Richmondshire hold an 11-point lead at the top of the Darlington Building Society NYSD ECB Premier League with seven games to go.

They are at in-form Billingham Synthonia today and vice-captain Robert Carr said: “We were lucky with the weather last weekend, as Marton missed a chance to go top. Billingham have been picking up some wins, so we are expecting a tough game. We have one change with an extra batsman Stu Mather, in for Rob West.”

Billingham will make things difficult for the Dalesmen on their own ground and official Danny Phillips said: “This should be a really good game, hopefully not spoiled by the weather, as both sides are in great form.”

Unchanged Darlington host second-placed Marton. Visiting skipper Alex Wardell said: “We make three changes from last week’s disappointing draw. Myself, Jonathan Spillane and Faizan Hussain are all out, and in come Martin Hood, Liam Kennedy, and Josh Brown.”

“We hope to gain some momentum against Darlington today and push the leaders all the way, to the end of the season.”

Barnard Castle entertain Marske who are third. Visiting skipper Johnathon Pickard said: “The weather hampered us again when we were in a strong position against Great Ayton last week. Hopefully, a sign of things to come over the remaining part of the season is that we name an unchanged side.”

Burnmoor are now just six points behind Dukes ECB North East Premier League leaders South North with seven games remaining.

They travel to Burnopfield and skipper Alec Linsley said: “We welcome back Marc Symington, Bryan Pringle and McKenzie Wright. Craig Symington is watching his son Luke, who is playing at a county junior tournament in Ipswich.

“Burnopfield is always a tough game. We missed out due to the weather last week, so will be keen to get a win and keep the pressure on.”

Sacriston entertain Eppleton and fixture secretary Iain Bestford said: “Will Gidman is available, having missed last week due to work, in for Jack Keall. Mel Betts, Matty Potts and Chris McBride all remain unavailable. Luke Husband, signed from Hetton Lyons, comes into contention.”

Hetton Lyons entertain Benwell Hill and skipper Jonathan Malkin said: “Cameron Grimwood and Ben McKinney return and we hope to get another win on the board heading into the final part of the season.”

Chester-le-Street in fourth are 40 points behind South North. Skipper John Coxon said: “This week we will be missing Quentin Hughes, Liam Burgess and Brodie Glendinning. Their absence will provide opportunities for others which is always exciting.”

Felling have Harry Munton, Sam Witherspoon and Gavin Paton all returning.

Northumberland and Tyneside Cricket League leaders Lanchester entertain Lintz and skipper Kieron Taylor said: “We have Lewis Donnelly back, so Jonathan Hames drops out. It will be nice to get a dry game, after all the rain we've had in Lanchester. We know Lintz will be a tough opposition after the close game we had in May. But I'm backing us to keep our good form going into the business end of the season.“

Division Two leaders Leadgate travel to Greenside and home skipper Andrew King said: “We have two absentees this week, Harry Lumsden and Matthew King are out. Leadgate are flying high, so we have to travel with optimism and hope things go our way.”

In the Readers Durham Cricket League, Easington are still unbeaten and have a healthy 34-point lead at the top as they host Whiteleas. Visiting skipper Andy Potts said: “I return after my 50-mile run last week, along with Nathan Ullah. We hope for a solid result against the title favourites, but new signing Bradyn Davis isn't available until next week.”

Horden are at Ushaw Moor for a relegation scrap and are be unchanged. Six clubs are in trouble at the wrong end of the table, and these teams only separated by 21 points as they enter the last seven games of the season.