The resolute manner in which it was achieved indicates that the Pet Supermarket-sponsored side has taken another forward stride of progress that will give them aspirations of long-term residence in the top half of the table.

Shields continue to frustrate through their tendency to lose wickets in momentum-sapping clusters, but skipper Dan Shurben is delighted with the overall progress made by his young side: "In general, the signs from the first couple of games have been extremely positive. 

"We have been strengthened by adding three quality players in Paul Muchall, Jonny Wightman and Geoff Cullen to improve the team in all areas. 

"We know Stockton struggled last season, but they have some good players and come to Wood Terrace on the back of a great win against Blaydon last week.  We won't take the game lightly, but will be confident of a victory."

Shurben is correct to respect the potential of the visitors from Teesside who appear to be a far tougher proposition than the team that propped up the Premier League last season and succumbed to South Shields on the equivalent weekend, though they too have been guilty of batting indiscretion in their early-season fixtures.

In captain Richard Waite, Stockton have arguably the league's most consistent all-rounder who lies second in the overall wicket takers with 268 at an average of 23.18 and seventh in the run scorers' list with 4067 at 29.05.

That he has bowled more overs in the NEPL than anyone else illustrates the importance of his slow bowling to his side.

Stockton's professional is the Boland captain, Brendon Adams. The South African, who boasts a first class batting average in the mid-30s, will be hoping that the dry weather of the past few days firms up the conditions in favour of the batsmen.

As demonstrated in last weekend's fixtures, Shields' seam attack has the ability to exploit any environmental assistance to make early inroads into a visitor's top order that will also include Durham-contracted Karl Turner – a former Academy colleague of his opposite number Paul Muchall.

The battle between the two county rookies, both menacing all-rounders at this level, will have a significant impact on the outcome of the match.

Geoff Cullen's alliance of sound temperament, compact defence and convincing attacking play impressed the Wood Terrace crowd in Monday's Banks Salver defeat to South Northumberland.

The Gosforth side is replete with accomplished bowlers, but Cullen's ability to capitalise whenever they erred in length will stand him in good stead against attacks that stray more often.

The ferocity of his pull strokes that seared between mid-wicket and mid-on rather than square were indicative of his upbringing on hard Perth wickets and the intelligence required to adapt to English conditions.

South Shields's only change from the side that beat Newcastle is a recall for talented 19 year old Chris Dorothy, who replaces under-18 vice-captain Chris Watson.

The second team, yet to start a match this season, will be champing at the bit to take on Stockton at their Grangefield Ground.

The club's flourishing junior section has enjoyed a pleasing start to its season.

Under-11 co-manager Mark Pattinson was encouraged by the performance at Eppleton by a team that contained several players who were making their club debut

He said: "The team was determined to defend its championship title and got off to a good start with a comfortable win.

"Newcomer Jonathan McIntyre produced a good all-round performance, top scorer Harrison Moore and captain Matthew Willis dominated with the bat, and Ross Macauley was the pick of our bowling".

There were frayed nerves at Wood Terrace on Tuesday after Oliver Stedman's 68 was the major contributor to a total of 121 for 7.

Accomplished in the chase, Eppleton entered the final over requiring just three runs to win before Sam Embleton rescued Shields with a final over packed with wickets, drama, and a final ball run out.

Relieved, but pragmatic team manager, Anth Marshall said afterwards: "We were second best, but I'm delighted that the determination and character shown by Oliver and Sam has been rewarded with a win. The team will have learned a lot from this match".

Further encouraging signs emerged from South Shields Academy's Banks Cup group win on Wednesday over Benwell Hill. Unfazed by a tardy start Adam Shaw (34 not out) and Andrew Bell (24 not out) maturely guided their side home after Sam Embleton and Daniel Parnaby had brought a hitherto promising Benwell innings to an abrupt end.

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