Lanchester's bowling resources are set to be tested, with six enforced changes meaning they will be missing two-thirds of their strike force when they entertain Leadgate.

Victory at Tynedale last week was set up by a six-man attack who kept the home team in check on an excellent track to enable their batters to coast to an impressive victory with almost six overs to spare.

But bowlers Kieron Taylor, Lee Murray, Andy Allen and Simon Tweedy are all missing today, and with Matthew Callaghan and Cameron Metcalfe also unavailable, the cavalry have been mobilised with Tiger Halliday and Arran Halliday stepping up to first-team duty, the latter making his debut. Jon Hames, Alan McPhail and Nav Ahmed all return.

After a couple of defeats Ponteland got back to winning ways last week, and they did so impressively as they brought an end to Shotley Bridge's resurgent form which had seen them win their previous six outings.

They go to Percy Main today and include Tom Common following his recent return from Newcastle. He replaces unavailable Paul Lindsay, who has taken his league runs aggregate above the 300 mark. The Main men need safety points following their collapse to a part-time bowler last week when they snatched a narrow five-run defeat out of the jaws of victory. They make just one change with Jack Vickerman replacing Paddy Rathbone.

Three consecutive victories have taken Burnopfield 18 points clear in second place, the runners-up spot now realistically the only league honour available to the 11 other teams who make up the division along with the apparently invincible Swalwell.

They should be able to consolidate that placing at Ryton, although the home team have Peter Moore and Ian Richardson back in harness. Dan Reece replaces Chris Wilkinson in the Shotley Bridge side to take on a Lintz team who have Jordan Clennell, Jonny Forster and Ant Ward back, Tynedale keeper Jamie Crichton is doubtful with a broken finger but Richard Darling is back for the visit of Annfield Plain, who include Liam Dixon and Nathan Laidler. James Welch returns for Swalwell as they attempt to home in on the title at Consett.

In Division A2 second-placed Ashington take on table-toppers Backworth with both promotion and the championship on the line. The Colliers are 14 points behind their visitors with a game in hand.