The Readers Durham County League Preview: Captain Paul Watson hopes it will be a case of six of the best when Evenwood visit Esh Winning this afternoon.

"We have made a great start and are already the only side with a 100 per cent record having chalked up five consecutive victories," enthused Watson.

"But we need to keep the bandwagon rolling since we have some difficult games coming up."

Watson admits he was pitched in at the deep end when Craig Rutherford, who led the team to two successive championships, announced before the start of the season that he would be unable to play because of injury.

"It has been a real challenge for me, but the team has made a dream start which has made my life easier," exclaimed Watson, who cannot call upon Neil Teasdale or Jonathan Gill today. Michael Townsend and Tony McMahon deputise.

Esh Winning are pleased to have Neil Arrowsmith playing his first game of the campaign and he will undoubtedly bolster the attack which has been minus three strike bowlers in the early weeks of the season.

Second top Crook Town are at home to Langley Park and a high scoring game is in prospect. Crook, who ended second bottom last season, need just another win to equal the total number of successes they achieved in 2003. Langley Park, meanwhile, have exceeded 200 runs in each of the last three games, but managed just one win.

Kimblesworth go to Etherley with Nigel Darling back in the line-up. He has not fully recovered from a stomach strain and though he will bat he will be unable to figure in the attack. Unfortunately, Kimblesworth cannot call upon David Showler and Etherley have Carl McGregor back from holiday.

Jim Allenby, who this week played for Yorkshire II, is joined in the Brandon side at home to Mainsforth by his brother Paul. Jim has been in electrifying form since his move from Philadelphia.

Despite losing twice already Willington are still expected to challenge for honours and at home to Sedgefield bring in Stephen Barker and Jonathan Askew for unavailable pair Andy Allen and Darren Brown.

Martin Lower and wicket keeper Eddie Johnson resume for Sedgefield replacing the unavailable Michael Dickenson and Justin Preston, who reverts to the second team.

Tudhoe anticipate fielding a strong line-up against Shildon, who have Stuart Henderson playing his first game of the season. Also included are Gary Davis and Chris Strong with Daniel Henderson, Robert Nevison and Simon Reynolds making way.