In-form Chester-Le-Street travel to bottom club Gateshead Fell, who are fighting for their North East Premier League lives. The Cestrians welcome back opening pair George Harrison and James Thompson. Skipper John Coxon said: “We have started our good run at the vital end of the season, we are getting most things right at the moment.”

Gateshead welcome back Graham Onions, but Michael Elliott is out with an injury to his knee.

Durham Academy welcome back Eddie Hurst, but Josh Coughlin is on England Under 19 duties. They face Tynemouth in second and John Windows, the Academy coach, was in good spirits: “The lads are starting to believe in themselves and last week’s win shows just how far they have come this season.”

Eppleton, second from bottom, travel to Benwell Hill, who are just six points above them. The visitors welcome back Craig Scurr. Hill have Adam Hickey back alongside Joe Kilpatrick, to strengthen their team.

Leaders Newcastle face South North at home with an unchanged team and skipper Jacques Du Toit said: “South North are the champions and although they have had a quiet period, we respect them and have to be careful of the wounded animal.”

In the Durham Cricket League, Philadelphia, in third, entertain leaders Burnopfield at Bunker Hill, knowing that only a win can help them remain in touch with the runaway leaders. They are a massive 76 points behind.

In-form Easington are making a late title surge and are away at struggling Bill Quay. Skipper Dane Wilson said: “We are at full strength and have had a great run recently.”

Bill Quay are showing their grit and determination to avoid the drop, with three draws, particularly at Burnopfield last week.

Quay are just seven points from safety and welcome back Mark Cuskeran, but lose Mark Fish.

Annfield Plain entertain NTSL leaders Ashington and club secretary John Calvert is full of optimism: “We will have our best team out and give it our best shot, we know how good they are, but points are valuable to us at present for obvious reasons and we will do our best.”

Two other clubs badly in need of points are Percy Main and Ponteland, who meet at St Johns Green. The home side are at full strength although batsman Phil Warwick has taken a job in Denmark and misses the rest of the season.

Bryan Cowey, the club’s secretary stated, “Phil will be missed, but we have some very exciting juniors coming through our ranks and we need to maintain our presence in the league.”

Another team in trouble at the bottom is Leadgate, however, they are bolstered by the news that Ross Burdon and Callan McCabe are back.