Whitburn have an important weekend in front of them, their appearance in the Profound DSCL Cup final tomorrow possibly providing some light relief after the rigours of their league campaign, where defeat last week at the hands of Gateshead Fell plunged them back into the relegation mix.

Just 22 points now cover the bottom four, and while Whitburn are the best placed of the struggling quartet they need to make the most of their home game against Stockton today. They have to do so without leading run scorer Dan Shurben who is away, although Neil Ayre is free from work commitments and returns. With Durham free from fixtures Keaton Jennings will feature for the Teessiders, although Richie Waite is once again sidelined by injury

Chester-le-Street face another momentous weekend in their quest for an unprecedented triple crown, with Ropery Lane the venue for two crucial games on the road to conquering the club kingdom.

After their bowling unit came good in last week’s league victory over Stockton when the Teessiders had at one time threatened to chase down a target of 240-9, the Cestrians are confident that they can maintain their form into the final weeks of the campaign, and victory over today’s visitors, Benwell Hill, would set them up perfectly for the big league showdown next weekend when they go to Roseworth Terrace to take on South North.

Before that Chester should start as favourites when they entertain Bradford League side Pudsey Congs tomorrow (1pm) in the Northern Area final of the National Club T20 competition.

The winners of the game qualify for the national T20 finals day which this year is being held at the Swalec Stadium in Cardiff.

The Cestrians have finally said goodbye to Graeme Cessford after his RAF posting, but they do have the influential Quentin Hughes returning to boost their resources.

First Division leaders Eppleton have the prolific Kyle Davis back from his holidays in time to play at Seaham Harbour, while title rivals Willington will have to cope without their record breaking overseas star, Anand Singh, for the remainder of the season following his return to India.