In the Dukes ECB North East Premier League, Stockton are at home to Hetton Lyons, seeking improvement from last week’s defeat at South North.

The visitors won last week and have all-rounder Chris Winn returning from Australia.

Chester-Le-Street travel to Whitburn and host Secretary Dan Quinan said: “We are looking forward to the game and it’s our first at home, against very tough opposition. Matthew Muchall has signed, alongside Chris McBryde from Durham, Phillip Bell has moved into the area and joined the club and the overseas amateur is Jackson Edmondstone from Australia.”

Cestrian skipper John Coxon admitted: “We are looking forward to the game and I will be expecting the lads to carry last week’s winning form into the game, plus we have Liam Simpson back. Whitburn are always a competitive team, particularly at home.”

In Division One, Burnmoor welcome Sunderland and skipper Alec Linsley said: “We are pretty much unchanged, but still waiting for the overseas professional to have his visa granted and if that materialises, he will replace Mark Robson. Harry Munton stepped into the breach last week and took four wickets, so he will keep his place.’’

Castle Eden entertain unchanged Boldon. Skipper Chris Ellison said: “It’s the same team as last week except Barry McCarthy, the club’s Durham registered player, who has been made unavailable and replaced by Philip Shakespeare.”

Brandon are at Gateshead Fell and skipper Chris Peareth has Stephen Parnabyin for Dean Crampton.

Willington welcome Burnopfield and visiting skipper Neil Killeen will have to make one change from last week, with Joel Selway replacing Billy Plender.

In the Northumberland and Tyneside League, Shotley Bridge entertain Swalwell.

Paul Dumighan said: “We make just one change, James Welsh is unavailable. The captain takes his place after being unavailable last week. We won last week against Lanchester and we need good early form to stay ahead of the chasing pack.”

Shotley skipper Paul Greenwell said: “The Australian professional is still not here and may miss four games. Stefan Dabrowski is promoted to fill a batting spot, whilst all those who played last week retain their places.”

Lanchester welcome Newcastle City and skipper Stuart McPhail has three changes, Graham Brinton, Gregg Halliday and Ciaran Johnson return, replacing Daniel Storey, Harry Lovell and Mark Small, after losing to Swalwell last week.”

In Division One of the Readers Durham Cricket League, Crook welcome Whiteleas and Captain Andrew Platt said: “Stephen Chapman and I are still playing this year and we have two University lads who are joining - Ed Wells and George Westlake. We are hoping our overseas professional will be here. Daniel Doram, an ex-Sussex and Holland international.

Horden entertain Mainsforth and official Wayne Birks said: “We have virtually changed the whole squad with 12 players leaving and 16 players coming in! We are going to utilise the younger players this season and the aim will be to not get relegated.”

Philadelphia host Easington and chairman Malcolm Pratt said: “Our overseas player is Rameez Shahzad, right hand batsman and off-break bowler who has just completed a hugely successful season with the United Arab Emirates, however, he might not be here on time.

“He has previously played in for Sunderland and South Shields, where he was a prolific run scorer and effective bowler. He comes recommended by Director of Coaching, Geoff Cook.”

Pratt added: “Our other newcomer is paceman Reece Wood, who amongst his previous clubs is Middlesbrough. Paceman Willie Orchin and fast bowler Chris Paton have returned from Wearmouth.

“For the first time, Phili will have two ladies available for selection. Rachel Hopkins, who has moved into the area from Derbyshire, has looked an accomplished player in the indoor nets, while Rachel Petherick has impressed with her spin bowling.”

Tudhoe welcome Bill Quay and visiting captain Jeff Tudor said: “We have a new professional; Jarod van Blerk from Zimbabwe and we welcome back Berwick Hall. Unfortunately we lost our professional from last year Josh Eaton, due to visa issues.”

Esh Winning begin at Durham City and chairman David Watson said: “We will be looking to develop our younger players this season and have decided not to have an overseas professional this year.”

Peterlee Town Council have renamed the local cricket ground in tribute to the work done by club stalwart Roy Simpson.

Formerly the Helford Road Oval, Council officials rechristened the ground as The Roy Simpson MBE Oval in a ceremony held last Saturday.

Simpson, 75, made his debut for Peterlee in 1965, captaining bot the first and second teams before retiring in 2000.

As well as more than doing his bit on the pitch, he has worked tirelessly for the club in a variety of roles, including serving 20 years as the Secretary.

He also devoted his time to the development of the next generation of cricketing talent, overseeing the implementation and growth of the club’s junior sides from Under-13s up to Under-18s, regularly picking and coaching the team, driving the minibus and umpiring fixtures.

His devotion to grassroots cricket extended to becoming Chairman of the Durham Cricket League and his incredible efforts were recognised in 2015 when he was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.