Darlington have slipped to fifth bottom in the Darlington Building Society NYSD ECB Premier League of late, and will be looking for a win at Feethams. Seaton Carew are the visitors and the Quakers bring in batsman James Sutton to add strength to their batting.

Seaton skipper Neil Whitworth said: “The only change for us is that Reece Whitelock is back in, but Harry Cook is out. We go into the weekend looking for our second league win.”

Richmondshire, in second place, travel to Middlesbrough and Dalesman opening batter Robert Carr said: “It’s another big game for us and everyone is contributing to a good winning run. We are keeping the pressure on at the top of the league, with our all-round consistency.”

Boro skipper Leigh Beaumont said: “We did have unusual circumstances in our defeat last weekend. English professional Jack Newby was missing with an infection and overseas man Nick Kwant was hit on the head before the game and went to hospital with concussion! Thankfully, both will be fit for the game.”

Third-placed Barnard Castle welcome Hartlepool and skipper John Quinn said: “We will be looking to build on a solid team performance last week. Hartlepool have had a good start to the season and have some genuine match winners, so we will have be at our best to get a positive result.”

Pools official Michael Gough snr said: “We are unchanged, and it will be a very tough game. It’s a hard place to go to and they have excellent players, but we will do our best. Barney are a great club and they invest in their youth policy and ensure they play them if good enough, this is great for our game locally.”

In the Dukes ECB North East Premier League, Eppleton entertain Sacriston and visiting fixture secretary Iain Bestford said: “We are without Daniel Anderson, but otherwise we are at full strength with Matthew Potts expected to be available. With last weekend being a washout for us, we are hopeful of continuing with the positives taken from our victory over Benwell Hill a fortnight ago.”

Hetton Lyons in fifth place, are at Benwell Hill and skipper Jonathan Malkin said: “We are looking to build on a top performance last week. The lads are full of confidence and are eager to go.”

Burnmoor in fourth, welcome Burnopfield and skipper Alec Linsley makes three changes. Craig Symington and Craig Stephenson and Linsley are missing with Kevin Dixon, Ryan Pringle and Riley Blunt stepping up.

Chester-le-Street host Felling and skipper John Coxon said: “We are missing Liam Simpson and Stephen Cantwell, so Jack Harrison will come back in and Robbie Dawson will make his league debut following an impressive performance in the cup last week.”

Visiting skipper Chris Nicholls leads an unchanged team.

Northumberland and Tyneside Cricket League leaders Lanchester welcome Ryton and skipper Kieron Taylor said: “The team is unchanged again and the lads are in good form, and looking forward to a tough game.”

Annfield Plain entertain Percy Main, who have six first team players missing. Jonny Ridley is out for five more weeks with his arm injury, James Stanistreet has called it a day with cricket, Steven Whitty is still out with foot injury, Amit Sunda is away for the weekend and Sameer Haque is still missing because of Ramadan.

In Division Two, Leadgate travel to Tillside and home skipper Jake Birkett said: “Tough decisions are to be made this week, as there are 13 members of the first team squad available! Whoever plays will be part of a very strong batting line up. With that in mind the side should be able to put a formidable score on the board, if required, or chase a big score.’’

Readers Durham Cricket League leaders Easington are at Whiteleas and Leas skipper Andrew Potts returns in place of Ray McRae and making his debut is Alex Catcherside, in for Grant Parkin.

Tudhoe are at Seaham Park and Seaham skipper Adrian Hedley said: “There was no fixture last week due to the inclement weather, so the same eleven keep their places. Though a small gap is appearing between second and third in the table, the side is playing well and see no reason that gap will not be decreased in the coming weeks.”