Durham Coast League: Leaders Murton will be hoping that Keith Chapman maintains his rich vein of form against Dawdon this afternoon.

The medium pacer, who has taken over 1,000 wickets for his club in the league, was devastating in last week's double weekend programme. After taking four wickets without conceding a run at Easington he picked up another five victims leading Murton to victory over Boldon CA.

"Keith has been a tremendous servant to Murton during two decades. He joined us in 1983 and has been one of the most consistent bowlers in the league for 20 years. He is still turning it in week in, week out," enthused secretary Herbert King.

Although they are 20 points ahead of Silksworth, Murton are taking nothing for granted. Last year, they were 38 points in front at one stage but were still beaten to the championship by Hylton.

Today, Murton welcome back Ian King for Robbie Elliott, but visitors Dawdon are not nearly so fortunate with their team selection. Jimmy Greenwood, Ryan Consitt and Craig Price are all ruled out.

A high-scoring game is in prospect when third top Castle Eden visit Ryhope. Last weekend, Ryhope dented the championship aspirations of Hylton and also beat Dawdon when Captain Graeme Anderson had scores of 85 and 119 not out.

"Graeme is absolutely on fire at the moment and if he gets settled in today he will be a big problem for the Castle Eden attack," claimed Ryhope official Mattie Summersidem, who also paid tribute to Anderson's opening partner 16-year-old Paul Howe.

Ryhope, though, are severely depleted this afternoon unable to call upon Chris Errington, Graeme Smith, Robert Scott, Phil Bennett and Kris Taylor. Second team captain Glyn Lamb, Ian Lawrence and Under-15 team members David Miller and Kris Summerside are drafted in. Summerside crashed 97 from just 40 deliveries in the midweek under-15 match against Bill Quay.

Silksworth are second ahead of their home game with Peterlee. Although Paul Smailes cannot play, Silksworth are stronger with the inclusion of Graeme Weeks and Michael Kearney. Peterlee's only absentee is Michael Buckingham.

Hylton are also in contention for honours and their only doubt for the fixture with Bill Quay surrounds the fitness of Shaun Smith, who pulled a hamstring last weekend. Bill Quay bring in Paul Bentham for the unavailable Kevin South.

Steve Elwood signed from Bill Quay, makes his debut for Boldon CA at Houghton, where Gary Frater and Chris Brown will also play. Houghton, the only side without a victory, have Martin Cowie taking over from the unavailable Craig Dowell.

Seaham Park celebrated their second victory of the season last Sunday and at home to Easington are unsure whether John Witton can turn out. Easington are at full strength with the return of Jason Robson.