Readers Durham County League: Brandon have not forgotten Stephen Ball in 15 years. It was in 1989 that he scored the first ever century on the ground when he took part in a celebration game.

"I well recall Stephen scoring 100 and since then he has been one of the best local batsmen around. I only hope he does not repeat his performance when we play his present club, Crook Town, this afternoon," said Brandon secretary Ian Johnson.

Brandon, of course, have their own star in Australian James Allenby who is enjoying a good season with his new club. Last week he formed a productive partnership with Darren Punshon, who was playing his first game since moving back from Ushaw Moor.

"It was good to see the pair together. I am sure they will score a lot of runs during the second half of the campaign," enthused Johnson, who reports that Dean Card resumes this afternoon.

After making an impressive start to the season Crook Town have dropped down the pecking order after suffering four defeats on the trot.

"In addition, we have yet to win a cup tie so we need a good result today to rekindle our season," said fixture secretary Alan Stewart.

Unfortunately Crook cannot call upon strike bowler Lee Morton who is likely to be out of action for some weeks with a shoulder injury. Lee Holloway has recovered from a neck injury and fills the vacancy.

Langley Park captain David Gladstone is hoping his team continue where they left off last weekend. He enthused about the all-round team performance which earned only a second win of the season at Ushaw Moor.

"I thought we batted, bowled and fielded very well," he said.

"It was a much improved performance with Brad Jose, Lee Wright, Alan Gray and Danny Wilkinson among the runs, while Ryan Moralee captured five wickets for very little cost.

"If we play like that at Sedgefield today we will be in with a chance."

Stephen Gray returns to a full-strength line-up, while Sedgefield cannot call upon James Forster but Martin Lower is a ready replacement.

Tudhoe, just two points off leaders Evenwood, host Esh winning with captain Kevin Littlefair resuming, while David Curry is added to the squad. Esh are again minus Bobby Parkinson and field the same side in two successive games for the first time this season.

Stephen Crane joins his brother Michael in the Etherley line-up but Graeme Laverick cannot play at Willington, who have a doubt surrounding Darren K Brown, but Darren Brown will play in the same side as his brother Karl. Darren K Brown is not related to the other two Browns.

Ushaw Moor will be hoping for another five-star performance from West Indian professional Tenito Willett.

His performances have played a big part in the side moving up the table and today they face their biggest test when they host leaders Evenwood.

Michael Hayton is ruled out and Darren Punshon has joined Brandon but Stephen Hancock can play.