With very little league cricket having been played in the NTSL so far the fact that many of the Tyneside Charity Bowl first round cup ties were played on Wednesday night showed that grounds were at long last drying out.

In the wettest first month of a season on record only six of 24 scheduled matches have achieved a result with Tynedale, who have managed to get out of the dressing room on more occasions than the rest, leading a congested pack in which just 22 points separate them from the bottom club.

The cup ties also provided some kind of form guide with champions Swalwell and perennial challengers Shotley Bridge both putting in powerful performances, Chopwell confirming that their current second position in the league may not just be an early season aberration, and Tynedale's defeat of NEPL side Benwell Hill boosting their current leadership credentials.

They are set to be put to the sternest of tests this afternoon when Annfield Plain are the visitors. Plain were amongst the pre-season favourites for success, and there is no reason to change that view after their opening win last weekend followed several washouts.

They are just eight points adrift of their hosts and with Saquib Khan set to make his seasonal debut after a month-long business trip they are at full strength. Tynedale will field an unchanged team.

It's first versus second at Chopwell where Percy Main are the visitors.

The home team have everyone available with close season signing Stephen Smith proving the ace in their pack after the opening games.

The Main were hoping Barbadian fast bowler Phil Brown would be a key to success for them this season, but with just one game played and conditions not yet favouring fast bowling he has had little chance to shine or even acclimatise. Nick Kazimoudis returns this week to put the visitors at full strength.

Shotley Bridge rattled up more than 200 runs in their midweek cup victory, although it was against second division opposition.

Nevertheless their batters will feel the season has now started and if they can pick up a victory at Leadgate that will confirm their place amongst the front runners again. Davey Anderson is back for the Bridge against opponents who have yet to start a league game.

It's derby day at Lintz where local rivals Burnopfield, who are also cricket-less so far, are the visitors. With much work having been done to drain the water away from the flooded parts of the ground in the last few days it is hoped that this keenly awaited tussle becomes the first to be played on the pitch this season.

Michael Christie is back in first team action for Lintz, while Burnopfield are unchanged.

Ryan Moralee returns to the Sacriston side for the match at Morpeth, and Haydn Petch replaces Andy Allen in the Lanchester dressing room for the home game against unchanged Swalwell.