Stockton entertain Sacriston on the back of last weekend’s fine five-wicket win at Eppleton.

The visitors are without former Durham bowler Melvyn Betts, absent due to a hamstring injury, who will be replaced by Jack Hardy. They await news from Durham on the availability of Matthew Potts.

Visiting official Iain Bestford said: Another tough challenge lies ahead at Stockton, who are in form. The side will begin to get an inkling of what consistency is needed to rise through the table, if they harbour ideas of honours.”

Chester-le-Street, in second, travel to Tynemouth and skipper John Coxon was delighted with last week’s performance.

He said: “It was an excellent bowling display, with all the bowlers contributing well, to a deserved win. Hopefully we will be unchanged and Tynemouth are always tough opponents and this game will be no different.”

Durham Cricket Academy take on Hetton Lyons and Lyons skipper Jarvis Clay has Carl Watson available.

Eppleton travel to Benwell Hill and are without wicketkeeper Tyler Easton, who is out for up to eight weeks with a seriously dislocated thumb, which had to be operated on and pinned.

In Division One, Willington entertain Sunderland and home skipper James Stock said: “Jason Marshall cannot play unfortunately, having scored plenty of runs in the last fixture, so Jack Howell replaces him.”

Sunderland chairman Mike Smith said: “I am very pleased with the progress of the team and hope they continue this early season form.”

Burnmoor entertain bottom club Blaydon and visiting skipper Geoff Stewart said: “The side is missing Phillip Miller. David Bailey opens the batting in his absence. All the players remain in contention as the team struggles for form, in what has been a stop/start beginning to the season. We all need to get stuck in and become much more competitive.’’

Castle Eden welcome the leaders Brandon and visiting skipper Chris Peareth said: “Castle Eden have a couple of very good players, including their professional, who needs to be treated with the greatest of respect.”

In Northumberland and Tyneside Cricket League Division 1, early leaders Shotley Bridge are on a high after winning their first three games, they host Newcastle City with only one win from their first three matches.

Lanchester travel to Tynedale and skipper Stuart McPhail has an unchanged side.

League leaders in the Durham Cricket League Easington are at Seaham Park and Jordan Wilson returns.

Secretary Peter Booth said: “The new Sri Lankan professional Ds Tilakaratne is settling in well and is a good lad. It’s never easy against Seaham and a few players have played for both sides, so there will be a bit of needle in the game.”

Seaham Park are without two key players, with Neil Yong and John Samples both have family commitments. The club is excited to welcome overseas professional Virat Singh. He is 20-years old and an all-rounder, who comes highly recommended.

Virat has played over 25 first class games for Jharkhand and captained India Under-19s last year in a tri-series against England and Sri Lanka.

Crook Town travel to Horden and captain Andrew Pratt said: “Our overseas professional Daniel Doran is here - we are looking forward to seeing the him play for the first time.”

Tudhoe are at Esh Winning and Esh fixture secretary Kevin Carmedy said: “We have an unchanged team this week. It is always a competitive game between them and ourselves, and we always have good games against them, so we are looking forward to it.”

Division Two leaders Evenwood, entertain Murton.

Secretary Luke Bannister said: “We have made a very good start and to be fair, we have earned the two victories. We are still struggling a bit with availability and injuries, so a couple of the younger players have come in and done well. We will take it one game at a time, but we are keen to get promoted.”

Peterlee go to Ushaw Moor and chairman Michael Garraghan said: “We remain positive and we are short of runs at present, so hopefully that will change at Ushaw Moor, who have started well. We will be stronger, as Andrew Laidler is back, and we aim to get up the league and start competing again.”