Boldon extended their lead to 23 points last weekend with a comprehensive 139-run victory over Marsden, while Whitburn were digging out a hard-earned draw against third-placed Hetton Lyons.

The Villagers make five changes to the side that faced the Lyons last week.

Australian professional Chris Wood comes back into the side following a hamstring injury which has seen him miss the last five games.

The all-rounder, who also missed the first month of the season, will be looking to show Whitburn's followers what he is capable of tomorrow – and for the second half of the season.

Two other players return following injury. Paul Shields has recovered from a displaced fracture to his hand, sustained against Horden earlier this season, and wicketkeeper Ross Carty reclaims his place in the side following a broken finger.

The Universal Sealants-sponsored side's chances are further boosted by the return of vice-captain Paul Cook, who has missed most of the season due to work commitments, and Andy Turns, who was unavailable last week.

Unfortunately, John Dunn – who picked up 10 wickets in his two games last week – is no longer available, and opening bowler Tony Greaves misses the game in order to attend another match – his own wedding.

Gary Ventress steps down after proving an able deputy for Carty behind the stumps over the last few weeks, while Elliot Markham and Lee Henderson, who both made significant contributions to the draw against Hetton Lyons last weekend, return to second-team duty.

The game finished in a comfortable draw when these two sides met at the Village Ground on the opening day of the season.

Lindsay Cullen (67) and Neil Ayre (42) helped the Villagers to a score of 225-9, before Boldon (154-7) settled for a draw after Chris Ellison was dismissed for a quick-fire 52.

Wood and Boldon's professional Jonny Wightman both missed that game.

It'll be interesting to see if either can give their side the necessary edge to claim victory in what is expected to be another close game tomorrow.

Tonight, Whitburn travel to South Hetton for a D&A Sports Twenty 20 game.

Having already lost to Burnmoor and been rained off against Hetton Lyons, the Villagers will need to win tonight if they are to have any chance of reaching the finals day of this tournament.