Barnard Castle get the perfect chance to find their feet, when they head to the home of the champions for a Dales derby.

One of the pre-season favourites for honours, Barney have yet to win a game, but the weather has had a big say so far. As well as wiping out their match at Guisborough last Saturday they were denied almost certain victory, as seven overs were lost in their Bank Holiday home game against Seaton Carew. The Seasiders were 62 runs short with just one wicket standing on Monday night when stumps were drawn.

However, just three games into the new campaign, the weather has also ensured that no team boasts a perfect record, and Barney go to Hurgill Road in fourth place, as the Dalesmen seek a fourth crown in five years.

Skipper James Finch looked the most likely to force a victory for his team on Monday as his five wickets pegged back Seaton after they advanced to 92-2, but he acknowledged that the real man-of-the-match was their new signing Llachlan Pfeffer.

“The lad has settled down really quickly and already looks like a great acquisition,” reflected the captain. “He’s a schoolteacher in Australia and at 27 a little older than the usual overseas amateur. He was recommended by Ben Turner who enjoyed the role with us the season before last.”

Marske were another side to lose a full game last weekend, which denied them the opportunity to build on the two victories they had earned in their opening matches.

They are back at Windy Hill Lane today, where they pulled off that thrilling run chase against Normanby Hall seven days ago, and start as favourites against a Stokesley side who have yet to find their feet.

The Seasiders have Brett Roberts returning, he replaces Charlie Helm, while the visitors will be at full strength for the first time this summer with James Weighell back from Durham duty, and James Beaumont set for his seasonal debut.

Billingham Synthonia were cock-a-hoop with their Bank Holiday victory at Cricket Lane and unsurprisingly name the same XI for their home match against Great Ayton, who are able to include young speed merchant Joe Marsay for the first time this year following his recovery from an ankle injury sustained playing football. With David Grainge also back the Villagers will be at full-strength.

Normanby Hall are licking their wounds after three consecutive defeats, but have Ryan Gibson featuring after missing Monday’s match because of Yorkshire commitments. Chris Trillo misses out after suffering a broken finger while fielding against the Synners. Hall are at Feethams where Darlington, lifted by victory in their only game of last weekend, put out an unchanged side.

Hartlepool weren’t overly keen on starting their game at the SCG on Monday, but were extremely happy that a reduced overs match enabled them to pick up a decent haul of points.

They managed without Phil Mustard, and the Durham man returns for the Park Drive meeting with a Middlesbrough side who indicate they have been hit by the final game of the Championship season taking place at the Riverside, as Boro take on Brighton.

Skipper James Lowe, who returns after missing the home drubbing by Richmond, expects to have at least four regulars at the Riverside, while Paul Johnston is working.

Seaton Carew have to reckon without Stu Lobb, so hand an opportunity to 18-year-old Mike Storey when they entertain unchanged Norton.

There is one Premier Division match scheduled for tomorrow with Guisborough able to include Martin Hood, Richard Dunn and Tom Gittins when they host Stokesley.