In the Dukes ECB North East Premier League, Hetton Lyons host Benwell Hill and skipper Jarvis Clay has Carl Watson unavailable,

Clay said: “We had a disappointing defeat last week, as the season finally began in earnest. We expect a tough match, but if all live up to our expectations, a victory is possible against a club who have strength in depth.”

Eppleton entertain Stockton at Church Road and secretary John Smithson said: “The lack of proper ‘grass practice’ was a factor in our performance last weekend and we need to win a few games in the near future and be very competitive, in every game.”

Sacriston host Tynemouth and visiting official Don Catley said: “We hope to improve on last year and feel we have put together a real good squad this season and added well to our existing players.”

Chester-le-Street will be unchanged at home to Newcastle and John Coxon was in a reflective mood following last week’s defeat at Whitburn. He said: “We were disappointed to lose last weekend, but credit to Whitburn as they played superbly and fully deserved the win, so all credit to them.

“We will be looking to bounce back this week against a strong Newcastle side and it’s a great opportunity for the lads to put their hands up and show what they can do, against good opposition. We are certainly looking forward to the challenge ahead.”

Newcastle chairman Phil Hudson has an unchanged side from last weekend’s win at Chester-le-Street.

The Durham Academy travel to champions South North and have drawn one and lost one, of their two games, while South North have won both their opening fixtures.

In Division One, Brandon entertain Burnmoor and make one change with Dean Crampton in the seconds and new recruit Niall Solomon, who is studying at Durham University, making his debut.

Burnmoor have two changes, with Sami Niazi arriving for his first match and Gareth Harte available again.

Craig Symington decided last season to retire from cricket last summer to play golf, but has changed his mind and signed on the dotted line to play alongside his brother Marc.

Willington travel to Boldon and the home side will be missing Gary Scott, who has broken his hand last weekend.

Castle Eden travel to Ashbrooke to take on Sunderland and have two enforced changes to make - skipper Jonathan Brown and Robert McGlasham are unavailable, but Connor Crute and Liam Brown start.

Brown said: “It has been a reasonable start under the circumstances, but it will be a tough game at Sunderland who should be challenging for honours at the end of the season.”

In Division One of the Northumberland and Tyneside Cricket League, Lanchester are at home to Shotley Bridge and make one change, with Ciaran Johnson out and Dan Storey in.

Shotley Bridge captain Paul Greenwell said: “We have the same team as last weekend. We hope to continue our good run, as we’ve won both games and got maximum points each time. Our Australian is due early next week so we hope to have him in the side for the weekend after.

In the Readers Durham Cricket League, Crook Town travel to Bill Quay, having had Whiteleas nine wickets down last Saturday and secretary Alan Stewart said: “We’re still without a professional, as he will not be arriving until May 8. We should also have a couple of players back who missed last weekend.

Bill Quay had a winning start last weekend, beating Tudhoe by 72 runs, and secretary Chris Little said: “There will be two changes, with Nathan Drury in for Paul Bentham and Mark Cuskeran in for Liam Brophy.”

Easington had an excellent five-wicket win at Philadelphia last week and will be looking to continue that positive start at home to Esh Winning.

Esh also won, bowling Durham City out for just 36, and skipper David Lawlor fields an unchanged side.

In Division Two, Peterlee entertain Boldon CA at the Roy Simpson Oval and are struggling with players this weekend, as David Laidler is having his stag weekend and will be accompanied by his brother and skipper Andrew Laidler, who is also their opening bowler.

Paul Griffiths will also be missing and chairman Michael Garraghan said: “We hope to compete at the top again this season, but losing David Craig was a blow. However, we have brought in West Indian Zachary McCaskie, who is a genuine all-rounder who we hope will have a good season.”

Horden travel to Ryhope and home secretary Alan Mason said: “It will be a tough game and with no overseas professional at our club this season, we will be promoting and relying on our younger players, who will number between three and four each week. We were delighted with the signing of David Craig who made a great start last Saturday, with both bat and ball. We will be unchanged and I can’t remember the last time we could say that!”