Stockton will have their strongest side of the season so far when they entertain South Shields in the NEPL Premier Division.

With Durham out of action this weekend the main attraction is likely to be Keaton Jennings who, only one month ago, hit two centuries in the same Durham match against Somerset. With April just out he has already accumulated 362 first-class runs at an average of more than 90, and his seasonal debut for the Teessiders will be eagerly anticipated.

His inclusion means that Stockton’s other Durham man, Jamie Harrison, is unable to be selected, but with Jimmy Ward’s football commitments now ended he slots straight back in. The Shieldsmen are in mid-table with their hosts, but the Durham influence could be crucial for them also with Gordon Muchall set to return.

First division leaders Mainsforth have an opportunity to make it three wins out of three when they entertain a Blaydon side who are struggling to find their feet at the lower level after being relegated, and who hit by injury problems.

The Tynesiders have been hit by the news that skipper Mark Drake is likely to be sidelined for some time after suffering a serious knee injury, and there are even concerns it could be career threatening. Joining him in the treatment room is Grant Nicholson, who has a side strain. Academy youngster Ross Greenwell is back from injury, and Richard Brooks returns from work commitments. The leaders have three missing, with Jamie Appleby, Glen Donaldson and Dan Smith set for their NEPL debuts.

It’s only match day two in the Durham CL, although for Crook Town this will be their first taste of action after their opening game was wiped out by the weather.

And it could be a baptism of fire as they travel to unchanged leaders Burnopfield, who suggested they will be a force to be reckoned with when they hammered champions Esh Winning last weekend. Despite not bowling a ball in anger so far Town have already lost Josh Holmes to injury after he suffered a fractured jaw in net practice, while they are also without Dave Embleton today. Neil Davies and Craig Hannant receive call-ups.

Easington were the only other winners on the opening day, and could prove too strong for a Hylton side who are going to have to wait until June to see their overseas player, Suhrawadi Shuvo, because of playing commitments in Bangladesh. Easington expect to see Indian Sujit Nayak making his debut.

With early NTSL leaders Ashington looking to make it three wins from three when they entertain Annfield Plain, the big game is at Derwenthaugh Park where Swalwell entertain Lanchester. Both clubs have named full strength squads with new signing Simon Bickerstaffe expected to make a long overdue debut for the hosts.