A nervy ending to the Darlington Building Society NYSD Premier League season is in prospect for a host of teams, with ten of today’s 14 matches in the top two divisions still carrying significance for those either battling for championships or scrambling to avoid relegation.

Richmondshire are within touching distance of their third Premier title in four years, but still need eight points from their final game at home to Stokesley to be sure, and that might not be quite as straightforward as it first appears.

While the visitors will have to cope without their overseas professional, Shrikant Wagh, who returned home to India earlier this week, they expect to have the NYSD’s latest contribution to the ranks of first-class cricketers, James Weighell, available - and he has proved something of a nightmare for the Dalesmen in recent encounters.

In the first league meeting between the sides in late June he blew them out of the water with an innings of 130 which included 11 sixes, the 91-ball barrage setting up a near 100-run victory for his team.

On his last visit to Hurgill Road, in July 2014, he routed their batting with a seven-wicket burst in a Kerridge Cup semi-final. Add on the fact that his last two innings on the ground have produced 150 runs, including a century for Durham Academy against Yorkshire, then he poses a significant threat to Richmond.

The Dalesmen have another problem to overcome in that Craig Marshall, their leading amateur bowler with 57 wickets to his credit, has gone off to sunnier climes, and though Andy Fleming returns from his holidays to fill the gap, the fact that one half of the deadly Bulcock-Marshall spin duo is missing partly blunts the significant cutting edge that has put them on top of the table.

Richmond may not need to get any points at all as the only team that can catch them, Great Ayton, face mighty opposition in the shape of battle-hardened Seaton Carew who have fought their way back from the brink of almost certain relegation to being just one more win away from salvation.

Hornby Park hosts Seaton turn out a full-strength side against an Ayton team who may be missing the quickest bowler in the league, the 2014 North East junior player of the year, Joe Marsay, who could have work commitments. However, David Grainge returns and Matthew Tanfield replaces John Russell.

And Seaton’s future could be determined by rivals Hartlepool.

Marton, re-energised by their superb win at Normanby last week, take on Pools with a real belief that they can put together their own Great Escape.

They are just a point behind Seaton, and have a virtual full team in the field other than unavailable youngster Harry Peacock. Pools will be missing one half of their impressive left-arm opening attack, with Callum Prosser absent. Jack Wilkinson returns to fill the vacancy.

Redcar are not quite done for yet. For them to clamber clear they need to win well, at the same time as both Seaton and Marton fail. The Seasiders have endured a difficult season, beset with problems, and end with a trip to Acklam Park where hosts Middlesbrough have Paul Johnston and Adil Ditta back to bolster their final day line-up.

Norton could still get dragged down if both Seaton and Marton win. They need 11 points from their game at Fountains Garth to be certain of not being caught out, and call up Jon Kean to replace James Tompkinson. Martin Hood returns for hosts Guisborough in place of Phil Rose.

In Division One, Billingham’s sensational victory over rivals Whitby last weekend means they hold all the aces going into the final weekend.

A 14-point lead, and more victories in the bank whatever happens, means they need just 11 more from their match at Leven Park against Ayton’s second string who don’t have too much to play for. Nevertheless, Whitby will be hoping that Ayton turn out to be saints against the Synners, in which case a 25-point victory over relegation threatened Guisborough might just be enough to tip the scales.