With just 17 points separating the top half dozen teams in the NEPL Premier Division the chance is there for Stockton to close in on the leading positions when they entertain misfiring Chester-le-Street.

The Cestrians have long been one of the dominant forces in NEPL cricket, but two defeats in their four games sees them languishing in the lower reaches of the table. And they have one or two injury concerns ahead of the trip to Teesside with skipper John Coxon, along with Andrew Bell, suffering from ankle problems.

Hetton Lyons’ Indian star, Faiz Fazal, attempts to make it three centuries in three successive league games when his team entertain the Academy. Jack McCarthy (Ashington) is handed a debut for the youngsters with Piers Davison unavailable.

First Division Willington have a real opportunity to cement their newly-earned status as league leaders when they entertain a Blaydon team who have struggled to adapt since relegation.

The table-toppers show two changes, bringing in Elliot Foster and Jonny Davis for the unavailable Steven Bradwell and Steve Alderson, while Blaydon welcome back Grant Nicholson after he proved his recovery from injury with 85 for the second team.

Life is tough for Tudhoe. They are just a point above bottom-placed Seaham Harbour and face a difficult game at Boldon. Having lost former skipper Ross Hodgson to Burnmoor in the last few days the positive news is that Michael Coulthard has returned to the club from Murton, although he won’t feature today. Boldon have Tommy Nixon back in harness.

In the Durham Cricket League the game of the day is at Burnopfield where the runaway leaders entertain unbeaten Philadelphia.

Three maximum points hauls have enabled Burnopfield to open up a significant gap on the chasing pack, but with two victories in their last two outings Phili will be confident of giving their hosts a real contest. The home team have a slight injury concern over Neil Killeen, but other than that will be unchanged, as will their visitors.

Crook were pleased to get off the mark last week, and they welcome back newly-married Dave Embleton for the game at Durham City, although Andrew Robinson is sidelined by a shoulder injury. City, in fourth place, make two enforced changes with Nick Howe and Luke Mulley in for Paul Moralee and Andrew Hutchinson.

NTSL champions Shotley Bridge have racked up an eye-watering 815 runs in their last two matches, and Annfield Plain are next in the firing line when they visit the Spa Grounds today, although at least Barry McCarthy won’t feature in the Bridge line-up given his County Championship wicket-taking exploits for Durham earlier this week. Jack Rowley plays in his place.

Leaders Ashington, defending a 100 per cent record, have Jack Jessop back from university for their home game against a Consett team having to reckon without Paul Ringer and Andy Stokoe – Stephen Turnbull and Simon Wilkinson deputise, while second-placed Lanchester bring in Marc Ramshaw for the unavailable Nav Ahmed when they go to Percy Main where the hamstrung Steve Knights is replaced by Andy Beer.