After seven games of the season Darlington Building Society NYSD ECB Premier League so far, Richmondshire are in pole position at the top of the table and have a tough game at Stokesley.

Club official Robert Carr said: “Now that we are top, we have to maintain our winning form and stay there. As for team news, Josh Dawson is back in and he replaces Sam Winter. Stokesley will be a difficult game though, so we will have to be at our best.”

Stokesley secretary Mark Smith said: “We were disappointed with the Duckworth-Lewis Method last week, as it went against us again. However, we will be unchanged following last week’s game against Seaton Carew.”

Barnard Castle are 10 points behind the Dalesmen and are third in the league. They welcome Seaton Carew to Vere Road. Skipper James Quinn said: “We will be unchanged, and we were pleased with our performance at Marton last week, in forcing an exciting tied game. We had no right to tie the game, but held our nerve in a pressure situation.

“Seaton always turn up against us, and we certainly won’t be taking them lightly.”

Seaton have Alan Tebbett back in their side and Harry Cook keeps his spot after taking five wickets last weekend.

Darlington welcome bottom club Great Ayton to Feethams. The visitors are without David Grainge and Josh Chisholm. Quakers have only won once this season and need a win to push themselves away from the relegation mix.

Chester-Le-Street welcome Dukes ECB North East Premier League leaders and champions South North to Ropery Lane. The Cestrians trail them by 26 points and skipper John Coxon said: “We were delighted with the win against Hetton Lyons last weekend in very tough conditions, we performed well to win the game. Alex McGrath was superb with ball, bat and in the field in his first game in a year.”

The home side hopes to welcome back Stephen Cantwell, Ben Whitehead and Brodie Glendinning, but Jack Harrison is away.

Burnmoor travel to Whitburn and skipper Alec Linsley said: “Paul Craig, Martin Hubber and Craig Symington return and there’s a fitness check on for Ryan Pringle, who we are hopeful of coming through as a batsman only.”

Eppleton, in third, entertain Hetton Lyons. Secretary John Smithson said: “We are the only team unbeaten in the league and we want to carry that run going against another strong team. We are very happy with the start we have made to the season.

Lyons’ skipper Jonathan Malkin said: “Chris Winn is back for this weekend and we are looking to get back on track after a disappointing result last weekend.”

Sacriston entertain Felling and fixture secretary Iain Bestford said: “Chris McBride is missing due to a Scotland A team call up and he is replaced by Rory McInnes-Gibbons, but Will Gidman remains unavailable due to work commitments. We are looking to build on a strong performance last weekend as we aim to climb a tightly-packed lower end of the table.”

In the Northumberland and Tyneside Cricket League, Lanchester lead the table and entertain Newcastle City at Ashley Park. Skipper Kieron Taylor is back for for Greg Halliday and said: “We are hoping for a good performance to back up last week's strong bowling effort.”

Leadgate are third and travel to second-placed Seaton Burn. Home skipper Andrew White said: “Ross Kirkwood and Andy Anderson are welcomed back into the fold, which should improve the chances of a win this week, after last week's very poor performance by all.

“We need to be on our mettle as Leadgate are one place below us and two points behind, so it’s vital to win the game.”

Readers Durham Cricket League leaders Easington travel to Esh Winning and home skipper David Lawlor said: “Billy Storey is finally back from his extended holiday and Jonathan Hodgson also returns. For the first time in many weeks and seasons, the club has a full squad to pick from.

“We hope that the weather stays dry. Most games have started and then been disrupted, which often gives little chance of a result, particularly to the side who bats second.”

Tudhoe welcome second-placed Marsden and visiting skipper Chris Mann said: “Ryan Little is unable to play, and Adam Sneller is missing. Fortunately, Mark Symington is back to bolster the batting, whilst Paul Snaith makes a welcome return from a long-term injury.”