Hetton Lyons host Newcastle at Lilywhite Terrace in the Duke North-East Premier League, with skipper Paul Walker commenting: “Chris Martin is still missing due to an operation. Other than that, it’s the same side as last week. The same approach during last week’s victory would be welcome, especially as this week’s opposition is Newcastle, a tough test at any time.”

Newcastle are unchanged from last week and are anticipating that their Durham player, Cameron Steel, will be back. Chris Youldon is suffering from a groin strain and is yet to feature, but full fitness is not too far away for him.

Durham Cricket Academy entertain Stockton at the Emirates Riverside, and the visitors will have one change as Joel Thwaites is out with a back problem. Hassan Raza is the replacement, with a straight bowler for bowler swap. Skipper Kevin Ward said: “It was a poor batting performance last week, which let the side down and that must improve. However, the fielding and bowling were both good.”

Chester-le-Street host Eppleton and skipper John Coxon said: “Jack Harrison will return to the side, with wicket-keeper Chris Carter hopefully arriving this week, to replace Andy Fothergill, who still kept well last week at the age of 55!

“It was a disappointing result last weekend and we batted poorly in the middle and end of our innings, but we are hoping to bounce back immediately, although Eppleton will be another tough game, particularly after their good start to the season.”

Eppleton have everyone available and club official John Smithson said: “A good start to the season has been made and has been far better than anticipated, but the team must keep their feet on the ground, especially when this week’s fixture is against the current champions.”

In the Durham Cricket League, Horden welcome Esh Winning and skipper Carl Watson said: “It was good to see character in the team last week. It looked like we were going to get beat, but turned it into a winning position which ended with a draw. We have Sheb Akhtar missing and new signing Sura Malinga, will make his debut.’’

Tudhoe are at home to Durham City and Chairman Steve Thexton said: “We have a very young side and very confident with the side we have this year and Max Parry is in for Richard Alderson, who goes back to the second team.”

Dawdon host Philadelphia and the visitors and their new professional and strike bowler Zohaib Shera, will make his debut. Malcolm Pratt the cub’s chairman said: “We were very pleased with our performance in gaining a draw at Whiteleas last week, without the professional.”

Whiteleas entertain Castle Eden and Chairman Gavin Peterson is delighted that the club can welcome such opposition following a rapid rise in divisions over the last six years. He said: “It's fantastic that we are competing against well-established clubs like Castle Eden in league fixtures.”

Opening batsman Andrew Potts is unavailable, as well as all-rounder Rob Scorer, as he is part of the Westoe rugby side playing in the play-off conclusion. The positive news is that vice-captain and wicket keeper Scott Oliver returns.

Lanchester are away at Newcastle City and fixture secretary Bob Gardiner said: “When we played them last year it was a shortened game. We were second up until that point, but we went downhill after that, so we are looking for a win reversal and should be unchanged from last week.”

Shotley Bridge travel to Ryton and skipper Stuart Graham said: “It will be an interesting game, they were beaten heavily last week, but are promoted, so it will be interesting to see how they bounce back. Ross Andrews, our normal wicket keeper will return for this game.”

Consett host Percy Main and visiting skipper David Anderson said: “We are hoping to build on last week’s strong team performance, it was a fantastic team effort, but we are missing Michael Phillips, but it will be a good opportunity for James Stanistreet to score some runs and bowler Jon Nicholl will make his first team debut.”

Leadgate host Swalwell and fixture secretary Gary Dixon said: “We are playing one of better teams in the league. Although we lost last week, there were a lot of positives taken from it, so we’re looking to build on that. Robbie Hockaday is unavailable and Jack Murray will be coming into the team.”