Readers' Durham County League: Kimblesworth, buoyed by their splendid victory last weekend which propelled them into fourth position meet Willington in the match of the day.

Both sides are in good form and with just 17 points separating them, the outcome will be crucial in the race for the championship.

Kimblesworth are at full strength with David Showler available for the first time in two weeks.

"All of a sudden the players are beginning to think that they could be in the running for the title," said Kimblesworth secretary Malcolm Bartle.

"We made a disappointing start to the campaign, but have gradually crept up the table and last week's defeat of Esh Winning was another important result."

Willington are second and they too are enjoying a purple patch.

"We have really come on leaps and bounds this season. Our Australian professional, Gareth Wyatt, has added quality to both the batting and bowling departments, but really our success is down to team effort," claimed Neil Moore.

Karl Brown is in excellent form with the bat as is Gary Cummins, who has struck four substantial scores in recent games.

Willington's only absentee today is Darren Brown so Will Hutchinson retains his place.

He has an average of 200 in the second team.

Following their defeat last Saturday, Tudhoe now lead Willington by the slender margin of two points.

They visit third-bottom Brandon minus Kevin Littlefair while the home side welcome the return of Dean Storey and Scott Hopson. However, Michael Thorpe cannot play.

Jamie Robinson, 14, is rewarded for an excellent display of spin bowling against Crook Town last Saturday when he claimed four wickets by being retained in the line-up. Evenwood are also involved in the championship challenge and today face sixth-placed Mainsforth.

The visitors are hoping that Karl Dargue will have recovered sufficiently from a knee operation to join his brother Craig in the line-up. The pair played in Evenwood's championship-winning side last year before transferring to Mainsforth.

With Wayne Firbank available, Arthur Willoughby and David Irvine drop down into the second XI. At the bottom, Crook Town host Shildon, the only side yet to win. The visitors will hope to take advantage of Crook being without several regular players.

Lee Morton, Neil Stoker, Andy Burgess and Peter Brown are all sidelined, while Phil Jewell is doubtful with a hand injury.

Esh Winning visit Langley Park with youngster Chris Hurst replacing Ian Dixon.

Langley captain David Gladstone reports that professional Tyrone Beaton is unavailable so he is replaced by Lee Wright. A further change sees John Smith taking over from Paul Clish.

Etherley are pleased to have Eddie Seery back in a full strength line-up for their home game with Sedgefield, who are also stronger with the inclusion of Martin Lower, but Phil Heslop is ruled out.