Stockton should be able to improve on a mixed start to their NEPL Premier Division campaign when they travel to struggling Gateshead Fell today.

Fell have pulled off some amazing end of season escapes from relegation in the last three years, and they had been hoping that 2016 would provide a more enjoyable experience, but just four games in they are already propping up the rest with another season-long battle to beat the drop beckoning.

Even home-grown Graham Onions was unable to turn the tide last week, and with him back on county duty they are back to their normal squad which includes the returning Stephen Devenport.

Stockton will also have to reckon without their Durham man, Keaton Jennings, but that frees up the contracted player slot to be filled by Jamie Harrison. The Teessiders show one other change with Tom Hewison in for the unavailable Chris Hooker.

Hetton Lyons, with two excellent performances behind them, will be confident they can give champions South North a game, particularly as the match is being played in the Lyons lair. They are likely to have to make one enforced change with Brydon Carse possibly on county duty, in which case it is likely the call would go out to young paceman Reece Wood. Marcus North replaces Michael Craigs in the Bulls camp after recovering from the illness which kept him out of last week’s league match.

Can Mainsforth keep up the form which has seen them win all three First Division games so far? They will be tested at Brandon today given their hosts were boosted by their victory at Washington last week.

With Ryan Pringle out of the Brandon equation this time, an opportunity is handed to Liam Reid, who smashed 154 in 128 balls for the second team last week, while Mainsforth have to reckon without Matthew Brown and Garry Cummings. Garry’s two sons, Ryan and Aidan, keep the Cummings name on the team sheet.

Durham Cricket League leaders Burnopfield are at full strength for their trip to Bill Quay where their hosts bring in Neil Cuskeran for the unavailable Mickey Orridge, while the other 100 per centers, Easington, have opening bat David Tarn back in the team to play at Crook.

Horden have been lifted by the form of Lal Kumar, their new overseas recruit featuring heavily in their opening league win and then following up with a century and wickets in a cup final success last Sunday.

They are strengthened by the return of skipper Carl Watson and Sean Bradbury as well as the inclusion of Mark Wood for his debut. They play at Bunker Hill where hosts Philadelphia await news of Gary Embleton’s availability.

Three wins from three outings have placed Ashington firmly at the top of the NTSL, and with Ben Harmison returning to the team they will start as heavy favourites to notch up number four when they travel to Gosforth to take on Newcastle City.

Lanchester, in second after their defeat of Swalwell, give late fitness tests to Sam Reynolds and Graham Brinton ahead of their home game against a Ponteland line-up that includes the returning John Gardner.