THE season really takes off this weekend as the first double programme of the year takes place over the next two days.

There are some cracking matches lined up, with probably the pick of the bunch being at Murton tomorrow when the leaders entertain form team Ryhope.

Before that head-to-head, Murton face a tough match at Washington who are flying high after two impressive victories in the last week or so - their first ever victory over a Durham Senior League side being followed by becoming the first team to lower Seaham Park's colours.

There are wholesale changes for Murton. In come Alan Loscombe, Berwick Hall, Richard Lawes and Phil Grimwood to replace Ian Richardson, Paul Ord, Kevin Hardy, and Jordan Vout. Washington will be missing Nick Thompson through holidays, Joe Thompson steps up.

Ryhope are bristling with confidence and begin their weekend with a home game against Easington.

Their squad is back to full strength and Easington, for the match at Ryhope, is unchanged although they lose Paul Neasham on Sunday when they are at home to Dawdon.

Lawrence Jones will deputise.

Dawdon start their weekend at Castle Eden today with the home team remaining handily-placed just one point behind Ryhope, and having played the same number of games. But for Castle it will be a tough weekend as Dawdon will have a major new signing on display as Mark Ewart has joined them from DSL side Hetton Lyons and will certainly add quality to their attack.

Tomorrow's match at Seaham Park will be no cake-walk either for Castle. John Thompson is missing for the second game, although selection of his replacement is delayed. Park face some difficult selection problems of their own as they know that Alan Dick, Andrew Worthy, David Morton, Mike Evans and Andrew Docherty will all be missing through work. Because of this they are delaying selection until the last moment so they can have a head count.

Their game today is at Peterlee, normally a banker but the home side have given some promising displays this season topped off by their first league win in two years against Easington last week. The home team have no real selection issues other than the fact that David Laidler misses tomorrow's game at home to Silksworth, and will be replaced by Adam Maddison.

For Silksworth it's two in this afternoon, Craig Nield and Ian Laverick turning out at home to Bill Quay, who welcome back Mark Campbell while Chris Pringle and George Bevan replace them for the match at Peterlee.

Boldon CA entertain Washington with David Towns missing and Chris Frater drafted in.