The two big guns of the NEPL lock horns today at Ropery Lane when Chester-le-Street meet South North in the first of two crucial games between the sides in the next eight days.

The Cestrians lie fourth, just three points behind the Bulls, with both in touching distance of the two teams above them. Today’s winners could have top spot by this evening.

A week tomorrow the teams assemble once more at the Lane in the regional final of the National Club Championship.

Liam Simpson is back from his holidays to boost Chester, while South North also have a full squad to choose from now Lee Crozier has recovered from his back injury, and Jonny Craigs is available again.

Leaders Newcastle travel to South Shields where it is likely that the first man to reach the 500 league runs milestone will be playing. Gordon Muchall and Tim David are within striking distance for the Shieldsmen, while the in-form Tynesiders’ skipper, Jacques du Toit, is also nearing the landmark. Graham Clark will feature for the visitors, and Neil Corby returns, while Shields have Ollie Stedman free from his rugby commitments, although Connor Brydon is out with a broken jaw sustained when batting last week.

In the First Division, Sacriston have made another signing to go alongside the two other recent newcomers, and Dan Anderson, who has returned to his home club after a successful 2015 season with Washington, will make his second debut in the home game against Burnmoor who have the influential Stephen Meek back from his holidays.

Durham Cricket League Division One leaders Burnopfield face a real test at Easington, with their hosts lying in fourth place in the table, although the home team have to cope without the services of Ryan Higgins, who has been scoring runs regularly this season, this loss offset by the return of Jordan Wilson and Jason Moses. The table-toppers welcome back Jimmy Radcliffe, Jack Hughes and Matty Young as they seek to extend their 51-point lead.

Evenwood are making strides up the Division Two table after two successive victories, and with Owen Peddelty on holiday they bring in 14-year-old Thomas Teesdale, and he will open the batting at Houghton.

The big games keep coming for NTSL leaders Ashington. After the nerve shredding one-run win over Shotley Bridge, they now meet Swalwell and expect to be unchanged, as do their opponents. The Bridge will be looking to bounce back at Leadgate, but their opponents will have Mohammad Sharif making his seasonal debut. The Bangladeshi international transformed their 2015 season, and they are looking for the same again.