All signs point to a Kerridge Cup cracker tomorrow at Feethams (2pm) when form team Richmondshire take on cup holders Marton in the final of the famous competition.

The 92nd playing of the oldest knock-out cup in top-level North-East club cricket pits two outstanding sides against each other, with the Dalesmen the only unbeaten team left in the top flight, and champions Marton, playing in a fourth consecutive final, hitting a purple patch.

And for Richmond the next two days represent perhaps the most important weekend in the club's history, something that skipper Mike Layfield is acutely aware of: "We've never won the Kerridge so it's a new challenge the team will relish. None of the present side were in the team that last played in a Kerridge final around ten years ago.

"We are playing with a lot of confidence and believe that we can beat anyone, and it will be the climax to a massive weekend for us having to play such an important league fixture on Saturday when we meet Darlington.

"We've already beaten them in the league at their place and if we can do it again we could close the points gap between us dramatically.''

Richmond will be at full strength for both matches with Yorkshire Academy player Lewis Stabler returning, while Marton also have a full squad to choose from in what could turn out to be a battle of the professionals who have excelled in earlier rounds.

Gary Pratt is in some of the best form of his life, having led Cumberland to the MCCA Trophy final, as well as being the top run scorer in the Kerridge, while Shani Dissanayake heads the competition's wicket-taking charts alongside his fellow Sri Lankan, Marton's Upul Indrasiri.

With former Surrey and Yorkshire player Lee Hodgson just behind Pratt in the run makers list the battle lines are drawn.

Marton skipper Mattie Brown is in positive mood: "We've got a really good chance as we've hit form just at the right time. We've had some spectacular results in the league in the last few weeks and it has reflected through to our recent cup matches as well.

"Having a stable team for the first time all season has been a great advantage. It will be our fourth successive Kerridge final and that's a record we can be very proud of - and we have the appetite to win it for a third year in four.''

Back on the league front table-toppers Darlington have Jack Vickerman returning to for the big game at Richmond, and Quakers' skipper Peter Armstrong recognises the challenge: "If we play at our best we'll have a good chance, even though they are a top side.

"We can't afford to lose what could be a make or break game, but we'll be playing to win because if we do it will make us the clear favourites for the title. Even a draw won't damage us too much.''

While many will be focused on Richmond today, there are equally important battles at the opposite end of the table with the sides occupying the two relegation slots, Thornaby and Marske, meeting at Mandale Bottoms, and the two teams just above them, Stokesley and Sedgefield, getting to grips at the SCG.

Thornaby's overseas professional, Indika de Saram, is likely to be playing his final game before jetting off for the SLPL in Sri Lanka, but with skipper Marc Bould away Danny Wade will captain in his absence.

Stokesley are almost back to full strength with Will Brown and Chris Oliver back from holiday, their only absentee being Ian Still, while Sedgefield travel without the working Phil Heslop and the holidaying Dave Cross. Mark Jemmison and Kieran McAdam earn call ups.

Brett Roberts is off the injury list and back in the Normanby Hall side who entertain a Guisborough team missing Richard Dunn and Jon Coates, and Billingham also have two out with Mike Yuill and Adam Warnes unavailable for the trip to Marton.

David Grainge and Mattie Wilkinson are Ayton absentees at unchanged Middlesbrough - Tom Crown and Josh Thompson play - and former Boro boy Danny Evans replaces Liam Prosser in Hartlepool's Park Drive team to face Barnard Castle.