THE district’s cricket players will have one eye on the Ashes this weekend, with England taking on old rivals Australia in the first test starting today.

But they will also be hoping to get back on to the pitch themselves.

Last weekend’s fixtures in the West Tyne League were a complete washout as a result of torrential rain throughout Saturday.

But with the top four teams in Division One - Haltwhistle, Humshaugh, Hexham Leazes, and Haydon Bridge - separated by just 26 points, there’s a lot at stake.

League leaders Haltwhistle will travel to Newton, while second placed Humshaugh will host Hexham Leazes, who sit in third position.

Haydon Bridge will be looking to move into the top three as they make the trip to Mitford.

The district’s teams in the Northumberland and Tyneside League were also frustrated last weekend.

Nevertheless, there will be a derby match to look forward to as Stocksfield host Tynedale in Division One.

Ponteland will travel to Seaton Burn in Division Two, while Corbridge are away to Ashington Rugby in Division Three.

Second placed Stocksfield II will be the visitors to Ponteland II in Division Four in a bid to return to the top of the table.