Northumberland leagues- cricket preview

But there are a couple of injury clouds on the horizon with news that batsman Michael Levison looks certain to be ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury, while all-rounder Michael Thewlis could be sidelined for a couple of weeks - also with knee trouble.

Ashington begin their eight-game run in with a home match today against Backworth who already look doomed to an early return to the second division. As well as having to do without Levison and Thewlis, Mark Wood and Callum Urwin are also out with Graham Whitworth and Chris Watson stepping up.

Elsewhere, Swalwell entertain Lintz with slight fitness doubts about Richie Hawthorne (groin strain) and Jason Dumighan (calf), but both are expected to play in this afternoon's match as well as tomorrow when the club host the Austin Trophy final against Bishop Auckland. Lintz have David Nevin and Andy Smith returning to the side.

Second-placed Shotley Bridge travel to take on an unchanged Newcastle City just a few hours after the pair's Division A league cup final clash played last night.

In the other games Harry Hubber returns for Sacriston's home match with Ryton, unchanged Benwell & Walbottle entertain Tynedale and a full-strength Leadgate go to Annfield Plain where David Maughan is replaced by Adam Phillips.

The battle for the championship of the Three Counties Northumberland League's Premier Division looks set to be one of the most thrilling there has ever been, with only 14 points separating the top-four sides, and any side down to eighth place still having a realistic chance of making a late bid if they can string a series of results together.

Kirkley stole a march in the title race last Saturday when they pulled off a great victory over rivals Corbridge while the others were frustrated by the downpours that indiscriminately swept the region.

Their victory saw them move from fourth to first and skipper Ian Smith takes his new table toppers to threadbare Blyth today.

The home side have four key absentees in the form of Martin Hughes, Andy Clark, Jimmy Purvis and captain David Dent. Fortunately for the hosts Paul Cormack is back in the frame again, and Graham Raffel, Gary Purvis and Rory O'Connor have been called up from the seconds to fill the rest of the gap.

The frustration of Bedlington is palpable. One month ago they sat proudly on top of the league, but they have slipped to third after failing to play any league cricket whatsoever during July because of the weather. Their match at Clara Vale today is their last chance to do so.

But at least they will be in good spirits after winning the William Birkett Cup last Tuesday night against Kirkley.

That Paul Straker (55 and 3-15) inspired success has given them a taste for glory and they will start as heavy favourites against struggling Vale, even though Chris Pearson and John Mason miss the game. Regulars Shaun McAffertey and Ian Campbell return at an opportune time.

Corbridge know they can't afford many more defeats if they are to maintain their challenge, but their home game against second-bottom Heaton Park today could provide the opportunity for them to get right back on track. Dean Robinson and Richard Byerley are set to miss the game for the home team, but David Hardy and Shaun Fenwick are back in after missing last week.

In the day's other games second-placed Warkworth are at home to Bomarsund, Paul Baston steps up to skipper Bates Cottages against Alnmouth as regular captain Lee Frost is unavailable, and Blue Flames entertain Stocksfield.