WITH just four games remaining in the Dukes ECB North East Premier League, anyone of four teams could be relegated. Sacriston are bottom, 11 points from safety and they take on Whitburn at home.

Secretary Iain Bestford said: “The side turning out is probably the strongest this season. This should provide a timely boost, as some scalps are needed in the last four fixtures to avoid relegation.”

Whitburn skipper Paul Shields said: “We will be wary of Sacriston, who have a strong bowling line up. However, with a win last week the side travels with optimism.”

Eppleton are just ahead of Sacriston and they are also at home, to fourth-bottom Felling, but have a six-point advantage over their opponents.

The other team in that clutch of four is Stockton and they face Chester-le-Street on Teesside. Chester skipper John Coxon said: “We were disappointing against South North last week, but congratulations to them, as they will now go on and win it.’’

The most attractive game of the day is at Lilywhite Terrace where Hetton Lyons in third, take on champions elect and unbeaten South North. The Lyons are 24 points behind Chester-le-Street who are second.

Durham Cricket Academy travel to Newcastle and the host skipper Phil Hudson said: “After two wins in a row, relegation appears a distant memory, so the side can press on up the table.”

In the Northumberland and Tyneside Cricket League, Shotley Bridge are third, 36 points behind leaders Consett and entertain Percy Main. Visiting captain David Anderson said: “I have a full team out and we very unlucky to not have won on Saturday.”

Lanchester are at home to Ashington, who must win to have any chance of staying in the title race.

Easington lead the way in the Readers Durham Cricket League with a 20-point advantage at the top and welcome Marsden. Secretary Peter Booth said: “We welcome Marsden with the same team that beat Horden last weekend. We will be aiming for another win, to allow us to extend our lead at the top.”

Crook, in second place, entertain Philadelphia and secretary Alan Stewart said: “Everyone is available and we are likely to be unchanged.”

Philadelphia have captain Shaun Smith, their leading run maker, returning. Early order batsman Thomas Raine is also available and will come into contention.

In Division Two, Evenwood in third are still not out of it and they travel to Hylton. Dawdon are also in the thick of it, as they journey to Peterlee.