THE final day of the Darlington Building Society NYSD ECB Premier League, brings drama at bothe ends of the table.

Leaders Richmondshire travel to second-placed Marton, with a 14-point cushion and if they avoid defeat, will become champions.

Darlington are likely to be relegated to Division One, if they fail to beat Middlesbrough at Feethams.

Richmond vice-captain Robert Carr said: “We are well up for the title decider. There are lots of decisions to make and potential outcomes. As for team news, Rob West comes back in for Stu Mather.”

Marton skipper Alex Wardell said: “We have one change, with Martin Hood back in for Ben Hutchinson. It’s an uphill challenge, but we would have taken this at the start of the season. It’s a bit of a free hit for us, with the expectation that it’s the Dalesman’s title to lose, and we can’t wait to get started.”

Darlington could follow Seaton Carew in dropping to Division One. Boro have an 11-point cushion over the Quakers and skipper Leigh Beaumont said: “We make one change, and will be bringing in Adil Ditta, to add some more experience, in place of Adam Beaumont.”

Barnard Castle play their last game as reigning champions, at home to fifth-placed Thornaby. They will want to win the game and finish third, but the visitors are strengthened with the return of Jonathon Rickard, back into their ranks.

Dukes ECB North East Premier League leaders Burnmoor have had an incredible first season in the NEPL, and hold a 24-point lead at the top, with two games left. If they win at home to Benwell Hill and other results go their way, they could be title winners at the end of play.

Skipper Alec Linsley said: “We have one change, as Riley Blunt makes way for Alan Worthy. Benwell Hill are tough opposition and have some quality players and we will need to be at our very best to get the win, that will keep us top going into the final match at Chester-le-Street next weekend.

“We have the big two, the most decorated NEPL Premier League clubs, on our tails, however we will be doing all we can to get our hands on the title in our maiden season at this level.”

Chester-le-Street are second and have a tough encounter at fourth-placed Tynemouth.

Skipper John Coxon said: “It’s the same equation as last week, we just have to win. We are playing very well and our best cricket of the season and it’s giving us a chance of winning the league.”

Sacriston travel to South North and fixture secretary Iain Bestford said: “Mel Betts and Jack Keall are replaced by Chris McBride, who returns after a long-term knee injury, and Rory McInnes-Gibbons who is promoted from the second team.

“We are looking for a significant improvement on our abject batting performance last weekend, and we are certainly going to have to up our standards in all three disciplines if we are to secure a league double against one of the league's top sides.”

Eppleton travel to Burnopfield and both teams are locked on 216 points. Either team could still finish fourth in the league.

In the Northumberland and Tyneside Cricket League any one from three can carry off the title.

Leaders Lanchester need two wins to clinch the honour. They visit Swalwell and skipper Kieron Taylor said: “Swalwell as usual, have a good side, so it will be a tough game, but we had a great run chase last week, knocking off 240 pretty comfortably.”

In the Readers Durham Cricket League, champions Easington entertain Marsden at home.

The title winners will want to finish the season undefeated, but the visitors have had a good season and will probably claim third place.

Horden are in trouble down at the bottom, and they entertain Esh Winning and visiting skipper David Lawlor has Jonathan Hodgson and Chris Hurst absent.