Sacriston, on the fringe of the last season's championship race, go into today's home game against Tynedale in pole position with three wins and a tie from four outings.

Stephen Ball's signing from Norton has already proved to be an astute move and with the former Durham County player Paul Burn available, Sacriston will be looking to build on an impressive start.

Tynedale, struggled last year but have three wins under their belts and professional Ian Engelbrecht has quickly struck form with bat and ball.

After losing their first game, reigning champions Ashington have won the last three even though they are without two of last season's leading players.

They start favourites to maintain the momemtum with an unchanged side at Ryton, the only side to have lost all four matches. Neil Henderson for Mandar Sarne is Ryton's only change

Stuart Wilkinson and Charlie Stephenson make unexpected returns to the Shotley Bridge side to play Swalwell.

Wilkinson, remembered for clean bowling Geoff Boycott when he played for Durham County, has a wealth of experience and so too has batsman Stephenson. The pair come in because David Love and Ian Heslop are both working.

Promoted sides Lanchester and Burnopfield come face to face. The former have started the better with two wins and two draws while Burnopfield have a tie and three defeats.

Lanchester cannot call upon Andrew Donnelly, who has a broken finger, and his replacement is Phil Carlin.

Lintz host the third promoted side Benwell and Walbottle and are weakened because Anthony Ward cannot play.

Leadgate and Whickham jointly lead Division Two.

The former, who last season played in The Readers Durham County League, defend a 100 per cent record at home to Blyth and Whickham, also with four victories, entertain Seaton Burn hoping for more of the same from Robin Moor, who has taken 19 wickets in four outings.