Burnmoor apporoach the halfway stage in the season as the only unbeaten side. They entertain Boldon today without the services of yet another main strike bowler. Several weeks ago Des Beach was sidelined and still remains unfit.

Today the Moors are minus Martin Thursfield, who has been instrumental in his side's last two emphatic wins.

Michael Callaghan is also absent for the Boldon game and much will depend upon the ever reliable Ian Conn, who could have a variety of colleagues supporting him. Batsman Gary Brown returns and may also be called upon to bowl and Ben Embleton is a replacement for Callaghan.

Eppleton moved into second place and their challenge for the title would be further strengthened if they can overcome rivals South Hetton. Professional Jonathan Beukes currently averages 78 with the bat and could pose a major threat to South Hetton's progress up the table.

Eppleton have batsman Neil McKinney returning from holiday to help Beukes with run-making but bowler Matthew Jane is not available. For South Hetton , John Bradbury returns.

Whitburn's bowling hero of last week, Neil Johnson, is absent for today's game against Felling. With slow bowler Paul Cook also missing and youngsters Andy Turns and Paul Marshall left out, Whitburn ring the changes. The four replacements will be Tony Shields, Ian Elliott, Matthew Frost and Paul Scott.

Felling, who have struggled to score runs, make one change. Joe Gilhooley is out after the return from holiday of Simon Curtis.

Hetton Lyons are strengthened by the return of Tom Nixon, whose leg injury has cleared up. Nixon replaces Paul Errington for the match with Seaham. The Harbour welcome back Simon Weston and Chris Lamb and their inclusion provides the side with a much stronger look about it.

Twenty points for South Shields last week meant elevation up the table. They entertain bottom placed Durham City, who have been unable to reach the three-figure mark in their last three.

Shields have David Coulson in for Neil Dixon, but City have lost one of their regulars. Brian Potts has moved to Lanchester and Robert Flunder is included in place of Potts.

Horden entertain Marsden - the only side yet to win in the League. Stephen McCoy hopes to be back in the Horden ranks and if he is fit, Stephen Brett will drop out.

Marsden's Owen Peterson returns from holiday. They make just the one change with Peterson replacing the unavailable Tom Trewhitt.