Seaton Carew are in brilliant form of late, winning their last three league games to drag themselves away from the relegation zone.

They welcome leaders Great Ayton to Hornby Park and after a nailbiting win at Darlington last week, the home side are without David Storey for today’s game.

Ayton hold an 11-point lead over Richmondshire, who beat them last week, and they will want to get back to winning games.

Stokesley, in third, travel to second-placed Richmondshire in what will be a pivotal game in the title race.

Visiting Secretary Mark Smith said: “James Weighell is not available this weekend, so there will be another chance for one of our youngsters to come into the side. Following two straight wins, we are hoping for three in a row, in what will be a very difficult game, against a strong Richmondshire team.”

Guisborough welcome fourth-placed Marton, to Rectory Lane, with Graham Murray returning for Stephen Turner.

Director of Cricket Chris Nicholls said: “After a good win last Saturday at Norton, we turn our attentions to an in-form Marton team. We are still in a relegation fight, but a win against Marton would be a massive boost for us.”

Marton will be full of confidence, as their excellent form continues.

Skipper Alex Wardell said: “We make one change as Chris Simpson skippers the second team and Danny Kitching returns to the team. I was really pleased with the win last Saturday against Barnard Castle and we are looking to consolidate our position, in the top four or five.”

Having lost their last two games in the league, Barnard Castle will want to win when they entertain Middlesbrough, to get themselves back in contention to retain their title. The champions are in fifth place, but 36 points adrift of leaders Great Ayton.

They have Karl Turner returning from his two-match suspension and skipper James Finch said: “Karl has been missed and his return will bolster the side and hopefully get us back to winning ways and get back in the title race.”

Boro have Adil Ditta missing, so Adam Beaumont comes back in to the side and skipper James Lowe said: “We are hoping to build on last week’s good result against Marske and have a good run of results in the upcoming games.”

Struggling Hartlepool entertain bottom club Norton and Pools make two changes for the game at Park Drive, with Jonathan Rickard and Ollie Mole replacing Joe Stewart and George Relton.

Marske entertain Darlington at Windy Hill Lane and the visitors welcome back Jonny Barnes, after he missed the last two games in the place of Andy Peacock, who returns to the second team.

Club official Garry Moody said: “We are hoping Jonny's vast experience, will help the team to a positive result.”

In Division One, the two teams vying for places in the Premier League, Thornaby and Billingham Synthonia, face tough opposition.

Leaders Thornaby are at home to Normanby Hall and Synners travel to Darlington RA. Both teams are in good shape to return to the Premier.