DARLINGTON won their opening Darlington Building Society NYSD ECB Premier League fixture at Marske, with a good all-round performance.

On Saturday, they welcome Stokesley, with Nathan Wright returning after missing the first game because of work.

Stokesley secretary Mark Smith said: “We had a terrible start last weekend at home to Middlesbrough and were well beaten. However, with Zimbabwe all-rounder Shingi Masakadza due to play and spin bowler Harry Harding available, we will be a lot stronger in the bowling department. James Weighell is also available pending any injuries at Durham and we go into the fixture with high hopes.”

Barnard Castle travel to Middlesbrough and skipper James Quinn said: “We have the same side that won our opening fixture and the Boro also had a good start last week, so we are expecting a tough game.’’

Boro are without overseas professional Nick Kwant and overseas amateur David Farrell due to visa issues.

Richmondshire host Marske and make one change to the team that won at Seaton Carew last weekend. Craig Swainston comes back in for Sam Winter.

The Seasiders are unchanged from last week and skipper Jonathon Pickard said: “We are looking to build on the positives from last week despite the result. We are expecting a tough game against a strong Richmondshire side.”

In the Dukes ECB North East Premier League, Chester-le-Street welcome Whitburn and Cestrians skipper John Coxon remarked: “We were very disappointed with the performance last week. However, full credit to Newcastle who outplayed us in all departments. We will look to bounce back with a win against Whitburn and could welcome Stephen Cantwell back if he is fit.”

Whitburn skipper Paul Shields is awaiting news on Jack Burnham’s availability from Durham. Shields said: “This will be a tough game, but we played reasonably well last week. However, they are an experienced side and we don’t have a great record at Ropery Lane.”

Hetton Lyons entertain Tynemouth at Lilywhite Terrace and Stephen Errington is out for David Lowther.

Benwell Hill skipper Kyle Coetzer, who picked up a century on the first day of the season, said: “We expect a hard-fought game against a dangerous and determined Eppleton. We will need to commit to playing a disciplined style of cricket and have to be patient within those disciplines.”

Sacriston entertain Newcastle and fixture secretary Iain Bestford said: “We are without Will Gidman, replaced by our overseas professional Ross Williams who has arrived from Western Australia and we are awaiting news on whether Matty Potts will be released by Durham.”

Newcastle have Liam Trevaskis on Durham duty, so Tom Dias comes in.

In the First Division, Shotley Bridge visit Gateshead Fell and skipper Paul Greenwell said: “We are hoping to follow on from last week’s result. I know Fell didn’t get off to the best of starts last week, and they’ll be looking to capitalise on us newbies to the league.’’

Castle Eden are at Willington and have Phillip Wimpenny and James O’Neill in for Liam Brown and Ryan Ball.

In the Northumberland and Tyneside Cricket League, Lanchester are at Alnmouth & Lesbury and skipper Kieron Taylor said: “Myself, Bryan Potts and Jonny Green are missing. Marc Ramshaw, Stu McPhail come in, and new signing Ben Seaward will make his debut. We are hoping to put in a much-improved performance.”

Annfield Plain welcome Lintz and visiting skipper Johnny Forster has Nathan Clennell working, and Joe Metcalfe goes in to the seconds, replaced by Paul Lumley and Gary Christie. The game should be a good test against a newly promoted team, and these are the must win games to do well and compete in the league.”

In Division Two, Leadgate entertain Backworth after both teams lost their opening games.

Leadgate skipper Gary Innes said: “Joe Banks, Lee Innes and Harry Lovell all return. Last week's first fixture did not go well with most players not performing as they are capable of, with the exception of Graham Hubbard who made a half century. The fielding was way below standard and probably gifted the opposition some 30 to 40 runs.”

Marsden travel to Philadelphia in the Readers Durham Cricket League.

Skipper Chris Mann commented: “Nisal Francisco returns as professional and Shahid Khan has also been recruited from Evenwood. We have added Scott Oliver from Whiteleas as our wicketkeeper. Scott brings a wealth of experience and hopefully will improve our finish of mid-table, which was a little disappointing last season, when injuries blighted the side.”

Phili skipper Shaun Smith said: “New professional Nimesh Vimukthi, a Sri Lankan all-rounder, is likely to play. That's the only change and we are hoping for an improvement on our mid-table finish last season.”

Chairman Malcolm Pratt added: “We have been rocked by the decision of Reece Wood to join Blackhall - just five days before beginning our season. His move came completely out of the blue and has hit our plans for the season.”

Wood's exit is not the only blow for the Bunker Hill outfit. Ryan Downes is out with a badly injured hand sustained playing rugby.

Apart from a new professional, there are no other notable additions to the Phili squad but a number of players who figured in the second team last season, have left in search of first team cricket.