The Readers Durham County League: USHAW Moor are without several players for today's visit from Shildon, who have made a much better start than they did a year ago.

Annually several Ushaw Moor members enjoy a day away and this is the occasion which means that captain Stephen Hancock, Scott Nattrass, Stephen Milburn and Gary Whitfield are all unavailable.

Geoff Ayre will take over as wicket keeper and he is joined by Richard Etherington, David Horrocks and Alan Tinkler.

"We have two free days in a season and next year we might ask the league if they can give us a day off for this annual trip," said chairman of selectors Peter Metcalfe.

To date Ushaw Moor have won three of their four games and occupy third top position, but they will need to be up for it today since Shildon are a much better proposition than last season when they ended bottom.

A boost for Ushaw Moor is the form of new Pakistani professional Imranullah and it was his form with the bat which carried the day at Mainsforth last Saturday.

Shildon have already won once and occupy a mid-table rating, but they are weakened by the unavailability of Jimmy Middleton and Balou Krishnan.

Kimblesworth could be contenders for the title. New professional, Australian Shannon O'Hara, has quickly hit form and a double boost is the return of the Cochrane twins, Adam and Lloyd. The latter played last Saturday and Lloyd will make his seasonal debut this afternoon.

Mainsforth also have a new professional in Imran Jan, who starred with both Guisborough and Blackhall. His all round skills should ensure his new side enjoys a good season.

Crook Town have Andy Burgess back at home to Tudhoe. His inclusion means that Craig Hawkins moves into the second XI.

Brandon face a difficult challenge against Willington, the only side with a 100 per cent record from four games. Shaun Fenwick, 15, is named in the Brandon line-up with Tom Orton included in the second team.

Etherley are at home to Hylton and a full strength line-up could earn them their first win, since the Wearsiders are experiencing selection problems. Captain David Batty will probably be out for another three weeks after dislocating his shoulder for a third time. David Tait is playing but clearly struggling as he recovers from a broken leg, while work commitments have restricted the appearances of Lee Rushworth and Darren Walton.

Veteran Owen Williamson takes over the captaincy today hoping to guide Hylton to a second win of the season.