Barnard Castle fresh from their Teesside University McMillan Cup success last Sunday and a win against their local rivals Richmondshire last Saturday in the league, are raring to go.

They are home to second placed Stokesley. Skipper James Finch admitted: “We had a great weekend, but our league performances have not been good enough, so we need to produce a better performance against Stokesley and we are very confident of delivering that.”

The director of cricket at Stokesley, Mark Smith said: “We are hopeful James Weighell will be released from his Durham commitments this week.

“Confidence is high after completing a season treble last week over rivals and leaders Great Ayton. There are no injury worries at the moment and with all the bowlers performing well, we will be looking for as many points as possible against a strong Barney team.”

Hartlepool welcome Marske to Park Drive, and make one change, bringing back Jimmy Ward who returns after his holiday, to replace Brad Frank who will be hoping for a long bowling stint for the second team.

Chairman Alan Jackson is ‘very wary’ of the threat caused by Marske’s two professionals who are starting to hit form.

Marske are having to make two changes from last week. Jack English comes in for Sam Berry who is unavailable due to a family wedding and Harry Peirson comes in for Chris Witherley, who will be enjoying his week away at Glastonbury. Skipper Lee Hodgson remarked: “After a very good win last week with some good batting and bowling performances, we head into this game, full of confidence and looking for another positive result.”

Marton will be unchanged for their home game against Darlington, after their impressive win at Middlesbrough last week. Skipper Alex Wardell stated: “Following our good run chase at Boro last Saturday, we are looking to carry on that momentum into the next few fixtures, beginning with Darlington at home.”

Darlington’s Garry Moody said: “Captain Paul Freary returns after being out for five weeks with a broken wrist, and he replaces the holidaying James Sutton. After the success last week against Norton, we hope to continue a run with a game against, newly promoted side Marton.”

Middlesbrough in fourth, travel to third bottom Guisborough and welcome Paul Johnston back into the team and are at full strength this weekend. Skipper James Lowe confessed: “We are looking to get back to winning ways, after a couple of difficult weeks.”

Seaton Carew travel to Richmondshire and are strengthened by the return of Stuart Lobb and David Braithwaite. Skipper Paul Braithwaite said: “We are looking forward to the match and will be looking for a win, to get us out of the relegation places.”

Struggling Norton, welcome leaders Great Ayton to Station Road. They have lost eight of their nine games so far this season and badly need a win. That will be a tough ask against a very strong Ayton team, who will be smarting from their home defeat at the hands of rivals Stokesley, last Saturday.