The 29-point haul against Chris Mann's side six days ago has seen the gap increase to 23 points over the second-placed side, tomorrow's opponents Whitburn.

Chris Ellison names an unchanged side from last week, which has been strengthened by the availability of Matthew Sampson-Barnes as a result of the Durham Academy selection rota.

Barnes, 17, an off-spinning all-rounder, not only adds flair to the batting line-up, but also gives Ellison another option with the ball.

Confidence is high in the ranks after Ellison's imperious 140no led Boldon to 208-2 last week.

Four wickets for Phil Shakespeare and three for Jonny Wightman were crucial in dismissing Marsden for just 69, well short of even registering a batting point.

An unusually quiet midweek for Boldon in terms of cup ties has been welcomed by the first XI, as a massively important weekend for the club begins tonight.

The Twenty20 show returns to Sunderland Road at 6pm for the visit of Burnmoor.

The huge success of the tournament and format has been particularly resonant for Boldon.

The attractions of the coloured clothing and ball, music, food, and, of course, the bar, have proven to pull in large crowds, and have been great family evenings.

A victory tomorrow against Whitburn would give Boldon a lot more breathing space ahead of the chasing pack, and their opponents, also still unbeaten, will be hoping to close the gap by inflicting a first league defeat upon Ellison's side.

Boldon's second XI are also now top of the table after a 28-point haul at Jack Clark Park last week.

Andy McCord's 81no propelled Boldon to 175-4, after the weather had forced the fixture to begin an hour late.

Figures of 4-34 in a seriously quick spell from Anthony Brown, as well as more wickets for Graham Fox, who passed 20 for the season, resulted in Marsden being dispatched for just 86.