Gateshead Fell hope to finally parade their new overseas player when they face reigning champions South Northumberland at Gosforth.

They began the season with Australian Marcus North and when he was seconded to Durham County, another Aussie, Trent Kelly, took over.

"Unfortunately, he was recalled so we have quickly signed up Chris Martin who has played in the three Tests for New Zealand this summer.

"We are hoping that he will give the side a lift as we attempt to move off the bottom," said secretary Tim Gray.

Former Durham spinner Nicky Phillips leads a strong line-up which includes ex-Sunderland and Philadelphia wicket keeper Ben Young.

After securing a victory a fortnight ago when most other games were rained off, South North believe they have a chance to catch leaders Chester-le-Street, even though there are 29 points between the pair.

"There are 30 points up for grabs in every game and we have proved that we can bat first but still bowl out our opponents which earns maximum points. We certainly have not given up the chase, but we need a good result," declared captain John Graham who reports that teenager Danny Clark, a left-handed batsman, is preferred to Johnny Gill.

Leaders Chester-le-Street will be without Durham County spinner Graeme Bridge at Norton, but otherwise they are at full strength with the return of Ian Jones. He takes over from 15-year-old Andrew Smith, who started with Langley Park before moving to Ropery Lane where he has continued to develop his potential.

"Norton have lost only three games so we will have to be on top form. We were playing really well but the weather has played a part in the last three games and it would be nice if we could get back to playing a full match," said Cestrian's skipper Allan Worthy, who continues to star for Northumberland in the Minor Counties.

Norton are back to full strength with Stephen Riddell and Peter Armstrong coming into contention.

Stockton's only absentee at home to Durham Academy is Craig Barrington and Tom Armstrong will deputise. The Academy, third top and 25 points behind Chester-le-Street, delay final selection of their line-up.

Former Middlesbrough player Lee Beaumont is determined to resurrect Philadelphia's fortune during the second half of the season as he did last summer.

"At this time in 2003 we were in a poor situation, but we put together a good run and I see no reason why we cannot do the same this time although it will not be easy at Blaydon. We gave them a very good game early in the season and had rain not intervened we might have won," claimed Beaumont, who cannot call upon wicket keeper Phil Empson, Simon Hollingsworth or Glen Read.

Mark Moore will again deputise behind the stumps and former first team skipper Andrew Robinson and teenager Berwick Hall are named.

There is a Tyne-Wear derby when Newcastle meet Sunderland at Jesmond. The Tynesiders, without captain Wayne Ritzema, are hopeful that Paul and Gordon Muchall will play. Matthew Hynd will lead the team and in Ritzema's absence, Lindsay Cullen will keep wicket.

Tynemouth, who won their first game a fortnight ago, aim to move further away from the bottom at home to Benwell Hill and their chances are boosted since the visitors are without five regulars.

Skipper Phil Nicholson, deputy Martin Pollard, David Myers, James Welch and Jamie Taylor all miss out to be replaced by Barnie Moore, David Haxon, John Grey, Martin Coy and Dave Archbold. Graham Race takes over as captain.

Tynemouth are a lot more fortunate with their team selection although early order batsman Graeme Hallam is again missing. John Burn and Carl Spratt resume which means Ian Stewart drops into the second XI