With in-form Marske sitting out the weekend the chance is there for the chasing pack to make up significant ground with two of the three title challengers set for a weekend double.

Marske have enjoyed tremendous league victories against champions Richmondshire and Hartlepool of late, which enabled them to open up a 27-point lead. They also enjoyed Kerridge Cup success against the Dalesmen this week, as they chased down a target of 194 with three overs to spare.

Today second-placed Barnard Castle face a tricky trip to Acklam Park, Richmond are due at Feethams today before a home game against Normanby tomorrow, and Great Ayton set for a Leven Park derby against Guisborough before rounding off their weekend with a Sunday outing to Seaton Carew.

Great Ayton thoughts are with Whalid Ghauri, last week’s batting match winner against Norton, who suffered a sickening leg fracture in an fielding collision with a teammate in the Kerridge on Tuesday night.

Ghauri will be a big miss for the Aytonians – not only is he a key part of their batting line-up (421 runs at an average of 42), he is also one of the best fielders in the League.

The Priorymen have the pressing matter of trying to keep their heads above the relegation waters. Tom Leng and David Grainge are both back to lift Ayton spirits.

Gary Pratt and Toby Bulcock missed both last Sunday’s Macmillan Finals Day, and Tuesday’s Kerridge tie because of Minor Counties commitments, but the pair will be back on duty for Richmondshire this weekend, although stand-in skipper Sam Wood is a major doubt because of a hip injury.

The Dalesmen will be tested at Feethams where Darlington still harbour some ambitions of nudging their way back into the title race despite being 61 points shy of top spot. They have Tom Sowerby returning, while Sam Hardy replaces Grant Sowerby, although Dale Marshall misses their visit to Park Drive tomorrow.

Normanby Hall, 36 points adrift of safety at the foot of the table, have Chris Witherley back for their weekend double, with Martin Rose also returning after recovering from a hamstring strain and Yorkshire’s Ryan Gibson set to feature in today’s relegation battle against Seaton Carew at Cricket Lane, although his availability for the Richmond game is still uncertain.

Barnard Castle will need to maximize their return from their one game, but Middlesbrough are proving tough opponents this season, with skipper James Lowe leading from the front, ably supported by South African Steve Reeves.

Lowe leads the League’s batting rankings with an average of 98, while Reeves is second in the wicket takers list with 27 victims. Paul Johnston misses out for Boro through work commitments, while Barney expect to be unchanged.

James Weighell remains a major doubt for Stokesley as he awaits the result of an ankle scan, but brother Jonny returns from his holidays for the SCG game against Norton, while Callum Prosser is sidelined by a hand injury and will miss the next few Hartlepool games although Phil Mustard will feature at Billingham today where the Synners hope to be unchanged.