There are two rounds of matches this weekend, as the Premier League plays catch-up with the games that were postponed from the opening weekend of season.

The season may still be in its early stages, but there already has been a change of captaincy at one club. After a stuttering start to the season, Hartlepool have a new leader.

Late last week, Doug Mulholland voluntarily suggested that for the benefit of the club, a change of captaincy would help the team.

After consultation by the committee, they turned to experienced James Lowe, who was captain at Middlesbrough and he was willingly accepted the role.

Club official Michael Gough snr said: “It proved to be a good decision as Lowe scored 58 runs and Doug bowled a superb spell, taking six wickets for 25 runs, in an excellent victory over Stokesley.

“This weekend we play Marton away and make one change, with Ben Smith returning to replace the unavailable George Relton.”

Leaders Middlesbrough start today against Seaton Carew and have a full-strength team for the game. Adil Ditta comes in for Joe Gaudie on Saturday, but the latter will return tomorrow at home to Marton.

Seaton have three missing at Acklam Park. Stuart Lobb, David Braithwaite and Neil Whitworth are all out due to injuries.

Barnard Castle welcome Marske. Cameron McKnight, Ed Sabey and Adam Bainbridge all drop down to the second team, replaced by wicketkeeper Phil Merryweather and all-rounders Richard Borrowdale and Mike Dixon.

Josh Bousfield is out with a side strain, however Sri Lankan professional Hashan Dumindu has arrived at the club.

Marske skipper Lee Hodgson said: “We are unchanged for the weekend and after a positive result against Ayton last Saturday, we are looking to build on that this week away to Barney on Saturday and at home to Bishop Auckland on Sunday.”

Marton will be looking for their first win of the season, as they welcome Hartlepool.

They have two changes from their last game with Ben Hutchinson and Danny Kitching back in the team, to replace the injured Matthew Connelly and Jacob Swan.

Richmondshire take on Bishop Auckland and skipper Gary Pratt said: “It’s the same team that beat South Northumberland in the ECB National Club Championship last Sunday. Against Bishops it will be a tough game, as their professional is likely to play.”

Bishops are hoping to unveil their new overseas professional, Sri Lankan Nimesh Vimukthi, as he arrives in time for this weekend's fixtures, including the trip to Marske tomorrow.

Stokesley welcome Darlington to Broughton Road and are unchanged.

Secretary Mark Smith said: “We have no changes or injuries for the upcoming double weekend. We are hoping to bounce back from a disappointing defeat against Hartlepool last weekend.

“We also have a difficult game against Richmondshire on Sunday. With professional Srikant Wagh having still not lost his wicket, a possible big score could be just round the corner.”

Darlington make two changes for the trip to Stokesley, with wicketkeeper Andrew Sturgeon and Lee Hutton both unavailable, Adam Baldwin and the in-form Callum Lethbridge come in.

However, Sturgeon comes back in for Baldwin for tomorrow’s trip to Great Ayton.

Thornaby skipper Paul Allen is looking forward to welcoming the champions Great Ayton, with just one change to their starting XI, Steven Purcifer is out due to personal reasons and Ian MacDonald is in. MacDonald makes his return to top flight NYSD League cricket, after last winning the league in 1986.

Allen said: “This weekend will come down to a strong test of character against last year’s league champions, who have started the season well. The confidence and moral within the team is high off the back of a solid start, as a newly promoted team. On Sunday we are at home to Seaton Carew, where MacDonald will be replaced by Danny Wade.”

Ayton have Dave Grainge returning for the injured Steve Pennock for the match, while Matthew Tanfield replaces Tom Crown. Josh Thompson is in for tomorrow’s game at home to Darlington. Skipper Jon Grainge said: “We are expecting two tough tests, with our Sri Lankan facing his house mate on Saturday, and then we meet old team mate Lewis Harper and the in-form Liam Coates on Sunday.”