There may be a wintry weekend in prospect but the heat is already on Chester-le-Street in the NEPL after their surprise opening day defeat at the hands of Benwell Hill.

Knowing that their arch rivals for honours, South North, have not lost a single league game since April 2014 means that the pressure is already on the Cestrians who face a tough trip to South Shields today where their hosts are in fine fettle after a bruising win against Gateshead Fell in last week’s opener.

Street keep faith with the same line-up for the trip to Dean Road where the Shieldsmen make one enforced change with Michael Dunn, who complemented his two ton-up teammates, Tim David and Gordon Muchall, with an unbeaten 49, unavailable. Dunn’s place goes to seamer Chris Stewart.

Stockton were another team enjoying a victorious start, and they will be looking to build on that when they meet unchanged Newcastle at Jesmond. The Teessiders have to reckon without Jimmy Ward, who has football commitments, but have Matty Gill available for his seasonal debut.

The first Premier Division derby between Hetton Lyons and Eppleton takes place at Lilywhite Terrace with both anxious to get off the mark after below par displays on the opening day. Lyons await news of whether Brydon Carse will be released by Durham, while Eppleton have a doubt over Paul Davidson who aggravated a back injury while bowling last week.

In the First Division Mainsforth, buoyed by their winning start to life at the top table, travel to Seaham Harbour. Unsurprisingly they stick with the same team, while their hosts will be just pleased to be playing if the game goes ahead – they have seen both their opening games washed out.

NTSL champions Shotley Bridge, with a win already tucked under their belt, go to Lanchester who also impressed in victory at Leadgate. The home team make one change with Graham Brinton back.

Percy Main, Bridge’s victims last week, meet Swalwell and hand debuts to Aussie Liam Tobin and Anthony Hornby, who has just joined them from Philadelphia. Unfortunately they will be without Andrew Green who suffered a broken finger in the Shotley match. Swalwell have close-season signing Simon Bickerstaffe set to play his first match.

The Durham Cricket League emerge from their winter’s hibernation with champions Esh Winning beginning the defence of their crown with a new-look side at Burnopfield. Their much fancied hosts look set to play the ex-Durham trio of Gareth Breese, Callum Thorp and Neil Killeen.