It’s derby day for the majority of teams, as the top flight enters the ninth round of games. The biggest rivalry comes at Park Drive, where Hartlepool take on Seaton Carew, in a huge game for both clubs as they try to push themselves away from the relegation zone.

Pools make two changes, with Ben Smith and Mark Davies unavailable replaced by George Relton and Harrison Smith.

Secretary Michael Gough snr said: “Despite a two wicket defeat against Bishop Auckland last week, there were certainly a lot of positives for our team to take from this game.

“The innings played by Bishop Auckland Craig George in scoring 80 not out was an absolute a brilliant knock. Some of straight drives were going 30 yards over the boundary, it was awesome.

“We expect a tight game against Seaton, who again on their day have several match winners, including Usman Arshad and Paul Braithwaite.”

Seaton skipper Braithwaite welcomes back opening bowler Stuart Lobb and Alan Tebbett – against his old club - in place of Callum Atkinson and Jonny Mee, after last week’s defeat to Marton saw them drop into the bottom two.

Darlington have slowly moved away from danger in recent weeks and they entertain Bishop Auckland, who managed to get their first win of the season last Saturday.

They make one change, Peter Greenwell returning.

Bishops skipper Scott Oldfield said: “There will be a late fitness check for Ryan Nicholson, but other than that, we will be unchanged. We are looking to build on last week's win against Hartlepool. It’s another difficult fixture against Darlington, but the boys will be full of confidence.”

Marton welcome Marske, on the back of an important win at Seaton Carew last Saturday.

They make three changes: Jonny Spillane, Ben Hutchinson and Danny Kitching replaced by James Collinge, Dominic Knight and Jacob Swan.

Skipper Alex Wardell said: “After a good all-round performance last weekend, we are hoping to continue that form into another tight game down at the bottom.”

Marske make four changes to their team from last weekend, Jonny Mains, Jozef Wing, Craig Gratton and Matthew Austin are in the side and they will be without professional Lee Hodgson, who is on holiday.

Middlesbrough welcome Thornaby to Acklam Park and skipper Leigh Beaumont said: “Adam Beaumont comes in for Joe Gaudie who has gone to work in America for a couple of months. Adam has been batting well in the seconds and deserves his chance. David Bruton comes in for Sam Harper.

“We are in the MacMillan and Kerridge semi-finals, but our league form recently has been disappointing.”

Thornaby captain Paul Allen returns from holiday alongside Jonathan Rickard and Kevin de Silva.

Stand-in skipper Luke Metcalfe said: “Sri Lankan Tharindu Rathnayake will also be looking to cause major problems for their attack. Overseas amateur Jeremy Boyle has started well and has had a few poor decisions, so is hoping luck will go his way.”

This weekend is a double header for the Thornaby boys, as they play in the Macmillan finals day at Marton on Sunday, against Barnard Castle. The other semi-final is between hosts Marton and Middlesbrough.

Second and third placed teams, Richmondshire and Barnard Castle lock horns. The Dalesmen had a bad setback after their loss at Great Ayton last Saturday, while Barney are coming right into form and are now just 17 points behind the leaders.

Richmondshire skipper Gary Pratt said: “On reflection last week was a bad result for us and it makes it more difficult to win the league. However, we keep the same team and it’s a tough game ahead, but we are more than capable of winning it.”

Barney skipper James Quinn said: “The team is unchanged from last week and in high spirits after a convincing win against Boro. The lads are excited for the game, it’s a massive one for us, another positive performance will put us in a great position in the league, as we get close to the halfway stage.”

Stokesley host Great Ayton secretary Mark Smith and have no injury doubts, while awaiting confirmation of James Weighell’s availability from Durham.

Ayton make one change from last week’s win over Richmondshire, as David Grainge returns, replacing Mark Lewis.