Readers Durham County League: It is another critical day for Esh Winning, who are attempting to win the championship for the first time in 15 years. They meet third-top Tudhoe, who admit that Esh are firm favourites for the title.

"Let's face it, Esh could probably lose four of their last six games and still end in pole position. Considering they are unbeaten in 18 fixtures it seems highly improbable that they will fail at this stage of the season," said Tudhoe secretary David Linford.

His opposite number, however, offered a word of caution.

"It is not over by any means and there are still 120 points up for grabs. We had to pull out all the stops in our last game and only just beat Hylton. We are again anticipating a difficult match against Tudhoe," claimed Lawlor.

Second-top Willington can only hope to defeat Hylton and for Esh to fail since they are 39 points off the top. Hylton will still provide stiff opposition despite being without Brian Conlon.

After playing at the Oval for Leicestershire in the Twenty/20 Cup last Saturday, Jim Allenby returns to the Brandon line-up at Evenwood this afternoon. He replaces the unavailable Michael Tinkler. The home side miss captain Paul Watson.

Although Ian Musgrave and Phil Walker return, Crook Town are without Lee Morton, Allen March and Lee Formosa at full-strength Ushaw Moor.

Ryan Moralee, David Jones and Neil Ellison, who has shown good potential in the junior side, are named for Langley Park at home to Kimblesworth.

Shildon welcome Gary Davis, Chris Strong, Hiram Marambe and Chris Lye for their game with Etherley, who name Chris Moore for the unavailable Colin Barker.