Guisborough aim to keep the pressure on premier division leaders Saltburn and second-top Northallerton when they visit Blackhall tomorrow.

They are now only 11 points adrift of the Seasiders and nine behind Northallerton and a good result against the Colliers could even propel them into pole position.

They are unchanged and are pleased that wicket-keeper Graeme Wrightson, who was a late call-up against Great Ayton last week, is able to play. Blackhall show one change with Philip Bell taking over from David Brown.

Saltburn visit Hartlepool and the Park Drive side have Dean Burrows and Andy Smith lining up, but a blow is the unavailability of Paul Gough.

Northallerton have home advantage over Darlington RA and they are stronger with the inclusion of Jerry Hall and Richard Chandler, who come in for David Leng and Danny Luke.

Redcar, who are handily-placed in joint fourth position, are unchanged at Richmondshire, while Darlington line up Liam Brown for Matthew Morgans against Normanby Hall at Feethams.

Ben Walker and Jonathan Wiltshire are both unable to play for Marske so Gary Lynch and Billy Ali are called up from the second team for the visit to Great Ayton, who include the former Kildale player Dan Doughty for Richard Hore.

Bishop Auckland, expected to challenge all the way for the championship, are opposed to Middlesbrough at Kingsway. Boro, who have suffered just two defeats in ten outings, are seventh, just 13 points behind Bishops, and a close result is anticipated.

Saltburn moved to the top of the table for the first time this season when they gained a winning draw against Northallerton, who had been in front from day one.

But their lead had been gradually reduced and, when the Seasiders' took 14 points and the visitors gained just eight, Saltburn opened up a narrow two-point advantage.

There was little to choose between the sides when they met in the match of the day. Saltburn batted first and posted 218-6, with Tony Bell (79) and Adil Ditta (36) the principal run-makers.

Once again, Jonathan Barnes bowled throughout in the Northallerton attack, conceding 69 runs in 25 overs for three wickets, and Doug Mulholland took 3-77 in 13 overs.

Northallerton suffered an early blow when they replied. Mark Stainsby was bowled by Umer Rashid, but Barnes steadied the innings with an unbeaten 49 and at stumps the visitors were comfortably placed on 155-6. Rashid bowled 21 overs, including six maidens, returning 3-52.

Guisborough did not make the best of starts, but they are now third top after securing their fourth win of the season, defeating Great Ayton, who were all out for just 72 at Fountains Garth.

David Towse took 6-21 and Paul Goodchild had 4-40 before Imran Jan, with an unbeaten 48, completed a ten-wicket victory.

Darlington had to hold on for a draw with their last pair at the wicket against Redcar at Feethams. Faced with a target of 237, they were 157-9, which included 31 by Lee Hutton and 54 from Duncan Johnson batting at number eight.

Neil Russell and Suleiman Benn shared seven wickets for Redcar, who earlier realised 236-9 in 50 overs. Martin Hood (87) and Russell (85) put on 140 for the first wicket, while Stephen Chapman returned the outstanding figures of 7-74 in 18 overs for Darlington.

Darlington RA also drew their game with Blackhall at Brinkburn Road. Paul Moss (69) led the Colliers to 211-8, with David Eckels claiming four wickets. He then opened the reply with 56 and captain for the day Paul Freary top-scored with 70, but at stumps RA were only 197-6.

For once, Shanoka Dissanayake failed and Richmondshire suffered an eight-wicket defeat at Normanby Hall, where they were all out for 159, which included 55 by Andrew Smith and 39 from Mark Fleming.

Mohamed Zahid took 6-73 for the Hall, who won after Neil Pearson contributed 46 and Stephen McNicholas 50 not out.

Marske were pushed all the way by Bishop Auckland before claiming a share of the points. Bishops ended on 244-8 with Richie Rennard and Stuart McKay sharing seven wickets. Rob Nicol top-scored with 65 as Marske ended on 185-8.

Middlesbrough went down by four wickets against Hartlepool at Acklam Park, where they were all out for just 125 in 39.3 overs. Danny Shurmer struck six boundaries in 42 in Pool's match-winning reply.

* See page 31 for division one round-up