NEPL Premier Division leaders Newcastle could face a backlash from a smarting Chester-le-Street today when sides meet at Ropery Lane, but the Tynesiders have taken out some pretty hefty insurance cover in the shape of England’s Ben Stokes.

The Durham man, on his own comeback trail, has been cleared to play for Newcastle following an injury to their other Durham player, Graham Clark, who fractured a thumb playing for the county second team earlier this week.

The Cestrians suffered a shock home defeat at the hands of the Academy seven days ago and will be determined to bounce back, but the appearance of Stokes in the opposition ranks is something they won’t have planned for.

Chester were let down down by their batting last time out, so the return of one of their leading run scorers, George Harrison, provides a timely boost in that department.

The Tynesiders, the only unbeaten team in the top-flight, have enjoyed an impressive campaign so far led by the talismanic Jacques du Toit, and although they have one or two injury concerns the chance to play alongside the England star may well make those niggles miraculously disappear.

The first division match of the day sees Sacriston, currently second, entertaining leaders Felling. They expect to have at least one county player in their ranks, although whether Chris Rushworth gets clearance from Durham is doubtful given his workload of earlier this week, so Will Gidman could start.

Jonny Barnes should be back for Mainsforth following his recovery from a hamstring strain, they entertain a Boldon team missing four first teamers, while Cameron Delport, who smashed 183 from 77 balls on debut last week, continues for Tudhoe when they go to Brandon who could include a new signing from the Lancashire League.

Durham City are the latest team to try and halt Burnopfield, their hosts having established a huge 71-point lead at the top of the Durham Cricket League after last weekend’s double header.

City are in decent form, skipper Jake McCann having made 150 runs without being dismissed last weekend, and they expect to field the same side against hosts who have Neil Killeen back in the side.

Division Two leaders Ushaw Moor take an unchanged side to full-strength Marsden who have John Leslie back for just his second game for his new club.

With unbeaten Ashington and Lanchester continuing to forge ahead in the NTSL title race, the focus this weekend is on the other end of the table, the bottom two going head to head at Annfield Plain where Benwell & Walbottle are the visitors. Plain have Sam Blake back from his holidays, although Shane Oliver is now missing.