Readers Durham County League: Willington have improved from their moderate start and gradually moved up the table. They are second ahead of their game at Kimblesworth this afternoon.

After four defeats, they trail unbeaten Esh Winning by 26 points.

They are confident though that they can bridge the gap during the second half of the season which starts today.

Willington are at full strength, while Kimblesworth have injury doubts surrounding captain Stephen Meek and Lloyd Cochrane.

Esh Winning completed the first half of the campaign winning all nine of their games which were uninterrupted by the weather. They have had three matches curtailed, but still boast a healthy lead at the top before they go to third bottom Langley Park.

Esh are weakened by the unavailability of opening batsman John Carmedy, but Eddie Watson returns and John Parkinson lines up in place of Stuart Hall.

Brandon won their first six fixtures and topped the table but have managed just one victory in their last six - a run which includes four defeats.

Their pre-season objective was to finish in the top four, but following a good start are confident they can give the leading pair a good run during the second half of the season.

They have an injury doubt concerning John Moralee at bottom of the table Etherley, who have managed just one win in 12 and are attempting to boost their squad.

Fourth-top Tudhoe visit Ushaw Moor with strike bowler Kevin Littlefair returning to a full strength side. Ushaw Moor have slipped to mid-table after being in the top four and they are strengthened with the inclusion of Peter Maddison to a first choice line up.

Hylton, enjoying their first season in the league since transferring from the Durham Coast League, go to Shildon who have managed three wins, a big improvement on recent seasons.

Shildon are second from bottom, but are severely weakened this afternoon with Paul Frenay, Chris Potter and Geoff Hardman all ruled out for the remainder of the season. Also absent are Lee Douthwaite, Chris Strong, Chris Lye, Hiram Mirambe and Cameron Pearce and although Gary Davis resumes, Shildon need to make wholesale changes.

Hylton anticipate having their first choice line up on duty.

Mainsforth, who defeated Foster's ECB North East Premier League side Philadelphia for the second time this season on Tuesday night, host Evenwood.