The first big event of the NYSD summer takes place tomorrow with the Teesside University Macmillan Cup T20 finals day staged at Feethams.

The NYSD were the UK trailblazer for coloured clothing club cricket, and with four strong sides going head to head in the lively environment of music, black sightscreens and pink balls, another great day’s cricket is in prospect with the winner qualifying for the last 32 stage of the national T20, which boasts a floodlit final televised on Sky.

Host club Darlington take on Middlesbrough at 10am, before Richmondshire face Billingham Synthonia in the second semi at 1.30. The successful sides meet in an early evening showdown.

Neither of the Teesside clubs have appeared at the last four stage since the format changed in 2010, and both will possibly start as the underdogs in their ties.

Boro are only one place below Darlington in the league table, but have played two games more and the Quakers have the added bonus of home advantage. However, league form rarely translates into T20 success, and having eliminated leaders Marske to reach this stage the Teessiders won’t be lacking in confidence.

With Boro free from league commitments today they should be fresh, and will be at full strength other than Paul Johnston who has work commitments. Darlington, buoyed by their surprise success in eliminating short format specialists Great Ayton in the previous round, have Jack Hardy back to keep wicket, with James Dobson playing as a batter.

Billingham Synthonia look back 12 months for inspiration. They will be considered outsiders given their league struggles, but Seaton Carew lifted the trophy in 2015 when occupying bottom spot in the Premier Division.

The Synners turned in a top display on Monday to oust Hartlepool, and without Martin Cull, a key part of their attack. He returns to put Billingham at full strength against Richmondshire, who miss their two professionals, Gary Pratt and Toby Bulcock, who are playing Minor Counties cricket for Cumberland. Youngsters Joe Shields and Steven Mather take their places.

The Dalesmen and the Synners have a dry run today as they meet at Hurgill Road in the league. Pratt and Bulcock feature as Richmond look to put last week’s defeat at Marske behind them.

Marske travel to Park Drive to take on a much strengthened Hartlepool who have Phil Mustard, Neil Coverdale and John Rickard returning. The Seasiders miss Tom Urwin who is out for up to four weeks after sustaining a broken wrist in last week’s tremendous win against the champions. Gary Lynch will take over the keeping duties as Richard Mains earns a recall.

Barnard Castle are up to second in the table the return of Tom Merryweather and Jack Robinson from France puts them at full strength against a Stokesley side still coming to terms with the probable season-long absence of Doug Mulholland, who faces a back operation shortly. Also missing is Jonny Weighell, although brother James may receive dispensation from Durham to play.