FOR three years, South Northumberland dominated the league and before a ball was bowled they were favourites to clinch a fourth successive championship.

But following an ignominious start resulting in two defeats at the hands of Chester-le-Street and Sunderland, they prop up the table and captain John Graham knows that his side's batting must improve starting with today's game with Hetton Lyons at Gosforth.

He said: "We have bowled and fielded very well but we just haven't put enough runs on the board. Obviously this is an area we have to address but I am not too downhearted since a good side does not become a bad one overnight.

"And if there is any comfort to be gained, it is the fact that we lost to both Chester-le-Street and Sunderland last season but still went on to win the title."

Graham is confident that Durham County paceman Neil Killeen will be available this morning, but his attack is definitely boosted by the inclusion of spinner Richard Brook with David Harbottle making way.

Hetton Lyons have also lost the first two fixtures since their elevation into the league.

Their task has not been made any easier since they are having to play all games away from home until the remedial works to their outfield have been completed which is expected to be by the end of the month.

A blow to their chances today is the absence of pace bowler Tommy Nixon who was an integral part of last season's Foster's Durham Senior League championship-winning side. His place is filled by Paul Errington who will team up with his brother Stephen.

Chester-le-Street have opened up a narrow lead at the top and are more than happy to name an unchanged line-up at Gateshead Fell who are minus Craig Smith.

His replacement is Richie Smith who has shown good form with the bat during a couple of games with the Second XI.

The Fell are delighted with new South African professional Martin Bekker who hit a maiden century last weekend and the Cestrians will need to claim his wicket quickly.

Norton have named a strong line-up for their home fixture with Blaydon. Durham County's Gary Park and Sumit Puri are both named but their opponents are not so fortunate since youngster Stephen Smith could be out for six weeks with a hamstring injury.

Stockton, who together with South Northumberland and Hetton Lyons are the only sides yet to taste success, line up unchanged for their attractive home fixture with Durham Academy.

Newly-appointed captain Alan Mustard is absent from the Sunderland line-up for the Wear Tyne derby with Newcastle at Ashbrooke. Simon Old, who led the team for five years before standing down at the end of last season, is temporarily back in charge and he could have Lester Smart making his debut.

A blow though is the absence of spinner Imran Shah.

Newcastle captain Mattie Hynd is hoping to build on last week's success but he has been forced into changing a winning line-up. James Hay is away and Mark Turnbull is his replacement.

There is no place for James Davidson, who was a regular in the Premier League with 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.

Philadelphia.

He has just returned from Australia and has had to settle for his debut in the Second XI. Another well-known name missing from Newcastle's first team is last season's skipper Jim Mathewson who is also included in the second team.

Tynemouth, encouraged by their start, are hoping for a good season and they go to Benwell Hill with Durham County's David Barrick in the side. So too is the former Ashington young batsman Adam Cragg who was hugely impressive when he made his debut last Saturday.