Stockton are likely to face a South North backlash when they travel to Gosforth to take on the champions.

With significant resources behind them the Bulls always have major goals in mind when they begin each campaign, and they tend to set their hearts on national cup success in either the 45-over competition or the T20.

The first of those is now out of their reach following an agonizing last ball defeat at the hands of arch rivals Chester-le-Street last Sunday.

The final ball of the game arrived with the Bulls needing one run to progress to the national rounds as that would have tied the game and given them victory by virtue of the fact they had lost less wickets, but in the mad scramble that followed Michael Craigs was run out and the victory went to Chester.

That defeat will only intensify their desire to retain the championship, and after last week’s rain affected programme saw them reduce the deficit between themselves and leaders Chester to 14 points the chase is on as the season reaches the halfway point.

Such is their desire to go for glory South North hope to have Phil Mustard in their ranks for today’s game having brought him in as a replacement for Aussie Test star Marcus North who is fulfilling one of his other roles as a commentator on Sky Sports.

But the Teessiders have no such luxury and will have to make do without the services of Durham’s Jamie Harrison for this one.

The Cestrians, elated by their victory over the Bulls, continue their drive for league success with a home game against the Durham Academy who remain one of the hardest teams in the division to defeat, as seven draws from their ten matches highlights.

But the Academy’s injury list is mounting, with Brydon Carse now out for several weeks with a stress fracture of the foot, Jack Boyle suffering a broken finger earlier this week, and Asher Hart still sidelined by back problems. Tom Wing (Billingham) and Scott Steel (Durham City) retain their places after both turned in outstanding individual performances recently. Chester are missing Mark Turner.

If Gateshead Fell are to escape relegation they will need a repeat of their 2014 miracle as they are already 49 points adrift, but they probably won’t get a better chance to notch up their first win than today’s game at besieged Blaydon.

After the traumas of being bowled out for 45 and 38 inside 24 hours last weekend, Blaydon now have Graeme Bridge (finger fracture and dislocation), Ken McClure (torn abductor) and Mark Drake (knee) all out, and with Ross and Grant Nicholson also unavailable their resources are stretched to the limit. In come Craig Burke, Jamie Wightman and Mark Cawthorn. Fell show one change with Rob Stacey replacing Richie Smith.

New First Division leaders Washington are flying after consecutive victories over promotion rivals in the last fortnight, but they will be tested by hosts Boldon today who have Stu Poynter back from Ireland duty and Joe Coyne also returning.

Skipper Ash Thorpe says it’s all good in the Washington world at the moment, their only change will be finding a replacement for Chris Rushworth.

Deposed leaders Brandon will have Mattie Cowling back for the home game against Felling, the visitors set to hand a debut to new overseas import Dinesh de Silva who arrived from Sri Lanka on Thursday.