The intensity of the battle at the top shows no sign of abating as all the leading contenders continue to demonstrate some fallibility which adds a great deal of interest to the contest.

Last weekend delivered outstanding games, the tightest of finishes, surprise results and a new dark horse.

Leaders Tynedale had a desperately close encounter despite scoring a mammoth 275, Swalwell got back to form and Ashington appeared on the fringe of the top group after a superb win over a previously undefeated Lintz.

In the midst of this Leadgate were quietly doing a professional job on Shotley Bridge and now lie in second place, just a handful of points behind the champions.

Leadgate's overseas professional, New Zealander Neil Broome, has had a fine season but he has been selected for the New Zealand A team's upcoming tour of Australia and will miss a chunk of the season.

The club have moved quickly to plug the gap and expect to sign another New Zealander, leg spinner Bruce Martin, as his replacement while he is away.

Before this happens Leadgate go to Lintz today for another defining top-of-the-table clash, and they are able to name a full strength side. Their hosts will be anxious to get back to winning ways and draft in David Nevin and Nick Young for Anthony Ward and Nathan Clennell.

Swalwell will be expecting to exert further pressure at the top as they host a Morpeth side who are gradually coming to terms with life in the top flight.

Leaders Tynedale face a tough assignment at Shotley Bridge, who have the capability to beat anyone on their day.

Ashington have shot up the table following four consecutive wins and they are able to name an unchanged side for their home game with Annfield Plain which will provide them with the opportunity to break into the top four as points must be dropped in that group today.

The relegation battle is no less intriguing than the race for the title. Percy Main seemed dead and buried just seven days ago but they go into today's home match with Newcastle City knowing that a second win could lift them off the bottom for the first time.

City are awaiting a fitness check on Aman Dhinsa but will be otherwise unchanged.

Two sides glancing anxiously downwards meet at Sacriston today. The home side have suddenly found themselves on the edge of the drop zone so their match with the team just below them, Benwell and Walbottle, has added significance.

Sacriston are missing Graham Stevenson and Paul Burn, but Chris Tilly and Melvyn Betts are in for this vital encounter.