Bishop Auckland could hardly have wished for a more difficult start on their return to the Darlington Building Society NYSD League Premier Division.

They meet champions Guisborough at Fountains Garth and are without newly-appointed professional Indian Amul Mazundar, but Richard Hawthorn has returned as coach and Lee Hutton will also strengthen the batting following his move from Darlington.

Guisborough hope to make it a hat-trick of title wins but without Phil Ramage and Steve Brodrick know that they face a difficult task. Graeme Wrightson takes over as wicket-keeper.

Runners-up Marske host Richmondshire with the same side which went agonisingly close to finishing top of the table last year and Darlington will seek early revenge for a final-day defeat by Darlington RA which cost them the title.

The Feethams side parade new professional Simon Gray while RA are pleased that talented youngster Paul Freary has opted to play cricket rather than football.

Stockton, who struggled throughout last summer, visit champions Benwell Hill in the Foster's ECB North East Regional Premier League.

A boost to their chances is the inclusion of the former Durham player Alan Walker, who will captain the side, but even though the home team will be minus David Rutherford and James Miller, Stockton face a stiff test.

So too do Norton at Sunderland, who are widely fancied after signing another ex-Durham player, Simon Brown. Marc Symington, who was also at the Riverside last year, is now permanently back with Norton and his duel with the Sunderland attack, which also includes Franklyn Rose and Adam Applegarth, could decide the outcome.

Andrew Roseberry is injured so Graham Hoban will lead Philadelphia against Blaydon at Bunker Hill. Former Middlesbrough spinner Lee Beaumont and ex-Stockton all-rounder James Davidson make their debuts, as does West Indian Neil McGarrell for the visitors.

Chester-le-Street open their programme at home to Gateshead Fell and anticipate Durham's Ashley Thorpe being available. The Fell's batting will be much stronger with the inclusion of Stewart Hutton.

Boldon cannot field Philip Shakespeare since his registration has not yet been confirmed. Even so, they look too strong for Seaham Harbour, who after again losing established players during the close season, look to be in for another difficult time in the Federation Special Durham Senior League.

Champions Burnmoor host South Shields with Paul Burn and fit-again Des Beach added to the squad. Lee Whalley will keep wicket for Shields who include the vastly-experienced Ashok Patel.

Evenwood begin their defence of The Readers Durham County League title visiting Sedgefield. Notable absentees are brothers Carl and Craig Dargue while the hosts' attack should be much stronger following the signing from Guisborough of Stephen Brodrick.

Twins Adam and Lloyd Cochrane could line up against their former club when much-fancied Kimblesworth visit Langley Park. Langley have Australian Grant Falk on board together with Tye Beeton, who is now resident in this country.

Ushaw Moor have the League's leading runmaker last year in Sanjay Raul but hosts Crook Town do not look as strong.