Darlington face a crucial game against Billingham Synthonia at Feethams. The Quakers are just 14 points above the drop zone in the Darlington Building Society NYSD League trapdoor, with Synners just nine points from dropping into the bottom two.

The good news for Quakers is that Mark Davies returns, at the expense of Nathan Wright.

The visitors are boosted by the return of overseas amateur JP Meade, who replaces Dan McGee.

Club official Danny Phillips said: “After a really positive performance last weekend, we are hoping to build on it in another important game, which are just above us in the table.”

Richmondshire are second in the table, three points behind leaders Marton. They travel to Hartlepool and vice-captain Robert Carr said: “It was a shame about the Barney game last Saturday being rained off, but we go with the same team, with Michael Platt retaining his pace for a big game.”

Barnard Castle are third and a further 10 points behind the Dalesmen. They are also at home and welcome bottom club Great Ayton. Skipper James Quinn said: “We make two changes, as James Wainman is away with Warwickshire and Mike Dixon is unavailable, so in come Richard Watson and Tom Merryweather.

“The lads are keen to play some cricket after the recent poor weather. Ayton are a very dangerous side, so we must be at our best to continue our good home form, but we need to keep pressure on the two teams above us.”

Chester-Le-Street are fourth in the Dukes ECB North East Premier League and they entertain second-placed Tynemouth.

Chester hope to have Durham’s Brodie Glendinning available.

Burnmoor, in third place, are unchanged, as they head to Benwell Hill and captain Alec Linsley said: “This is the first time we’ve played at Benwell Hill in our club’s league history. It should be a tough game, but we’ve got good momentum so hopefully we can get the win.”

The Hill are just 10 points above the relegation zone, and they host third-placed Burnmoor.

Captain Kyle Coetzer said: “We will take confidence from last Saturday’s game, when we were in a great position to win, although the rain did not help us out in the end.”

Eppleton are fifth and welcome Burnopfield to Church Road and secretary John Smithson said: “We have concerns over Josh Coughlin’s availability, due to him playing for Durham second team in their semi-final away to Somerset on Friday, but other than that we should be at full strength.”

Only 29 points separate the bottom seven clubs, and two of them meet up, as Felling are at home to Hetton Lyons. They will be without Alan Robson, but Sam Witherspoon steps in for him. Skipper Chris Nicholls said: “It will be nice to play a game, weather permitting. We anticipate a good match against then Lyons, but we fancy our chances as we have home advantage.”

Karl Turner returns for the Lyons, but the team are unable to call on their Durham player, Stuart Poynter.

Sacriston face champions and leaders South North at Front Street.

Sacriston and have Mel Betts back in the squad, after he missed last week’s game due to work commitments. He comes in for Jonny Bushnell, who has a school game. The visitors are 20 points ahead at the top

In the Northumberland and Tyneside Cricket League, third-placed Lanchester host leaders Swalwell, with Bryan Potts back to replace Arran Halliday. Swalwell make the journey without Andy Smith and James Welch. Neil Corby returns from holiday and Dan Jackson and George Neaven step up from the second team.

Readers Durham Cricket League, leaders Easington travel to Tudhoe and have a 20-point lead at present. They are unbeaten so far and will be looking for their fifth win of the campaign. The home side are just six points above the relegation trapdoor, so will they be scrapping for every point on offer.