Joint Dukes ECB North East Regional Premier League leaders Chester-le-Street travel to Eppleton, with skipper John Coxon delighted with his team’s performance in last week’s win over Stockton.

He said: “Stephen Cantwell was particularly impressive with his four wickets, as he is really starting to show what he can do! We are confident he will keep getting better and better.

“Kyle Davis was also superb and he will be looking forward to returning to his old club. I am sure we will see another big performance from him.

“They are a dangerous team at home and we know they will be keen to get back on track after last week, so we will continue to keep things simple and looking to do the basics well.”

Whitburn, in third, welcome the Durham Academy and skipper Paul Shields said: “The team are going well and hope this continues on our own patch.”

Durham Academy Director of Cricket, John Windows said: “The side is likely to be the same as last week. Most of the team didn’t play too well, but we scraped a draw so the chance of redemption is offered this time around. Improvements are needed across the whole team - and particularly this match, as a glance at the table will tell all that they are in good shape.”

Sacriston entertain champions South North and director of cricket Iain Bestford said: “Lewis Straughair will come in for Craig Burke, for just a little twist in tactics. There will be a late call on Will Gidman’s availability from Kent.

“It will be all hands on deck of course, but there is a little bit of confidence growing throughout the team as form has taken an upturn recently. Indeed, they did run South North close in a T/20 tie last week.

Stockton dropped to the bottom last weekend, following their heavy defeat against Chester-le-Street. They host Tynemouth, who have found form and risen to fifth.

In Division One, Brandon, in second place, welcome Boldon. Niall Solomon is not available, replaced by Lewis Newby who bagged 80 runs for the seconds last week.

Castle Eden, in third, host fourth-placed Willington, who have Lachlan Marron in for Sam Harris and Jake Dickinson replacing Jack Howell.

Northumberland and Tyneside Cricket League leaders Shotley Bridge, take on third placed Ashington at The Spa Grounds. They remain unbeaten and lead the table by 29 points. The visitors are 50 points behind Shotley.

Lanchester welcome Stocksfield and captain Stuart McPhail said: “Mark Small returns to the first team after scoring two hundreds at second team level and he replaces Ciaran Johnson. We aren’t taking any notice of the league tables, as they ran Swalwell close.”

In Division Two, second-placed Leadgate travel to Tillside and skipper Gary Innes said: “Ten of the side from last week’s win retain their places with Jack Murray the odd one out, as he was unavailable but returns for Chris McNally.

In the Readers Durham Cricket League, leaders Crook are at Philadelphia and home Chairman Malcolm Pratt said: “Captain Shaun Smith is still out after breaking fingers in both hands, attempting to take a catch against Seaham Park. Hopefully, he'll be back in action next week.

“Also missing against Crook is Willie Orchin, who has impressed with his pace bowling. A former junior, he returned to the club this season and has quickly established himself in the first team. His replacement is second team skipper Gary Embleton.”

Easington in second place, travel to Marsden in fourth and hope to bounce back from last weekend’s disappointing performances at Durham City and Esh Winning.

Paul Hobson misses out with a broken finger and James Sneller is on holiday, with Owen Amess taking over behind the stumps.

Third-placed Tudhoe travel to Horden with Ian Grainger, Ben Wicling and Dan Brown back in the team.

Chairman Stephen Thexton said: “Horden are near the foot of the table, but they have a much better team than what their league position shows. They struggled at the start of the season, but they are improving and this will not be an easy game.”

Durham City had a good win over Marsden last Saturday, and bowled Philadelphia out for 189 when the rains came, but did collect 39 points which has bumped them up into mid-table. They host Bill Quay and another good win for City, could put them in the top six.

Evenwood, in second place in Division Two, host Hylton with Andy Rowell returning.

Secretary Luke Bannister said: “We could have gone top last weekend, but just fell short of the target. With the teams around us all playing each other this weekend, we have to win. Hylton aren’t doing well at the minute, but we can’t take anything for granted.”

Hunwick travel to bottom club Murton with a full squad, and chairman John Pratt said: “We’ve never been to Murton before and we’re looking forward to the game. Our unchanged second team are also keen to welcome Murton to our ground.”