The 95th Kerridge Cup Final takes centre stage this weekend as two teams who have never won the famous old trophy lock horns tomorrow at Marske (2pm).

Despite never having won the competition, both Great Ayton and Richmondshire are no strangers to success, with the Villagers having won numerous cups in recent years, and the Dalesmen the most successful league side in the last three seasons.

A few weeks ago Ayton were badly out of sorts, but their cup run has been accompanied by recent league success, with last week’s double over title-chasers Barnard Castle and Stokesley ensuring they go into the big game with their minds clear.

They expect to be at full strength, although that depends on a late fitness test for young paceman Joe Marsay who remains a doubt following a dressing room accident a couple of weeks ago when he badly gashed his foot.

Marsay, the 2014 North-East young cricketer of the year, is a key part of the Aytonians attack, and with the Marske pitch full of runs once again having a range of bowling options could be crucial, so they will give the youngster every chance to prove his fitness.

In terms of bowling options, the Dalesmen have relied heavily on dynamic spin twins, Toby Bulcock and Craig Marshall, who have over 80 league wickets between them.

Bulcock, a Cumberland Minor Counties colleague of Richmond skipper Gary Pratt, has enjoyed a wonderful debut season. Already the first past the 50 league wickets milestone, he claimed an eight-wicket haul in the semi-final win over Hartlepool, and he will get an early chance to size up the visitors batting when the sides meet in a league match this afternoon at Hurgill Road.

The Ayton team for the league match will be significantly different to their cup final line-up, with David and Jon Grainge both working, and Josh Thompson and Henry Shelton at York races, so Chris Batchelor is set to keep wicket for the first time, and it’s almost certain Marsay will not be risked today. Richmond will scent a chance to consolidate their position as leaders against depleted opponents, and they will be at full strength.

History will be made at Marton today where Norton, the visitors, have selected 15-year-old Helen Fenby in their side.

There have been several instances in the past where women have played in the lower divisions, with Helen herself having played in the second and third teams this summer, but it is believed she will become the first female player to appear in the Premier Division.

Norton skipper Mattie Thomas couldn’t be more delighted.

“It’s a very proud moment for Helen and for Norton,” said the captain. “Helen is a leg spinning all-rounder who has represented Durham’s county womens teams and recently scored a century in an under-17 championship game against Nottinghamshire. We also understand England scouts have been looking at her recently.”

Helen’s inclusion will also mean there could be a remarkable quartet of siblings turning out for the side on the same day, with Helen joining brother Adam in the team, and the Symington, Parr and Thomas brothers also set feature.

Even Dave Cross’s son, Aidan, will be scoring for the first team to which his dad has been recalled.

Hosts Marton have young spinner Faizan Hussain returning, although one person who won’t be appearing is Chris Veazey. Their former keeper, who moved to Redcar in the close season, had been in the process of transferring back to his former club, but that move broke down with Veazey now staying with the Seasiders. He will feature in their side at Normanby Hall today, with Dave Skipsey also earning a call-up for the crucial relegation battle.

Barnard Castle, currently second, include Richard Borrowdale for the visit of winless Seaton Carew who have to reckon without Stuart Lobb.Stokesley, one point behind Barney, have Mikey Howe back for the SCG clash with full-strength Marske, last week’s centurion, Richard Dunn, retains his place in the Guisborough team at Acklam Park where hosts Middlesbrough will be unchanged, and Hartlepool have skipper Mike Yuill and Jack Wilkinson returning for the Park Drive meeting with a Darlington side which includes Sam Hardy.

In Division One the top two play the bottom two, with leaders Billingham Synthonia looking to add to their 12 victories when they entertain Middlesbrough, and second-placed Whitby likely to prove too strong for a visiting Marton team who have yet to win a game.