Chester-le-Street’s dream of a remarkable national double is still alive after their success in last week’s T20 area finals, a last over win over Seaton Carew followed by a 15-run final success against Barnsley. They now meet Pudsey Congs at home a week tomorrow with the winners progressing to finals day.

They host Bowdon, a mid-table Cheshire Premier League club, in the last eight of the National 45 over competition tomorrow, the big bonus for the Cestrians being the fact that Graeme Cessford can play tomorrow.

First they continue their pursuit of league leaders South North with a match at Stockton today.

The Bulls hold a 15-point advantage over the triple crown chasing Cestrians, and have Stephen Humble, Adam Heather and Rob Peyton returning for the home game against Hetton Lyons. The visitors have Shaun Birbeck back from holiday with leg-spinner Ben Whitehead returning to the club after his release by the Academy.

A disastrous run of four consecutive defeats, in which only 15 points have been picked up, has left Whitburn with some work to do if they are to finally rid themselves of relegation worries. But they have a real chance to finally put those fears to bed when they take on Gateshead Fell.

The Eastwood Gardens showdown is crucial for both of them – a Whitburn win would make it almost impossible for Gateshead to catch them in the five games remaining, but a win for the Fell would mean a nervous end to the season.

The visitors make one change, with Kieran Waterson returning in place of Craig Smith, while the Fell have Barry McCarthy coming on for Graham Onions and Cameron Oliver replacing Jamie Arkle.

First Division dark horses Willington, 19 points behind leaders Eppleton, hope to extend a nine-game unbeaten run when they entertain promotion rivals Burnmoor in the game of the day. Elliott Foster takes over the home glove duties for the holidaying Andy Dickinson, while the Moor, still on course for four consecutive titles, take a full strength line-up to Manor Road.