DEFENDING champions Sunderland must finish ahead of Division One leaders Wallsend in the penultimate Start Fitness North-East Harrier fixture at Chester-le-Street this afternoon to maintain their hopes of retaining the Sisterton Trophy for a ninth consecutive season.

A depleted Wearside team slipped from the top of the table two weeks ago on a tough course at Wrekenton to allow the Tynesiders to gain a one-point lead at the top of the table.

And with only one fixture - at Prudhoe in two weeks - remaining the Tynesiders could virtually clinch their first-ever Harrier League title if they finish ahead of the rivals at the front of the six-mile handicap race to extend their lead to two points.

With so much at stake it is not surprising that both clubs have been rallying their troops for the make-or-break meeting, and if Sunderland can make up lost ground everything will be set for a final showdown at Prudhoe.

Sunderland's team manager Les Arnott said: "We all know what's at stake and we've simply got to beat Wallsend in the final two fixtures to retain the trophy. But it is in our hands and it is up to everyone to rally round."

Sunderland will welcome back two of their best runners, Tim Field and Tom Doughty, who were crucial absentees at Wrekenton, while ten-times North-East Cross Country champion Brian Rushworth, who last weekend clinched a fifth consecutive North-East Veterans' title, will be the anchor-man of the fast-pack squad, giving away 2 ½ and five minutes start respectively to the medium and slow-pack runners.

At the foot of the table North Shields Polytechnic, Crook and Morpeth, are battling against relegation, with Sunderland Strollers set for promotion after three Division Two victories.

Elvet Striders will field their star runner, veteran Donna James, as the Durham outfit tries to tighten its grip on the women's championship.