Local Cricket round-up. High-flying Chester-le-Street aim for a hat-trick of wins when they take on Sunderland at Ropery Lane in the ECB North East Regional Premier League.

Boosted by the signings of Ashley Day and Shaun Birbeck, the Cestrians look stronger than when they won the championship last year and have already convincingly defeated Blaydon and Stockton.

Sunderland, who won the first title in 2000, have a doubt about flu victim Nick Gore, whose place behind the wicket was taken by Simon Brown last week.

Stockton visit Gateshead Fell who, after failing to win a match last summer, have started with two victories. Grant Worrall for Kevin Ward is Stockton's only change and the Fell bring in Philip Bell for Chris Beever.

Norton go to South Northumberland with Jason Huitson playing his first game of the season . He is joined by Chris Fawcett and Chris Thomas, with the experienced Keith Symington, unavailable Justin Peacock and injured Peter Armstrong making way.

Philadelphia host Durham Academy and could include wicketkeeper Phil Empson after injury.

Nehemiah Perry is available for his initial match with Blaydon and resumes for junior Gary Stewart at Newcastle whose captain Neil Wake has announced an unchanged team.

Peterlee include two players who took hat-tricks last weekend for the visit of Ryhope in the Boddingtons Durham Coast League.

Professional Keith Hewson is joined in the line-up by Adam Maddison, but Neil Hewson and Stuart Wilson are both unavailable. Ryhope miss Michael Briggs but Martin Brace plays his first game of the campaign.

Murton have Ian King coming in for Richard Hebden against Easington, who have lost John Sample to Northallerton. Michael Stubbs could be his replacement.

Silksworth and Hylton, who have both won their opening two matches, meet. The home side show no change, but Hylton are without David Rooney, Alan Rackstraw and Liam Foster. Micky Anderson, Andy Martin and newcomer Steve Emmerson all line up.

Leaders Sacriston have former Durham County batsman Paul Burn available for their game with Shotley Bridge at The Spa in the Foster's Northumberland and Tyneside Senior League.

Shotley have David Jackson back but Ian Heslop is sidelined. Lanchester, in second place, visit champions Ashington with Phil Carlin and Stuart Kelly replacing Greg Halliday and Kevin Dixon.

After Horden's surprise defeat last week, they will be looking to get back on track in their Federation Special Durham Senior League game at Boldon.

Batsman Adrian Hedley could again be absent so John Rooney stands by.

Boldon will rely on the side that has hoisted them to just two points behind leaders Eppleton.

Seaham Harbour can feel confident about their visit to Felling. Stuart Lacey is working and the only change will be the inclusion of Paul Snaith. Felling will leave a decision on professional Neil Levinson until the last minute.

Burnmoor, who entertain Whitburn, welcome back Ian Miller and Neil Young. Charlie Plummer and Ben Errington make way. A big blow to opponents Whitburn is the absence of all-rounder Paul Cook.

Marsden and South Hetton, who both played in the Boddingtons Durham Coast League last season, have had differing fortunes so far.

The home side bring in the experienced Harry Mann and Darren Phinn for Mark Scott and Obe Najaf, while South Hetton are without Dean Burrows but John Leslie will be the ideal replacement in the attack.

* Darlington and District League teams will today observe a minute's silence in memory of vice -president Noel Heaton, who died suddenly while in Dundee.