Readers Durham County League: Despite their poor start Evenwood are confident they can make an impression in the race for the championship now that they have Damodar Daesrath on board.

The West Indian has hardly put a foot wrong since he made his debut against Willington in the sixth game of the season.

Last weekend he produced a memorable innings of 100 not out, which included 92 runs in boundaries.

"We have had some good overseas players in recent years but I reckon this lad is the best bat yet," enthused Evenwood secretary Alf Teesdale.

"His timing is superb and if he continues the way he has started we will be there or thereabouts from the end of the season."

Daesrath had now batted five times and has been out only once when he was on 98.

Last Saturday he played a leading role in Evenwood's fifth win of the season.

There is a double programme this weekend, and the south west Durham side has the chance to make up ground on the leading clubs when they host Ushaw Moor today before visiting Langley Park tomorrow.They are unchanged this afternoon but tomorrow Andy Poole is unavailable.

After having a free day last Saturday, Esh winning return to duty two points ahead of second top Brandon and with a game in hand. Their double is against Etherley and Kimblesworth.

They are boosted by the inclusion of Shafiq Ahmed, who replaces Mark East. Paul Rayor, however, is unavailable so Scott Timmens deputises.

After winning their first six games, Brandon have tasted success only once in their last four but are stronger for their two games with Willington and Crook Town.

Dean Storey, who has been in good form with the bat, Ian Myers and Scott Hobson all resume in a full strength line up.

Willington have moved up into third position within striking distance of the leaders.

After today's crucial game at Brandon they are without a fixture tomorrow.

Shildon are hoping to record their third victory after moving off the bottom of the table last weekend.

They are opposed to Crook Town and Mainsforth, and secretary Robert Harker is delighted that they have a selection problem of the right kind after struggling in recent seasons.

Opening batsman David Armstrong and Peter Maddison are both included in the Ushaw Moor side for fixtures with Evenwood and Hylton.

Mainsforth, who follow up today's visit to Langley Park at Shildon tomorrow, have Nigel Milner taking over from the unavailable Gavin Peat.

A big boost to the chances of Crook Town, for their two games with Shildon and Brandon, is the availability of captain and professional Stephen Ball, whose form with bat and ball has been so important to the team throughout the season.

Hylton have their first choice line up on duty at Kimblesworth before visiting Ushaw Moor tomorrow.

Gary Hewitt, who on his day can dominate any attack, resumes to the exclusion of Liam Foster.

Danny Hinge broke his thumb in the midweek cup tie with Mainsforth and misses out for Etherley against Esh Winning and Tudhoe.

Peter Lyle has decided to retire but Colin Barker is back in the team and Shaun Rudd also makes the line up.