SHILDON Railway sit on top of the league and following Esh Winning's surprise defeat last weekend they now possess the only remaining 100 per cent record. But it was a desperately near thing.

In their only game of the Bank Holiday programme it looked like things were going to plan when visitors Hylton were demolished for just 89, and at 50-1 in reply the Railwaymen were right on track. But they collapsed to 59-7 and it took an innings of great maturity from 14- year-old Greg Upton, displaying an application that was missing in a few of his senior colleagues, to ensure Shildon retained their perfect start to the season.

Today they face a trip to Langley Park and expect to put out an unchanged side against a team who are struggling at the opposite end of the table with only one win from their six matches.

The champions' shock defeat by Willington, coupled with demonstrations of fallibility by Kimblesworth, suggests that this year's title race should be a closely contested affair, but nevertheless it is probably as close to a home banker as you can get when Esh Winning entertain rock-bottom Brandon this afternoon.

Both teams go into the game with the same line-ups that they had on Monday, Brandon attempting to ditch a 100 per cent record of the unwanted variety.

It seems barely a week goes by without a record being broken and for Kimblesworth's Paul Craig it was a case of extraordinary deja vu last weekend as he equalled his own personal best score of 163 - just a fortnight after establishing it. He takes his place in the team to entertain Hylton today, but there is a worry about his partner in batting destruction, Stephen Meek, who is doubtful with a foot injury.

Hylton have given ample evidence that they are a force to be reckoned with this season, in particular their top four in the batting order have played consistently well. John Stokoe has recovered from injury but is eased back into action in the seconds, while Dave Rooney and John Cowell keep their places after last weekend's performances.

Having picked up a win last week Etherley have a spring in their step and with the return of Chris Moore are at full strength for the visit of Crook. Nick Dalton is sidelined for Town by a shoulder injury, but he is their only absentee as they look to improve upon their current fifth placing.

Mainsforth bring in promising junior Ross Clark after some impressive performances by the youngster recently. Danny Hooper makes way for the game at Ushaw Moor.

For the home team Peter Maddison is missing but other than that Moor expect to be at optimum strength.

In the final game of the day Tudhoe entertain Evenwood.