Chester-le-Street have a very local derby as Durham Cricket Academy walk the short distance to Ropery Lane.

John Windows, Academy manager, stated: “The team is the same as last week after a good display, so the team deserves another go at building a strong unit.

“All sections of the team are performing well, so confidence improves with each fixture. Chester are a good test for the Academy youngsters.”

Chester skipper John Coxon has Liam Simpson missing, so Matthew Cranston and youngster Ollie Barrett will be in contention for places.

It was disappointing that the rain intervened at Benwell Hill last weekend, as we were in a strong position to win the game and make up some ground on South North.”

Hetton Lyons entertain Benwell Hill at Lilywhite Terrace and visiting skipper Kyle Coetzer remarked: “Hetton are always strong and determined, so we will need to be on our best form..”

Eppleton, in fifth, welcome Tynemouth, who are sixth, to Church Road. They have a doubt over Tyler Easton, who has a dislocated finger.

Stockton to to Newcastle and Director of Cricket for the home side, Doug Hudson said: “We are unchanged apart from skipper Jacques Do Toit returning, which is a boost. We are playing reasonable cricket, but just not getting the rewards - every team bats down to nine or ten and if you don’t win the toss, it’s very difficult to win games.”

Consett travel to Lintz in the Go North-East Northumberland and Tyneside Senior League and chairman Alan Waters is hoping for better fortune with the weather.

He said: “We were rained off two weeks ago, and barely halfway through our game last Saturday and that was called off due to a thunder storm.”

Stephen Turnbull is in for John Chapman and Sam Shaik will take over wicket keeping duties in place of John Chapman. Sameer Haque returns from injury and replaces John Stokoe.

Lanchester travel to Ponteland without Mark Small and fixture secretary Bob Gardiner said: “We have lost our way a little bit in the last couple of weeks. We do not take anything for granted, but with Ponteland being bottom of the table, we feel we have a chance and will be going into the game with confidence.

Leadgate travel to Ryton and second team skipper Dave Walker said: “They haven’t been doing too well, but neither have we, and if we get our top four batting line up in place, we should have a good chance.’’

Toby Belton and Dominic McCabe return, but Ryan Stokoe and Glen Fletcher are out.

Ryton skipper David Howorth said: “Leadgate is a must win game for us. We’ll be looking to win the next three in a row.’’ Paddy Fordham and Bob Pentland are out, but Chris McClymont and Adam Purcell are back.

Shotley Bridge entertain Percy Main and visiting fixture secretary Andrew Cherry said: “It was a rather embarrassing performance last week. We are looking to give a better account of ourselves with the batting and bowling.’’

Andrew Green and Mark Armstrong are unavailable, so, John Nichols and Berry Errington start.

Readers Durham Cricket League leaders Seaham Park are unchanged at home to Durham City.

Fixture secretary David Moorhead said: “We were disappointed that our game was rained off last week. We are top of the league, and going into the game full of confidence. Our young overseas professional, Angus McKenzie from Australia, has been fantastic.”

Easington, in second place, welcome Whiteleas in third, to the Welfare Grounds. Fixture secretary Arthur Broxson said: “All games in this league are tough. Whiteleas have just come up, they were promoted last year and are up among the top few in the league like ourselves.

“We have started the season well and are competing very well at the moment. We are in the top two, and are very pleased with the start.”

Returning Whiteleas skipper Peterson praised the resilience of his unbeaten side.

He said: “The last two games have resulted in low scoring draws, but there's been some real positives. Everyone is doing their bit and chipping in, which is making us hard to beat.”

Vice-captain Scott Oliver returns, but all-rounder Rob Scorer is unavailable.

Castle Eden travel to Philadelphia and secretary Leo Taylor said: “We had a good winning draw last Saturday and Philadelphia have been struggling, so we are hoping to get a good result.’’

Jeremy Warner is to replace John Spellman.”

Philadelphia chairman Malcolm Pratt said: “The selectors have opted to strengthen the batting and make one change, following a disappointing performance last Saturday, although the side was caught on a difficult batting track. It will be a difficult game, it always is against Castle Eden. They have a strong side, but we’re looking to win our first game. The side have played a lot better than recent results suggest.”

Matthew Noble is promoted to the first XI.

Horden entertain Dawdon with Sheb Akhtar returning, but Lee Jackson is unavailable.

Skipper Carl Watson said: “They’ve just added a professional to their team, so that will give them a boost.

“Our professional Lal Kumar played last week, but is still not fully fit. Hopefully he will be soon as we’re not getting the best out of him at the moment. He was brilliant last year, and not having him at full fitness is making a difference.”