Newly-crowned DCL champions Esh Winning still have plenty to play for in their two remaining games, not least the opportunity to go through a season undefeated.

And that will be music to the ears of relegation-threatened Hylton who need Esh to be at their best when they meet the one team the Wearsiders could overhaul as they seek to avoid the drop.

Easington enjoy a 16-point advantage over Hylton and, as expected, skipper Dane Wilson appreciates the significance of the final two games his team face against sides who have experienced vastly different campaigns.

“We’ve got polar opposites in terms of our last two games,” he said. “Esh Winning have remained unbeaten all season and have deservedly won the title, and then next week we entertain Boldon CA who are already down. With the breathing space we have I’m hoping that any sort of draw followed by a win on the last day will be enough to see us safe.”

Easington stick with the same line-up who earned a hard-fought draw at Castle Eden last week, while Esh are back to full strength with all 12 of their first team squad available.

Hylton know they must go for a win in their home game against Dawdon who expect to be a full strength following the return of Liam Cowell. John Stokoe returns for Hylton, although they have a doubt over Marlon Black’s availability.

In Division Two, Seaham Park will seal promotion if they defeat struggling Silksworth, and although they are missing Thomas Ferguson they are able to include leg-spinner Chris Varley who is currently back from Australia. Jonny Hayes, Kieran Laws and Eddie Wood all return for opponents who have won just once all season.

It’s win or bust for Shotley Bridge in the NTSL. They take on leaders Swalwell at the Spa Grounds and anything less than a victory will spell the end of their title hopes for another year.

Graham Angus has recovered from injury and replaces Stefan Dabrowski in the Bridge line-up, while the table-toppers are just waiting on news of James Welch’s availability. Michael Shotton is on stand-by.

One team willing the Bridge on are Ashington. If Shotley topple the leaders the Colliers are likely to take over at the top if they win their game at Consett. The second-placed side are unchanged while their hosts have Gary Hunter back in action, although they have to reckon without rugby playing Nick Cook.