AS the season reaches the halfway point, leaders Marske refreshed from their break last weekend, travel to out-of-sorts Billingham Synthonia who have lost three of their last four league matches.

Synners are unchanged for the third week running and Marske have a full squad to choose from, with Brett Roberts returning from injury. Skipper Lee Hodgson is well aware of the potential threat from the Synners bowlers, admitting: “Alston Bobb and Martin Cull pose a real threat on their own ground and we will have to be at our very best.”

Second-placed Richmondshire also travel to lowly opposition when they head to Cricket Lane, the home of Normanby Hall who remain rooted at the bottom.

Shaun Charlton retains his place and Richmondshire are unchanged. Normanby will be missing Ryan Gibson as he is with Yorkshire on first-team duties and in the squad for the upcoming T20's. Chris Trillo returns after holiday and Chris Veazey, Ashley Vaughan and Martin Rose who all missed last Sunday's extra game, return to strengthen the team.

Stokesley, who lie third-bottom and decimated with current and long-term injuries to both professionals, are working on bringing in a substitute professional who has current county cricket experience after being granted league permission.

James Beaumont is likely to withdraw from the weekend game as well, as his wife is imminently expecting. They entertain Guisborough at the SCG, who have won three of their last five league games (two were abandoned), but are without Richard Dunn and wicketkeeper, Hayden Bowman.

Seaton Carew, slowly pulling themselves away from the relegation trap door, travel to Great Ayton and are unchanged. Ayton are without Wally Ghauri, who broke his leg in a fielding accident during a Kerridge Cup game last week against Barnard Castle. He has had his operation but will now miss the remainder of the season. He has had it pinned and now faces at least three months rehabilitation. Tom Leng continues to take his place, while stumper Henry Shelton will keep wicket.

Darlington play Hartlepool at Feethams with Toby Lush, a medium pace bowler, making his first-team league debut aged 16 and Matthew Morgan also comes in from the seconds to play a rare first-team game. They replace both Lee Craggs and Sam Hardy. Hartlepool’s Callum Prosser continues to recover from injury and Oliver Mole comes back into the team. Phil Mustard has clearance from Durham to play.

Middlesbrough have Paul Johnston returning as they travel to in-form Norton, who have won two of their last three league games and are now in sixth place, thanks to their recent efforts.

Barnard Castle in third place, have no match this weekend.