Esh Winning are top but their leadership credentials will be tested when they travel to Tudhoe.

Their rise to the summit has been marked by strong team performances throughout, and today they are able to field their full-strength side.

Tudhoe still have a 100 per cent record and have benefited significantly from the individual skills of Indian professional Sachin Rana.

Equal second with an identical record to Tudhoe are champions Kimblesworth, and with the other two meeting they will view their game at bottom club Mainsforth as the chance to boost their win tally and take advantage of any slip ups.

Young Aussie Aron Andritch is beginning to find his feet and while the home team are unchanged, they will not be too confident of overturning Kimblesworth.

Shildon Railway continue to be unconvincing. Their escape against Hylton last week may be the turning point and they go into their home game with Brandon with renewed belief that they can mount a serious challenge, although the visitors will arrive with their full-strength line-up.

Willington are picking up, although they face a tricky trip to Crook Town today.

Crook gave a reasonable account of themselves last week against top dogs Esh Winning and Willington were delighted that South Australian Lyle House got among the wickets. Mick McCabe is back from holiday so the visitors will be at full strength against a Town side that is unchanged.

Ushaw Moor return to action after a free weekend and travel to Etherley knowing a win and later capitalisation on their game in hand would throw them right back into the leadership mix. The home side will be missing Scott Salter, who has work commitments, and skipper Mike Crane, who is on holiday. They draft in all-rounder Chris Renshaw and bowler Andy Raine.

Langley Park take on a Hylton side still wondering how they didn't win last week, but likely to turn out an unchanged team.

Swalwell are the only Northumbrerland and Tyneside Senior League team with an unblemished record, their four wins including a victory over champions Tyndale.

Today they travel to a Sacriston side who were unlucky to lose ground last week when their game was washed out. Both teams name unchanged sides.

Fourth-placed Tynedale entertain third-placed Leadgate, while Shotley Bridge are favourites going into their game at Newcastle City.

Lintz lost the leadership when they were unable to get a start in their game with Annfield Plain last week and go to Morpeth today showing two changes, with Stewart Clennell replacing Richard Brewis and Nick Young replacing David Nevin.