The last-minute decision by clubs to postpone last week's opening round of fixtures means today will be the first taste of action for clubs in the Durham Senior League.

The game of the weekend is today's clash at Boldon when last season's runners-up entertain champions Kimblesworth.

Eppleton's hopes of being among the title challengers has been dealt a blow by the news that Pakistani Aamir Sohail will not be joining them, although they will unveil new signing Ben Young in today's home game against Whitburn

One overseas man who will turn out is South Hetton's Indian signing Vishal Sahni. The all-rounder takes his place for the home game against Felling.

After having a full strength line-up in place for last week's aborted match, Philadelphia are now ironically four players short for their two away trips to Castle Eden and Durham, with David Craig, Mattie Haswell, Tom Skilbeck and Andrew Robinson all missing.

Murton will be tested in their Durham Coast League home match against Bill Quay this afternoon.

Last year's bottom club look much stronger this time around, but full strength Quay are likely to provide stiff opposition. Ian King is the only absentee for the hosts.

Champions Boldon CA will be missing Andy McCord and Ian Male for their game at Ryhope, and they hand a chance to young batsman Jamie Carroll and bowler Ben Reay.

The two sides leaving the league at the end of the season, Seaham Harbour and Washington, meet at New Drive with both at full strength, while Hylton call up Liam Foster for their home game against Seaham Park.

Chopwell's status as early season NTSL leaders will be put to the test when they entertain champions Swalwell.

A last-ball victory at Tynedale took Chopwell top with all other teams sidelined by the weather, and their much changed squad gave a good account of themselves with Stephen Smith excelling. They stick with the same team, while the title-holders hope to hand delayed debuts to Chris Hewison, Craig Moffat and Lee Whitfield.

Ian Hunter and Ben Hall's return to the Sacriston side is timely with Harry Hubber and Andrew Dixon missing against Shotley Bridge.

Australian opening bowler Ray Cooper makes his first appearance for Morpeth, along with Dave Rutherford, when they welcome Percy Main to Longhirst Hall. The Main men are missing Mark Mullen and Michael Phillips.