South Northumberland's stunning victory over Chester-le-Street last weekend has thrown the race for the championship wide open and with just four games to play Benwell Hill's lead is now a precarious three points.

Only a week ago the Hill were firm favourites, but so well did South North perform at Ropery Lane that even Cestrian official Keith Robson enthused: "Let's be honest, they were simply outstanding.

"South North are a very good side and I wouldn't like to say who will now finish at the top."

This morning, South North have home advantage over Gateshead Fell while Benwell Hill square up to second-from-bottom Stockton.

"It is now a level league and whichever side plays better in the remaining games will become champions. I have always said there has only been one game between ourselves and South North and their superb result last Saturday has borne out my view," declared Benwell Hill skipper Phil Nicholson.

Marcus Turner for Mark Wright is the home side's only alteration while Stockton are considerably boosted with the inclusion of Durham County's Chris Mann, who was sidelined last week through injury. He is a ready replacement for the unavailable Chris Hooker.

Norton are at home to Blaydon unable to include Chris Fawcett, Marc Symington or Peter Wood.

Improved form in recent weeks has lifted Norton to fourth from bottom and they are now relatively safe from becoming wooden spoonists.

Blaydon welcome the long-awaited return of David Sherrington who has been out of action with a broken nose sustained at Leadgate, holiday and flu which caused him to miss last Saturday's fixture. David Bailey drops down into the Second XI.

Basement side Tynemouth, who almost caused the shock of the season at Sunderland last week, will be hoping for a repeat performance in their home game with Chester-le-Street who will miss Durham's Ashley Thorpe.

Wayne Falla resumes for Tynemouth after a two-month absence with a broken finger and also named is Tony Lion.

Philadelphia have enjoyed a good season during their first year in the League and are joint fourth going into their game with Newcastle at Bunker Hill. They are buoyed after winning the prestigious Alan Muse Insurance Saunders Cup last Saturday and today expect captain Andrew Roseberry to resume.

Veteran former Northumberland batsman Ken Pearson is again included in the Newcastle side and with skipper Neil Wake still unavailable, Wayne Ritzema will lead the side.