Stockton came down to earth with a bump last weekend as they ended up on the wrong end of the only outright result in the rain-affected programme.

With all the other matches ending in draws, and with their opening day victory in the locker, the Teessiders are still handily placed ahead of their trip to Hetton Lyons today.

They sit just three points behind early leaders Chester-le-Street, although Lyons are only a further three points back after opening out with two stalemates. Both have indicated they will be fielding unchanged sides, which for Stockton means they are not expecting Keaton Jennings to be available.

The Cestrians travel to South Shields where their hosts will be missing last week’s top scorer, Rob Gibson, who has university commitments, although Michael Dunn makes a timely return after recovering from a niggling injury.

Chester have a doubt over Mark Turner who tweaked a hamstring last Sunday, and if he doesn’t make it Stephen Cantwell will replace him.

Blaydon’s wicketkeeper Andrew Sturgeon broke a thumb in last week, and with Joe Reynolds in Barbados watching cricket Phil Miller and Ross Greenwell come into the team for the game at Tynemouth where their hosts are missing top bowler David Hymers who is sidelined by a shin injury.

Brandon are setting the early pace in the First Division. They are already seven points clear, and after defeating top-flight Blaydon in last Sunday’s national cup tie their spirits could not be higher.

They travel to Seaham Harbour today and name the same line-up against opponents who do not have the same luxury. With Shoaib Akhtar and Stephen Sennett missing, and the long wait for a visa for their overseas man still dragging on, Peter Hambleton and 17-year-old Dylan Bacon are drafted in.

Washington are in similar mood to Brandon. They also have two wins from two outings and can put out the same team when they go to Eppleton. Their hosts are still trying to work their way through the overseas player paperwork jungle and he won’t appear in time for this one.

Sunderland are still awaiting their man, although Bravesh Shetty was due to arrive in the country. If he does he will go straight into the side at Ashbrooke where unchanged Boldon are the visitors. But the Wearsiders will have to reckon without the services of Jaspreet Singh, the spinner deciding to join brother Rammy at Stockton.