine.