Durham Senior League: The halfway stage in the season is reached today and several clubs are still in the fight to be champions.
Of the top four, Boldon seem to have the most straightforward task today when they entertain Seaham Harbour.
However, after the Harbour beat Horden a fortnight ago, nothing can be taken for granted. The only certainty is that Seaham will fight all the way.
The resilience in a club that has defied the odds over the last decade is highly commendable and they will be looking for a victory this afternoon.
Boldon show two changes, with Chris Miller and Byron Longstaff not available. The return of Geoff Houmark strengthens their batting and the bowling should benefit from Iain Young's inclusion.
Leaders Burnmoor entertain South Hetton. Neil Young and Gary Brown are out of the Burnmoor line-up which provides opportunities for Mark Blunt and Graham Stoker. Ian Conn's five for 29 last week means he now has 30 wickets and is likely to be a problem to South Hetton.
Hetton Lyons, who are without a win in their last two games, hope to change that today. They will need to be on top form against neighbours Eppleton. Both sides are conveniently placed to latch on to slip-ups from Burnmoor and Boldon and will be eager for victory this afternoon.
The Lyons' attack will be considerably weakened as spinner Ian Male and paceman Gary Adey are absent. Martin Scott and Andrew Lawson have been drafted in.
Eppleton have Umar Akhtar and Wayne Birbeck back in their side for Andrew Gibson and Anthony Anderson.
Horden need to return to winning ways if they are to rekindle their championship aspirations.
Without a win in June, Horden make enforced changes. Tony Murphy, Keith Cheetham and Paul Patterson all miss the match against Felling.
The man in form for Felling is skipper Graeme Wright. In his last two games Wright has collected eight wickets for 30 runs and hit 110 and an unbeaten 58.
South Shields enter the game against Durham City having lost just once so far. They are unable to call upon batsman Neil Dixon and include young bowler Chris Nichol, who took four wickets for five runs in the seconds last week.
Whitburn entertain Marsden and will be weakened by the absence of all-rounder Paul Cook. His variation to the bowling is likely to be a miss for Whitburn, who are also without Bill Johnson. Gavin Clark and Paul Marshall have been promoted.
Marsden will be strengthened by the return of bowler Graeme Fox.
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