It's another big day for Norton,who moved off the bottom of the table with last week's emphatic victory at Newcastle.

"We batted first and gained 30 points," said Norton chairman Keith Symington.

"It was great to win, but very important that we took a good haul of points from the match and it just goes to prove that with so many points at stake in every game, the positions at the bottom can change quickly."

Norton go into today's match against South Northumberland four places off the basement but Symington recognises that much work still needs to be done if the side is to avoid finishing with the wooden spoon.

"Relegation is a possibility for the team which ends at the bottom so we have got to fight tooth and nail for every point. Even in matches we lose it is vital that we gain as many bonus points as possible," added Symington, who today takes over from his son Marc.

He is included in the Durham squad for tomorrow's match at The Riverside and also absent from the Norton line-up is Chris Thomas, but Jason Huitson is ready to resume.

South Northumberland are second and their hopes of overtaking Benwell Hill suffered a huge setback when they could only draw their top-of-the-table clash last weekend.

Stockton are nine points adrift of Tynemouth at the bottom and at home to Gateshead Fell line up Danny Lewis for Michael Wood.

Gateshead Fell, who at one time seriously threatened Benwell Hill's leadership, are now sixth from top and their chances of putting pressure on the teams above them have suffered a huge blow with the news that Stephen Lugsden has broken a leg and will not play again this season.

Tom Skilbeck has returned from playing cricket in Barbados and makes an immediate return to the side.

Former West Indies Test captain Jimmy Adams, who is playing for The Lashings XI, will make his second appearance for Blaydon in their home match with Newcastle.

"We are over the moon to have Jimmy on board," said chairman Ken Forster.

"When Nehemiah Perry had to return to the West Indies because of injury, we felt that heads might go down but the arrival of a world-class player has given the club a huge lift."

"Jimmy has said that he loved playing in the North East while professional with Eppleton and had no hesitation signing for us until the end of the season, although he will only be able to play at weekends."

Newcastle's only absentee this morning is Gary Pratt who will be on duty with the County tomorrow. But Neil Wake has had no recurrence of the back injury which has forced him to miss a couple of matches recently and he will lead the team.

After losing for only the second time last Saturday, Philadelphia's confidence was restored defeating Horden so convincingly on Tuesday to reach the semi final of the prestigious Alan Muse Insurance Saunders Cup.

They play Durham Academy at The Racecourse with Mark Moore continuing to deputise for wicket-keeper Phil Empson who may not play again this season after breaking a finger.

Sunderland, with three wins and a draw in their last four outings are third from top, but they face a difficult task against Chester-le-Street at Ashbrooke.

A boost is the return of talented young batsman Lee Rushworth, who has been in South Africa for a month, but Simon Brown is out with a broken finger. Also side-lined is Chris Robson.

Chester-le-Street's only absentee is the former Durham City all-rounder Quentin Hughes.

Leaders Benwell Hill start firm favourites when they host second-from-bottom Tynemouth, who have lost their last two games by seven-wicket margins.

The Seasiders are hopeful of Wayne Falla resuming following injury, but captain Russell Perry and Gordon Muchall are both unavailable. Amol Mazumdar will skipper the team and Nicky Peng has been pencilled in although his availability is in doubt because Durham are playing tomorrow.

Ollie Bellwood is unable to make the early start so Charles Walder replaces him in the Benwell Hill side which, with nine wins, has won three matches more than any other team.