League leaders Richmondshire are without skipper Rob Carr for their trip to Great Ayton in the NYSD Premier League on Saturday. Matty Price comes into the team to replace him.

They have a 17-point lead over Middlesbrough, who have played a game more, while visitors Ayton are in fourth place.

Middlesbrough have the returning duo of Sam and Joe Gaudie to strengthen their team, for their game against Stockton at Acklam Park. Visiting legend Leigh Beaumont said: “Jonathan Rickard, Abhinav Ramisetty and Richard Waite are all unavailable, but we are looking forward to the game and the challenge that Boro will give us.”

Hartlepool entertain Thornaby at Park Drive and are hoping that Harry Crawshaw passes a late fitness test, so he can play. Secretary Mike Gough said: “We had a smashing win last week against Great Ayton, with Yash Vagadia hitting a superb unbeaten century.”

Gough added: “They are having very good season and their overseas professional Husnain Bukhari had an incredible innings over Marton last week, scoring a century and a six off the last ball, to win the match. We feel they are the surprise package this season, so we need to play at the top of our game, to get a good haul of points.”

At the other end of the table, just 19 points separate the bottom three in the fight to avoid relegation. Bottom club Marton are strengthened in their fight against the drop, with Lee Hodgson and Tom Miller returning for their home game with Barnard Castle.

Barney skipper James Quinn said: “We will have to be at our best to gain a positive result and we make two changes. Finn Usher and Rob Dixon come into the side, possibly alongside James Clarkson who has been out for eight weeks following elbow surgery, but he needs to pass a late fitness test.”

Billingham Synthonia accompany Marton in the bottom two places, and they welcome Stokesley to Chiltons Avenue. Synners are just 18 points behind their opponents, and will see this game as a chance to catch some points up.

The visitors have a full squad to choose from, including Jonny Weighell who returns from Covid and spinner Faisal Hussain has recovered from injury and they potentially have James Weighell free from his first class duties.

Saltburn are eight points above Synners and they welcome in-form Darlington, to Marske Mill Lane. The Feethams outfit have won three of their last four games, to move up to fifth in the table and Garry Moody, the club official said: “We make one change, as Lee Hutton is unavailable and is replaced by Andrew Sturgeon.”

In Division One, new league leaders Darlington RA journey to Hornby Park to play Seaton Carew. The home side slipped to ninth last week following defeat at Sedgefield, but RA won their 12th game of the season at home to Whitby and go top of the league, as Bishop Auckland faltered at home.

Adam Hickey has scored over 700 runs and taken over 40 wickets in the league to date, while fellow teammates Tom Hewison and Dale Thomas have made over 500 runs to their respective names, so this will be a tough ask for the hosts.

Bishop Auckland in second place, travel to Richmondshire (2nds), who are fifth in the league and this will be a tough test for the Kingsway outfit, as they are six points behind RA at the top end of the table.