AFTER three weeks of inclement weather, Sacriston need their game at Ashington to go ahead.

They are 47 points behind leaders Tynedale and if they are to have any chance of catching up, must beat Ashington.

Sacriston are at full-strength and, having lost just once in their last nine games, feel they can still make an impact on the race for the championship.

Stuart Tiffen for Jonathan Saddler is Ashington's only change. Included in the Colliers' line-up is Ian Wardle, who will play against his former club.

Tynedale, with a 14 point cushion on Ashington, miss Scott Kay who tops the statistics with a phenomenal average of 112 after scoring 450 runs in six visits to the wicket. Professional Stuart Graham is second, having hit 358 runs at 60 and Richard Darling is fifth confirming that Tynedale boast a formidable batting line-up. They go to Leadgate with Dorian Hiles taking over from Kay.

Stephen Humble has had a good first half of the season but even so Swalwell are precariously placed second from bottom, equal on points with Lintz.

Swalwell meet Shotley Bridge at Derwenthaugh and it is so tight at the basement that victory could move them several places up the table. Ian Heslop and David Love take over from Billy Gibson and Donald Brown in the Shotley side.

Whickham look doomed to an immediate return to Division A2. They have failed to win in 11 and are 51 points from safety. They are at home to unchanged Annfield Plain and welcome the return of Darren Stillwell.

Although Gary Christie is still missing, his brother Michael resumes for Lintz who are also facing a battle against the drop and will again be tested against Newcastle City even though their opponents disappointed when they were bowled out for just 46 in a midweek cup-tie.

l A memorial day for Graham Wilson, who died aged 46 after giving 33 years to the club, takes place at Ashington tomorrow (11 am). The Colliers are hopeful that England and Durham paceman Steve Harmison, who started as a junior, will make an appearance.