Tynedale, who conceded their unbeaten record last weekend, are still odds on favourites for the championship according to Swalwell captain Paul Dumighan.

"They are 24 points ahead of us and it is inconceivable to think that they will lose two of their last three matches.

"I know nothing in cricket is certain and it was a real shock when Tynedale lost to Lanchester last Saturday but it was their first defeat of the summer and nobody really expects them to blow it at this stage," commented Dumighan.

Today, Tynedale host Ryton strengthened by the return from holiday of early order batsman Stephen Lishman, who takes his place in a full strength side.

Swalwell are hoping to finish second but one or two clubs are breathing down their necks so they need to see off bottom the table Seaton Burn and gain maximum points.

Swalwell are hoping to re-engage Australian Shaun Bradstreet as professional for a second term. He tops both the batting and bowling averages having scored 725 runs and taken 33 wickets despite missing matches through injury.

With Phil Morley away, Swalwell show just one alteration with Gary Sanders coming into the line-up.

Greenside, despite only being fourth from bottom, are enjoying their best season in years and most of the improvement has followed from the signing of Lee Innes as professional. He has been re-engaged for a second year and hopefully his brother Gary will also continue to play for the club.

"Lee has transformed the club and after finishing bottom for several seasons we have played much better this time and the club is in a stronger position to move forward," said fixture secretary Keith Rovbinson.

Alex Wishart is working so Gordon Reed is called into the side for the match with Consett and additionally the returning John Murray is preferred to Tom Morley.

Consett are hopeful of finishing in the top ten so as to qualify for next season's revamped first division. Andrew Bissett is named for Keith Horn, who cannot play at Greenside.

Sacriston welcome the availability of Paul Burn and Stephen Peel at Backworth but Mattie Wynn is still unavailable. Stuart Phillips and Peter Lawler are left out to make way for Burn and Peel.

Burn is second in the batting averages having scored 450 runs in eight innings. The former Durham County all rounder is third in the bowling averages, capturing 25 victims at a cost of 9.7 runs.

Burnopfield desperately need a win to move up and for the visit of Ashington leave out youngster Mark Stoneman who had his debut last week.

Richie Guy returns and both Steve Atkins and David Peart retain their places. Ashington are minus skipper Stephen Williams. James Harmison and Simon Prudhoe so bring in Dale Ross, Michael Levison and Graham Wilson who scored 194 for the second team last Sunday.

Whickham still in with a chance of finishing runners-up are at full strength at home to Annfield Plain and Lanchester miss Jimmy Potts and Phil Donnelly at Benwell and Walbottle. The two vacancies are filled by Ian Laidler and Mick Smith