A Bank Holiday double has seen Whitburn move to the top of the Durham Senior League and now 17 points separate them from Eppleton and Hetton Lyons, writes Bob Gidney.

The village side have won four games in a row, but they make the trip to Horden this afternoon knowing that it was their opponents who were in pole position this time last week.

Skipper David Bell is optimistic but cautious about his side's prospects.

He said: "We know Horden will give us a tough game. They are a side to respect and I will be asking my players to give 100 per cent again."

Whitburn will be without last Saturday's match winner Andrew Turns. The off-spinner ended with six for 20 against Durham City and his place is taken today by brother Michael.

Horden, who are missing the regular run-making of Adrian Hedley, will look to Stephen McCoy to assist the batting. He returns in place of Jonathan Fudge.

Eppleton, who have been scoring freely, travel to South Shields. Jimmy Daley has been in scintillating form. With 465 runs to date including two centuries, the former Durham County player is well on course to top four figures by September.

Stuart Lacey is not available, but Matthew Jane returns to the Eppleton line-up. South Shields make just one change to their team. Wicket keeper Jimmy Gaff is unavailable so Lee Whalley is likely to go behind the stumps. Adam Dawson is drafted into the vacancy.

Current champions Burnmoor will be attempting to return to winning ways when they entertain Marsden. They are definitely without Alec Linsley. The stumper broke fingers in the game at South Hetton on Monday and so Barry Dews will take over the gloves. Gary Brown is available again to assist both batting and bowling departments.

Gary Lancaster returns to his former club with Marsden, who make just one change, David Stewart for David Wills.

Hetton Lyons look like a home banker against Durham City and maximum points could see them close the gap with the leaders. All-rounder Tom Nixon returns, which is good news for the Lyons, especially with professional Sean Birbeck unlikely to be able to bowl. City will rely on the side that lost in their last game.

There is a basement battle at Felling, who entertain Seaham Harbour. Both sides showed improved form last Sunday and a keen tussle is envisaged.

Neil Swainston is expected to make a return for Seaham, who are extremely impressed with the form of Scott Sheriff.

Chris Parker is absent for Felling and Micky Nolan returns.

South Hetton travel to Boldon and will be full of confidence after their victory over Burnmoor. They are able to announce a full strength side as do Boldon. Byron Longstaff returns for Boldon with Geoff Sargon stepping down.