Castle Eden and Murton are now the leading sides in the title race.

Castle Eden, who won the title last year for the first time since 1951, are only five points ahead of their rivals before today's visit from bottom-of-the-table Houghton.

It will be the shock of the season if they are not still ahead tonight as Houghton have endured a torrid time, drawing one and losing 15 of their 16 games.

The leaders will field a strong line-up, while Houghton have vowed to battle on despite their problems. Secretary Les Park and a small band of followers deserve praise for their efforts in fielding two sides every week.

Murton are forced into making one change for a difficult task at Silksworth. Ian King cannot play and his place is taken by Alan Welburn.

Silksworth are unchanged which means the Murton attack will face the Smailes brothers, Paul and Phil, who recently both scored unbeaten centuries when in partnership.

Seaham Park are now third, 19 points off the top. They go to neighbours Ryhope with Andrew Worthy back in the side replacing Azim Akhtar, who reverts to the seconds.

Fourth-placed Bill Quay have a 26-point deficit to make up as they attempt to regain winning form at the expense of Washington. Despite losing last weekend, Bill Quay keep faith with the same team, while Washington welcome the return from holiday of David Bewick, who comes in for Bill Plender.

Second-bottom Peterlee are at home to Dawdon and a blow for the visitors is the unavailability of talented youngster Craig Scurr, who has blossomed this season. His place goes to Andy Price.

Boldon are minus Kit Allen, who claimed a double hat-trick last Saturday, Ian Bellerby and Tony Sawyers for their home fixture with Easington. David Towns, Paul Anderson and Michael Harvey replace the trio.

Easington are unchanged. They are already making plans for next season and anyone interested in becoming the club's professional is asked to contact 07793 862263.

In the Foster's Northumberland and Tyneside Senior League, the outcome of today's top-of-the-table clash between Swalwell and Tynedale at Derwenthaugh will have a big bearing on the destination of the championship.

Tynedale have a 17-point lead as they attempt to win the title for a third successive season.

The visitors hope Richard Darling will be fit to bowl while Swalwell go into the game minus Mark Gray and Anthony Brown. Nigel Bates is called up from the seconds and Phil Marley is coming out of retirement to help out.

Paul Burn is a notable absentee from the Sacriston line-up and his place goes to Graham Stephenson against Ashington who are now third-bottom.