Shotley Bridge’s grip on Northumberland and Tyneside Senior League has slipped of late. They’ve dropped to second spot and are without a win in three games.

They drew a close game at Newcastle City, but are now 34 points behind leaders Swalwell,

Today they go to fifth-placed Tynedale. Captain Paul Greenwell said: “We are at full strength for this weekend’s game and are hoping to get back to winning ways following a disappointing three weeks, but it’ll not be easy against a young Tynedale side.”

Lanchester are at Alnmouth & Lesbury in a mid-table meeting and home skipper Tom Vickers said: “Our two opening batsmen Paul Straker and Johnny Craigs are out, and Ted Glanville is also missing, but Matisse Richards is fit again and makes a welcome return.”

Leadgate are third in Division Two and travel to Morpeth in second. Jack Murray and Luke McCabe are on holiday, so Joe Banks is back after finishing University. Morpeth make three changes due to holidays and weddings.

In the Dukes ECB North East Premier League, the Durham Cricket Academy face Eppleton and are expecting Luke Doneathy to return from an ankle problem.’’

Chester-le-Street are at home to bottom club Sacriston and skipper John Coxon said: “It’s a big game for both sides and every game is a must win for us now until the end of the season. We will be looking to continue our recent good form in the match.”

Sacriston’s secretary Iain Bestford said: “Away to Chester-le-Street is no easy task to get back on track. The seniors in the squad need to show their mettle.”

Whitburn are at home to Hetton Lyons, in an exciting meeting at the top. Skipper Paul Shields said: “There are plenty of changes this week. Matthew Muchall is to be married this Saturday and Chris Stewart and Phillip Bell have been invited to attend, so they will be missing.”

Stockton are at Benwell Hill and home club official Fenwick Marley said: “Jacques Snyman has returned home to South Africa, as he has been called up for a T20 State fixture. Max Williamson has been with the Durham Academy, but has now returned to see out the rest of the season.”

Readers Durham Cricket League leaders Easington travel to Whiteleas and secretary Peter Booth said: “We hope to keep our winning run going, but we won’t take anything for granted against second-bottom Whiteleas.”

Leas skipper Nathan Ullah is remaining positive: “There is still a lot of cricket to be played and we have seven huge games to put in some big performances. We’ve shown that on our day, we can compete with anyone.”

Crook are second and host Durham City. Secretary Alan Stewart said: “Hopefully we can replicate our win against them earlier in the season. We drew at the weekend due to the weather, but we’ll continue to try to catch Easington as the gap is not insurmountable.”

There’s a big game at the top of Division Two as second-placed Evenwood host leaders Ushaw Moor.

Peterlee are at Littletown in fourth place, and Chairman Michael Garraghan said: “For the weekend we have a few players returning from holiday, so we hope to be stronger than last week. Stephen Gilbert scored 65 on his debut last weekend and Jalpan Patel joins us this weekend for his debut.”