SWALWELL continue to ride high at the top of the table but it looks like Ryton have the power to push the champions all the way.

The pair recorded Bank Holiday doubles, but Ryton demonstrated their potential by knocking Swalwell out of the Division A league cup on Thursday night, and it is intriguing to note that the two sides are not scheduled to meet in league action until the end of June. The reverse fixture comes on the last day of the season.

But the title-holders have an impressive squad and with six wins from six skipper Paul Dumighan is in confident mood after his side successfully chased down a target of 269 on Monday to retain their 100 per cent record: "It was a good game to win as it went down to the wire.

We were impressed with Shotley Bridge's side and their new pro, so we were especially pleased to knock off such a big total.

"We were indebted to Ian Pattison for a great 92 and then Nicky Phillips and Mark Gray put on 40 for the ninth wicket to see us home in a tight finish."

Swalwell continue their campaign with a home game against Newcastle City today, but one of the heroes of the late drama, Mark Gray, is missing and is replaced by George Nevin. They have also suffered a major setback with Nicky Phillips sidelined for anything up to six weeks with a broken finger.

Ryton also have home advantage gainst Leadgate who will be unchanged following their first win of the season last Monday.

Other than the club just above them the surprise package so far has been Sacriston. With four wins they lie third, just nine points behind Ryton. And they will start as heavy favourites today when they take on Benwell and Walbottle who are flirting with relegation.

The home side have Ian Pattison returning from honeymoon and he replaces Phil Peel. Harry Hubber should be available again.

Lintz got their season up and running last week with two victories over the Bank Holiday programme but Anthony Ward, who has been performing well, misses the game at Backworth, although Gary Christie and Trevor Wilson return.

Ashington go into their home match with Annfield Plain without the influential Michael Thewlis, Jonathan Sadler takes his place. For Plain there are wholesale changes with John Maughan, Mark Longstaff and Saqib Khan being replaced by Mark Carlin, John Newstead and Lee Harrison.

Tynedale, too, have three in and three out for the match at Shotley Bridge. Joe Mills, Craig Barber and Liam Pringle come into the line-up for Neil Clark, Alex Thompson and Neil Scandle.

Bridge will be missing Aman Dhindsa who is taking exams, John Stokoe and Will Cleaver return to the side.