After a fairly lethargic start to the Durham Cricket League season, the pace is set to quicken this weekend as teams face a midsummer double header, with a full programme in both divisions today and tomorrow.

And with just one point separating the leading three sides, and only 19 covering the top half dozen, the opportunity is there for teams with promotion hopes to stamp their mark on the title race.

Durham City did that last week when they became the third team in a fortnight to top the rankings, and they put their new-found status on the line with a home game against second-placed Dawdon today, followed by a trip to Bunker Hill.

The positive news for City is that Aussie skipper and principal run scorer Jake McCann is back at the helm after missing the last two weeks because of work commitments, and Paul Moralee also returns after his holidays, although Andrew Hutchinson will be missing for both matches.

Dawdon, who finish their double with a home game against Hylton, have to reckon without David Coates.

Phialdephia’s game against Durham will rekindle fond memories of their Durham Senior League heydays, but the goal is the NEPL now and Phili have been hit by the news that leading player Stephen Robinson has had to retire from the game because of recurring injuries.

Robinson will be a big miss as he has topped the DCL bowling averages for the last two seasons, but ongoing back and knee problems have taken their toll. With a decision on his replacement deferred, the home team will also be missing all-rounder David Baxter. Phili begin their weekend with a trip to Horden where their hosts are waiting to see if new overseas man, Akshay Jambhekar, arrives in time.

Esh Winning are the other team making up the leading trio, and skipper Dave Lawlor will make the starting line-up for the home game against Mainsforth and the trip to Easington.

Lawlor, who finally got back on the ton-trail last week after failing to reach the milestone on each of the last 19 occasions he reached the 80s and 90s, retired when reaching 100, but is fit to play.

Esh are at full strength today, but will be missing opening bowler Jonathan Hodgson.

In Division Two, new leaders Seaham Park start their double with a cracker of a game against fellow promotion contenders Ushaw Moor.

Moor have burst into contention on the back of three big wins, and they are one of only two teams still boasting an unbeaten record. Both clubs have full squads to choose from.

For the second week in succession the top two go head to head in the NTSL.

Lanchester were unable to halt the Swalwell championship bandwagon last time out, and now it’s the turn of Shotley Bridge to try – they moved into second spot after victory over Bedlington.

Someone needs to do it shortly otherwise the title race is going to become decidedly one-horsed, and the Bridge go into the game with a full squad at their disposal with Graham Angus recovered from his hamstring injury, Lewis Hall available again, and Ryan Pringle set to play. The leaders, 23 points clear, name an unchanged side.