TWO years ago Blaydon were not considered the most fashionable club in the region. They failed to win the Tyneside Senior League and there were question marks in some quarters when they were admitted into the Foster's North-East Premier League, launched last season.

But they have confounded their critics and go into this morning's game at Norton leading the table after challenging Sunderland all the way for the championship last year.

"Both our first and second teams are top of their respective divisions," enthused chairman Ken Forster. "The First XI have won two and drawn one of their three games and we just failed to beat Durham Academy last week when we were minus our three leading bowlers.

"It says much for our strength in depth and we are confident we can again make an impact on the race for the championship," added Forster.

Blaydon are hopeful that opening bowler Stephen Humble will be able to play his first game of the season at Norton and a definite starter is spinner Johnny Walker, who has enjoyed a good start to the season.

Another of their strike bowlers, Colin Campbell is still involved with football and in addition early-order batsman Richard Boschen cannot play.

Norton, who have crashed in their last two league and cup matches to Chester-le-Street, make changes with the Fawcett brothers Chris and Anthony coming in for Stephen Percifer and Peter Frankland. Another set of brothers Mark and Craig Symington both batted extremely well in last week's game at Chester-le-Street but their efforts were in vain.

Stockton, who had a free day last weekend, resume playing at Gateshead Fell. Richard Thomas is still not available and Stockton show three changes from their last fixture. Former captain Robert Lake, Durham contract player Graeme Bridge, and Richard Waite boost the side's chances although Richard Thomas and Grant Worrall are unavailable.

South Northumberland, who last Saturday sent Tynemouth crashing to 44 all out when South African David Townsend claimed eight wickets producing his best-ever figures for the club, will surely find Durham Academy at The University Ground a different proposition.

Skipper Adam Heather reports that Imran Shah is still unable to play and he is awaiting word regarding Nicky Peng's availability.

The outcome of the game between Sunderland and Chester le Street at Ashbrooke is of significant importance to both clubs even at this early stage of the season.

Champions Sunderland finally recorded their first win, defeating Backworth comprehensively last Sunday in the ECB National Club championship but they have made a slow start.

Their first game was postponed, they then had a free Saturday before losing to Stockton in the Banks Salver.

"There's no doubt we have been short of match practice but we are up for today's game. The Cestrians have made a great start but we are hoping that we have turned the corner with last week's victory over Backworth," said Sunderland secretary Mike Smith who reports that neither Chris Robson nor Paul Goodwin are in the side.

Chester-le-Street captain Tony Birbeck, who is credited with bringing the best out of his players, is attending a wedding so Allan Worthy will lead the team.

"We feel that we have a much more balanced side this time. We are playing some positive cricket and are delighted with the start we have made but there is an awful long way to go," declared Cestrian spokesman Keith Robson.

The sides which finished in the bottom two positions last season are in opposition when Tynemouth, still struggling, meet rejuvenated Newcastle.

The Seasiders leave out South African Neil Levinson and instead prefer former captain Tony Lion. "We were shot out for 44 last Saturday but we are a much better batting side than that score would suggest," claimed Tynemouth official Don Norton.

Newcastle have won both their matches and they expect to have Gary Pratt in their side.

Tomorrow, the League play the Boddingtons Durham Coast League in the K V Computer Services Cup

Team: S Pattison, L Rushworth (Sunderland), M Turner (Benwell Hill), D Shurben, P Chivers, (Chester-le-Streeet), K D Gresham, C Symington (Norton), M Smith (Gateshead Fell), P Howells (Stockton), J G R Davidson (Stockton), C Beaver (Tynemouth). 12th man P Taylor (Gateshead Fell).