The second-half of the season gets under way with reigning champions and current leaders Murton just a point ahead of Silksworth.

Murton are the only unbeaten side but could find the going difficult at Ryhope, who have moved into joint third position on the back of some impressive performances in recent weeks.

Murton are happy to remain unchanged while Ryhope welcome the return of opening batsman and wicket keeper David Hanson who was forced to miss last night's Matthew Oswald Cup tie with Hetton Lyons.

Silksworth make the short journey to Seaham Park pleased to have Steve Lobban returning to a full-strength line-up. Andrew Cockburn reverts to the seconds.

Seaham Park, one of three sides yet to win, have lost just three times in 11 outings. They show just one change with Andrew Docherty lining up for Andrew Baxter.

Bill Quay share third position with Ryhope ahead of their game at Boldon CA.

The Tynesiders have a full strength line-up and Boldon's chances of securing a second win are boosted by the availability of Stephen Ellwood, who is preferred to David Downs.

Hylton, who celebrated winning the D and P Andrew Dixon Cup with victory over Dawdon last Sunday, cannot call upon matchwinner David Batty.

The young pace bowler claimed six wickets, but is unavailable at Easington, when the Wearsiders will also be minus Gary Braithwaite and Stephen Lee Merrington.

The trio are replaced by Jack Cowell, Graham Shovelin and Kevin Mustard.

Easington show three alterations with Peter Booth, Brian Fenwick and Ashley Cooper coming in for Stuart Wilson, Mark Race and Russell Tarn, who are all unavailable.

At the bottom, Houghton have home advantage over Peterlee, with both aiming to taste success for the first time.

Castle Eden host Dawdon with Charlie Magee named ahead of Andrew Snowdon.

Dawdon, who are enjoying their best season for some time, will be hoping that Shoaib Akhtar continues his rich vein of form with bat and ball.