Norton hand a debut to Rhys Barker and welcome back Nicky Beall in today's bottom five clash with rivals Stockton.

All-rounder Barker has signed from Marton while batsman Beall has yet to play this season.

Norton are hopeful that the pair will help to improve their fortunes but a blow is the continued absence of injured Durham County wicket keeper Gary Park through injury. Lee Dalby deputises.

On paper, Stockton appear to be the stronger side but they have yet to win after nine attempts.

They will be encouraged following a battling draw at Chester-le-Street last week and are stronger for the recovery of Pierre Jason. Richard Thomas is also named as Shaun Kimpton cannot play and Chris Parr reverts to the second XI.

Chester-le-Street are second top ahead of the visit from draw specialists Benwell Hill.

The Cestrians are hopeful that Alex Brown, who has played recently but only as a batsman, will be fit to bowl and Tim Stonoch is also named.

Chester-le-Street and Benwell Hill are the only two teams unbeaten with the Hill having won just once but drawn eight of their nine games. The Tynesiders will miss Graeme Race, Dave Myers and Ben Ramsey today.

Hetton Lyons are still searching for their first victory, despite an improvement in recent games. Lee Cowan and Gary Adey are back but Steve Errington is sidelined for the visit of Blaydon, who have been successful in three of their last five matches.

Former Burnopfield player Marcus Peart, who has been out for a month, resumes for Blaydon.

South African Martin Bekker has proved a tremendous signing for Gateshead Fell. Last Saturday he created a new individual scoring record when he took an unbeaten 204 off the Tynemouth attack and in midweek led the Fell into the semi finals of the Banks Salver with an undefeated 150.

Durham Academy will need to claim an early wicket if they are to take anything from the game at Low Fell.

South Northumberland have won five and drawn two of their last seven and lead the table by a single point going into the derby with Newcastle at Gosforth.

John Graham will have his first-choice line-up on duty while his opposite number Mattie Hynd misses Johnny Bailey so Keith Bred stands in.

Sunderland meet Tynemouth at Ashbrooke hoping to record their second win but will have to do so without Freddie Napier and wicket keeper/batsman Simon Brown who have both recently left the club.