Chester-le-Street have dropped to fifth in the Dukes ECB North East Premier League as they welcome Benwell Hill to Ropery Lane.

Skipper John Coxon said: “It was disappointing to lose last weekend to Hetton Lyons, but they deserved their win. With the exception of Kyle Davis we didn’t really play well enough to win.”

Alex McGrath, Kyle Davis and Andrew Smith are missing, with Matthew Cranston likely to start after back to back centuries in the seconds. Benwell Hill miss wicketkeeper Peter Halliday, Phil Nicholson standing in.

Sacriston entertain Hetton Lyons and Nathan Hall replaces Ian Jones.

Fixture secretary Iain Bestford said: “The team have been performing better of late, but they still can’t find the luck/form to get across the line. The batting still needs to improve its consistency.”

Eppleton journey to South North, with Craig Scurr back. Secretary John Smithson said: “It’s not much tougher in this league than an away fixture at South North.”

Durham Cricket Academy travel to third-placed Tynemouth, unbeaten in eight.

Academy director of cricket John Windows said: “Ben Seabrook returns after injury and Tom Mackintosh will keep wicket. We had a good win last week with plenty of batsmen doing their jobs.”

Bottom club Stockton travel to second-bottom Felling, with only 38 points separating the bottom six clubs in the league.

In Division One Willington are at Washington and home skipper Ash Thorpe misses the game due to a broken hand. Tom Colledge returns from university, but Mark Bell is out.

Burnmoor, in third, are at leaders Burnopfield and the home side will be missing their chief run scorer, as John Oswell and Cole Pearce are missing. Jonny Pears and Gareth Breese return.

In the Northumberland and Tyneside Cricket League, Shotley Bridge journey to Lintz.

Joe Gibson is be missing, Stefan Dabrowski taking his spot.

Lintz have a few first team players missing, so some of the second team will fill in as a number of players are on a stag weekend.

Lanchester travel to Ryton and skipper Stuart McPhail said: “We are unchanged on Saturday, but it is a double weekend which allows Arran Halliday to return for Sunday’s “second round!” Plenty of points to play for and as long as the side strives for more consistency, then success should follow.”

Ryton skipper David Howorth said: “It’s a double header, but we are struggling for players through the weekend. Dean Bailey, Chris McClymont and Malcolm Clarke are out. Andy Sutton, Ben Pentland, Jordan O’Neill and Neil Robinson will be called up.

Division Two leaders Leadgate entertain bottom club Blyth. Darren Benford and Jack Thackray are out, but Gary Dixon and Chris McNally start. Blyth are 68 points adrift of the safety line.

Readers Durham Cricket League leaders Crook, travel to Seaham Park in fifth.

Crook’s Andrew Burgess is away and university student Ed Wells will also be taking a break, but will return later in the season.

Seaham Park, for only the second time this year, expect to be at full strength. Bowlers John Sample, David Gilbert and Anthony Watson all return to the squad, with vice-captain Michael McNicholas, James Taylor and Umar Akhtar making way for them.

Easington, in second, journey to Bill Quay and the home side have Paul Bentham and Kevin South returning from holiday, alongside Neil Cuskin. They will replace Joe Oliver, Liam Brophy and Nathan Drewery.

Tudhoe, in third, travel to Durham City with a full strength squad. Chairman Stephen Thexton said: “Durham have been struggling lately, but they have some good university players and a lot depends on which ones have gone home for the summer. Danielle Hazell, who plays for England ladies, may be back playing for Durham this week.”

Horden are at Esh Winning in fourth, and the home side are without opening batsman John Carmedy, who will be missing for up to two weeks, after an injury to his finger required stitches. Jamie Robinson returns to replace him.

Division Two leaders Evenwood, travel to Dawdon, with Daniel Wilkinson back in the team.

Hunwick host Silksworth and chairman John Pratt said: “We’re looking forward to the game, as we have a full strength team out. We’re anticipating a good, competitive match.”

The bottom two teams meet up at the Welfare Ground, as Murton host Peterlee. Both have really struggled this season, with only two wins apiece from 10 games and they both need to stay in touch with the teams above them, as only 22 points separate the bottom five positions.