Esh Winning could be within touching distance of the Durham Cricket League Division One title by close of play tonight, a home game against Crook offering the unbeaten leaders the chance to edge ever closer to the championship crown.

They hold a 68-point lead and it will take a monumental loss of form for them to lose out now.

Leading bowler Jonny Hodgson, who has led many batsmen a merry dance this summer, is attending the V Festival, his place going to the returning Paul Chivers, while Crook keep faith with the same team that lost to Castle Eden last week - Town’s first defeat in six matches.

With the main prize almost sorted it is the action at the opposite end of the table that is likely to capture the imagination, with the three clubs just above relegated Boldon CA separated by just 14 points.

Bill Quay, in the middle of that group, have the chance to break free when they go to CA who have lost every game they have played, but Hylton, who occupy the second demotion slot, face a tough home game against an in-form Durham City side who are unbeaten in their last six. The Wearsiders have Steve Lee-Merrington back to put them at full strength.

A run of seven games without a win has plunged Easington into the relegation mix, but David Tarn is back from his holidays to boost them for their home game against Philadelphia who have influential players Shaun Hauxwell and Adam McGuire returning.

The complexities of the points system continues to baffle many.

Burnopfield have seen their total fluctuate wildly in recent weeks, but confirmation has been received that they are, in fact, just 13 points behind leaders Seaham Park in Division Two.

Crucially the two meet next Saturday, but for today Park have skipper Dave Hanson back at the helm for their trip to Murton, while opening bat Stephen Allen makes a rare appearance for Burnopfield when they entertain a Langley Park team rejuvenated by the recent arrival of UAE U19 international Shiv Mehra.

In the NTSL, full strength Swalwell will be expected to overpower already relegated Bedlington, which means Shotley Bridge must win their home game against Annfield Plain to take the title race into the last three games. They are missing Graham Angus and Lewis Hall, but have delayed naming replacements.