Darlington face a crucial relegation encounter as they travel to Seaton Carew.

Quakers slipped into the bottom two following last defeat to Marton and must now turn the corner quickly.

Club official Garry Moody said: “This is a massive game for us, with both teams in the relegation spots, and a must win game for both. We make one change with young all-rounder Toby Lush replacing the unavailable Lee Hutton.”

Seaton, who had a fine win last week over Middlesbrough, have skipper Neil Whitworth, Matthew Skirving, Jack Stonehouse and Tom Windsor returning to bolster their team and Whitworth said: “It’s a huge game, a season defining fixture in my opinion, so, we have our strongest side out going into this match.”

Richmondshire go into their home match with Middlesbrough, with an 11-point cushion at the top. Dalesmen vice-captain Robert Carr said: “Boro can always be a dangerous team, so we’ll need to play well, to stay on the top of the table.”

Visiting skipper Leigh Beaumont said: “Jamie Burke returns after absence due to family commitments to bolster the bowling and we were bitterly disappointed losing to Seaton Carew last Saturday.

“However, after many weeks of searching, we are delighted to announce that ex-Durham wicket-keeper/batsman Michael Richardson has joined us for the rest of the season.”

Richardson this week left Durham after almost a decade at Emirates Riverside.

Barnard Castle are at Park Drive to take on Hartlepool. Skipper James Quinn said: “We know they have some key players, so we will have to be at our best to come away with a positive result.

“It was good to get back to winning ways last Saturday in the league, after a tricky couple of months, and our Kerridge Cup win last Sunday should give us plenty of confidence to finish the season strongly.”

Hartlepool secretary Michael Gough snr said: “Barney return to the scene of their triumph last weekend when they won the Kerridge Cup. They are a strong team who include some fine players, and they are a well-balanced team.”

“We have Doug Mulholland making a very welcome return, along with experienced batsman Jack Wilkinson.”

The Dukes ECB North East Premier League match of the day is at the Village Ground, as Burnmoor in second place, entertain leaders and champions South North. The hosts are just 10 points behind the leaders.

Skipper Alec Linsley said: “We have one change this week from last. Craig Symington comes in for McKenzie Wright. Ryan Pringle will play the remaining fixtures for us, which puts us at full strength.

“Sami Niazi has recovered from his niggle and is raring to go, needless to say it’ll be a tough game given their strength. However, we will give it our best shot.”

Sacriston travel to Chester-le-Street and fixture secretary Iain Bestford said: “Captain Graeme Wrightson and Craig Robertson, both miss out. Matthew Brown will step up from the seconds to deputise with the gloves and Jack Keall returns from holiday.

“We are looking to build on a fantastic fightback last weekend against Eppleton. We're still short of a full strength side though and so playing Chester will be a real challenge, as we look to take another step closer to securing our place in the Premier Division.”

The Cestrians are still in the title race, with skipper John Coxon commenting: “It was a really good win for us last Saturday.

“Myself and Jake McCann worked hard for the first session with the bat on a wet wicket, then Liam Simpson was able to take the game away from Felling with an excellent innings. Stephen Cantwell was also exceptional taking seven wickets and everyone was superb in the field.

“We will look to take that form with us into the remaining six games and if we win them all, we will win the league.’’

Northumberland and Tyneside Cricket League leaders Lanchester journey to Ryton and skipper Kieron Taylor said: “Jonathan Hames comes in for the newly-married Dan Storey. It’s always tough playing at Ryton, so we will be going there looking to improve on last week's performance.”

Two more wins for Division Two leaders Leadgate should secure promotion. They today take on third bottom Tillside.

Readers Durham Cricket League leaders Easington welcome Esh Winning and visiting skipper David Lawlor continues his weekly battle to get 11 players on to the field. Stalwart Billy Storey is unable to play.

Horden are at Bill Quay and home skipper Chris Little said: “I see our next two fixtures as crucial in the fight to avoid the dreaded relegation. We play two of the four teams all attempting to wriggle free from the threat.

“Our win last week went a good way to boosting morale and confidence. This week's fixture sees the return of Adam Rayner, so Dan Slater returns to the seconds. We all need to step up as last week, to keep the momentum going.”