With just four games to go in the Dukes ECB NEPL Premier Division, the Durham Cricket Academy in fourth place, make the short trip across Ropery Lane, to play fifth-placed Chester-le-Street.

John Windows, Academy Manager, said: “The team is a little short of bodies this week, but whoever turns out, it is hoped we can complete the double over the Cestrians. We are trying to press on with our efforts to finish third and above some very useful teams.”

John Coxon, home skipper, said: “Jack Harrison and Josh O’Brien will be missing, so this will allow opportunities for others. The Academy are a dangerous team.”

Eppleton journey to Tynemouth and director of cricket John Smithson said: “We have two on holiday, David Wilkinson and James McGonnell replaced by Steven White and Jake Pratt.

The side continues its good run of form, all are playing their part in a team effort.”

Stockton entertain second placed Newcastle and visiting director of cricket, Doug Hudson said: “Cameron Steel returns from Durham duties, though he did play last week after a very late call up. It’s hoped the team can complete the double. It is now essential to keep winning and hope that South North get the hiccups!”

Seaham Harbour host first division leaders Sacriston and cricket manager Stuart Lacey said: “We have a few missing. It will be a tall order to come through this fixture, but we only strive to play as well as possible and remain competitive against the leaders. I’m hoping the bowlers keep producing the goods, but the batting is a bit disappointing, as it has been all season.”

Burnopfield are 29 points behind the leaders in the race to the Premier Division.

They welcome Sunderland and skipper Gareth Breese said: “We are now second and it’s all to play for in a very good season so far, including qualifying for a T20 final.” Dave Baxter returns from holiday and replaces George Henderson.

Burnmoor in third are five points behind Burnopfield and host Gateshead Fell. Ross Hodgson returns for Mark Robson and Riley Blunt also plays instead of Owen Lancaster.

In the Go North-East North East ECB Regional Premier League game of the day, Shotley Bridge in second place, take on leaders Swalwell and a win for the home side will draw them to within a few points, with just four games to go.

Swalwell have a 22-point advantage and Shotley secretary David Milburn said: “We have to win it as Ashington did us a favour last week. It will be a tough ask with a young team.”

Leadgate are running out of games at the bottom and need to win to catch Percy Main.

They face champions Ashington and fixture secretary Gary Dixon said: “We’re at full strength. We’ve come close to pulling off wins recently, but not quite getting over the line, so hopefully we can change that.”

Lanchester travel to Tynedale and home skipper Tom Cant said: “We’re fourth and they are sixth, so it will be a good, competitive game. We’re fairly settled where we are now and I don’t think we can move any higher.”

Readers Durham Cricket League leaders Castle Eden travel to Easington, with one change as Dean Langridge comes in for Liam Brown.

Chairman John Spellman said: “We had a cracking result last weekend against Philadelphia, it was a massive 22 points. We have four games left and we’ll be going into the Easington game with confidence.

“We’ve won the last five and should be at full strength between now and the rest of the season. We’ve some very tough games coming up, with the likes of Esh Winning, Durham City and Tudhoe.”

Tudhoe, in second on the same points as the leaders, welcome Seaham Park and chairman Steven Thexton said: “We had a nightmare at their place, so we’re looking to redress the balance. We haven’t lost in a long time, and have had a tremendous year, and we put a lot of it down to our professional Roshan Jayatissa who has been excellent.”

Horden welcome Littletown, Skipper Carl Watson said: “Adam Dixon is available, but Connor Dickinson and Liam Irving are missing. We’ve been dragged into the relegation battle, so we can’t afford to lose.”

The visitors are fighting for their lives in bottom place, but just 16 points from safety.