Murton have the opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the table with 40 points up for grabs from the double programme.

The signing as professional of Calvin Stephenson from Crook Town was an inspired move and Murton, still unbeaten after seven games, look to have assembled a squad strong enough to go all the way.

The double programme starts with a visit to another of the title hopefuls, Hylton, and tomorrow Murton are at home to Boldon CA. They are forced into making one change since Howard Ramshaw is unavailable and his replacement is Philip Grimwood.

Silksworth are second and they cannot call upon ace bowler Stephen Wright for fixtures with Boldon CA and Bill Quay but their batting should be strong enough with the inclusion of Graeme Weeks and David Tate.

The chances of Hylton profiting from today's clash with Murton and tomorrow's game at Dawdon are reduced because of the absence of David Batty, Shaun Robinson and Gary Hewitt. Kit Allen, Shaun Gleason and John Carney replace the trio.

Easington professional David Kennedy is still injured but Steve Hanson and Robbie Atherton can play in fixtures with Dawdon and Houghton.

Today, Dawdon have Craig Elliott back in place of Ryan Furnival against Ryhope and the same team is expected to be on duty at Easington.

Boldon CA have signed the experienced Colin Marshall and he will make his debut this afternoon at Silksworth. The batting is further strengthened by the return of Lee Jackson and both players will again be in action against Murton. Russell Johnson and Gary Leighton stand aside.

Seaham Park are hopeful that John Witton will be able to turn out in their double with Castle Eden and Peterlee,while Bill Quay name an unchanged, full-strength line-up when they tackle Peterlee and Silksworth.

Tony Banks for the unavailable David Garrigan is Castle Eden's only alteration for matches with Seaham Park and Ryhope.

Peterlee have Dave Wilson and Adam Maddison taking over from Nick Beall and Harry Garraghan for the visit of Bill Quay and tomorrow, there are two further changes, with Paul Griffiths and Mark Simpson coming in for Wilson and Maddison when Peterlee travel to Seaham Park.

With opening bowler Kris Taylor missing, Ryhope may include John Errington, 15, for their matches at Houghton and at Castle Eden.

Dawdon miss captain David Coates and John Appleby is his likely replacement against Easington and Hylton tomorrow.