With 40 points up for grabs from the double weekend programme, Peterlee will be hoping to wrestle the leadership from Murton.

"We are enjoying our most successful season in 30 years and are within striking distance," enthused Peterlee secretary Roy Simpson, whose side visits Boldon CA today before hosting Houghton.

Graham Peart comes in this afternoon for John Paul and the pair switch tomorrow and although the influential Neil Hewson can play at Boldon, he is absent tomorrow and Dane Wilson takes over.

Murton, the only unbeaten side, play Seaham Park and Ryhope and will field the same XI for both games, their only change from last week's line-up is the recall of Ian King - a straight replacement for the unavailable Phil Grimwood.

Third-top Hylton believe that they are still in with a shout for the championship but their chances of defeating Easington and Castle Eden have suffered a blow with the news that talented youngster David Batty is out.

At the bottom, Houghton are stronger with the inclusion of Kenny Marriott and Craig Dowell for their double with Bill Quay and Peterlee. The pair take over from Alan Hood and Gavin Kean.

Seaham Park are just one place better off than Houghton. Bowler John Witton can turn out for their tough test against Murton this afternoon before visiting local rivals Dawdon tomorrow.

A disappointment for Castle Eden is the news that John Spellman has broken a finger and his absence from the batting line-up in the home game with Silksworth and at Hylton, will be greatly missed. Craig Walker is his replacement.

Silksworth are unchanged but for tomorrow's home fixture with Easington are pleased that Mark Foster and Paul Harrison are free to play.

Professional Alan Dick is still unavailable for Ryhope and for their double with Dawdon and Murton, the Wearsiders also miss Kris Taylor.

Second-team captain Glynn Lamb is promoted and John Errington returns to Marc Hopkinson's side.

Kevin Willey, for the unavailable Paul Bentham is Bill Quay's only alteration against Houghton and Boldon CA while Dawdon and Boldon CA name the same sides which played last weekend.