Foster's North-East ECB Regional Premier League: Hetton Lyons play for the first time on home soil this morning since gaining promotion but they face another daunting task against title contenders Benwell Hill.

At the end of last season the Lyons celebrated promotion from the Foster's Durham Senior League and immediately embarked on major works to level the outfield.

This has required them to play all games away from home to date and secretary Michael Young admits it has not been ideal.

"We lost our initial three matches and last week's game was washed out so hopefully we can get something out of our first home fixture," he said.

"The side celebrated an opening victory at Langley Park on Wednesday but obviously it will be a whole new ball game against Benwell Hill."

A big obstacle to the Lyons' chances will undoubtedly be Yasir Ali, who has been in outstanding form for Benwell Hill.

The Pakistani had the Lyons' batsmen on the defensive when they met in the Banks Salver last Sunday before the game was abandoned.

Benwell Hill are even stronger today with the return of David Myers and James Welch, who have completed their studies, but opening bowler Martin Pollard cannot play.

The Lyons also miss their strike bowler Tommy Nixon, who played an integral part in last season's success. He is replaced by Owen Gwyn.

Norton go to Sunderland and secretary Kevin Williamson said: "We have made a reasonable start and are unbeaten but it will not be easy at Sunderland.

"We played very well in our last game at Gateshead Fell, when Durham County's Gary Park scored a magnificent unbeaten 137.

"I think we have surprised one or two people who had us written off and we are pleased to prove them wrong."

Glyn Falconer is included in Norton's line-up, but Sunderland cannot call upon captain Alan Mustard or his predecessor Simon Old, who was in charge for five years before standing down at the end of last season.

Ex-Durham County paceman Simon Brown will lead the team which includes Michael Nunn and Chris Robson.

Stockton are one of only two sides - the other Hetton Lyons - yet to win but they could be in with a chance at Blaydon, who were all out for under 100 last Saturday.

While Stockton are unchanged, Blaydon cannot name wicket-keeper Peter Howells, who made the switch from Stockton during the close season.

Geoff Stewart will deputise behind the wicket and youngster Stephen Smith returns after being out since the opening game with a hamstring injury. Stockton have already beaten Blaydon this season in the Banks Salver.

Chester-le-Street anticipate Graeme Bridge resuming against Newcastle. He has been sidelined with a finger injury and the Tynesiders also show one alteration, with James Davidson coming in for Keith Brown.

Three-times champions South Northumberland have won the last two and are second top ahead of their fixture with Gateshead Fell at Gosforth.

Australian Brendan Ford is out with a groin strain but Durham County's Neil Killeen is expected to play his first game.

Tynemouth are ahead of South North by five points.

"Our seconds are also at the top and I cannot recall a time when both sides led their leagues simultaneously.

"After finishing in the bottom three during the first five years of the competition and improving to end eighth in 2005, I believe this is our best team since we joined in 2000," said stalwart Don Norton.