Morley clash crucial to rest of Mowden’s season (From The Northern Echo)

Morley clash crucial to rest of Mowden’s season

11:58am Saturday 28th November 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)

Darlington Mowden Park coach Peter Taylor feels today’s home game against National Three North leaders Morley is a pivotal contest.

“This game will determine where we end up this season,”

he said. “If we win we will be only one win behind the top two. The boys are really excited about it and confidence is high.

“It was very disappointing to lose our last home league game against Sheffield Tigers.

We have scored 36 tries this season but didn’t manage one in what was a very dour game.

If we had scored one we would have won.

“The character since then has been very pleasing and after a good win at Middlesbrough we aren’t worried about the conditions. We will adapt and play whatever is in front of us.

“Progress is encouraging considering we have 18 injuries and we’re still rebuilding.

In last week’s squad, on and off the pitch, only Dan Miller remains from two years ago.”

Prop Miller moves over to tight head today, with Ian Keeligan being handed a start while Ralph Appleby drops to the bench.

Until they toppled Boro from third spot Mowden had looked destined to remain in mid-table, but they have developed such a potent back division that they will be a threat to any side in this division.

They have enough depth in the squad to overcome a long injury list. The toughest choice would be at open side if everyone were fit, but RAF man Dan Kennedy is awaiting a scan on his back, Andrew Tonkin has had an elbow operation and Graeme Seddon has just recovered from a shoulder injury.

So Cameron Henderson retains the No 7 shirt after making 21 tackles in last week’s Durham Cup win against Darlington.

Another back row man who hasn’t been forgotten is ex- Newcastle Academy man Phil Dawson, who is awaiting a second shoulder operation.

There would also be a tough choice at scrum half, but Martin Lithgo is to have a knee operation, while Ryan Painter, who played last week, is only 17. Andrew Seddon returns today.

Newcastle Falcons have loaned owner Dave Thompson’s son, Matt, to Blaydon with a view to converting him from a hooker to a prop. He has been training at Crow Trees and will be on the bench for today’s National One game at home to Cambridge.

Newcastle Development XV captain Mark Wilson returns at No 8, with a choice to be made between Scott Riddell, Kerry Wood and Gavin Jones on the flanks.

Riddell filled in successfully at scrum half when Director of Rugby Tom Rock was injured after 20 minutes in the win at Sedgley Park two weeks ago. But Rock expects to be fit, and if he does fail a test Sam Thorne has recovered from injury and will deputise.

Blaydon have won four on the trot and conceded only one try in the last two games.

Tynedale will hope to continue their recent improvement with a victory at Cinderford, who are third from the bottom.

Andrew Murray returns after a three-game suspension and England Counties centre Jack Harrison is fit to resume.

But Tynedale have had to use 41 players this season and among the recent casualties are ex-Consett and Blaydon prop Andrew Harrison, who will be out for up to six weeks with a knee problem, and full back James Hoyle. He has broken a thumb for the second time this season and will be out until February.

West Hartlepool are desperate for a victory away to the only side below them in National Three North, West Park St Helens. With skipper Anth Carr unavailable, John Greenwell moves across and Adam Howard reverts to the front row with Paul Rudd coming in at No 8. Centre Peter Hodgson will captain the side.

North One East leaders Billingham are at home to Pontefract, while Darlington entertain Old Crossleyans, who have moved above them into third spot.

• Print
• Email
• Share
• Comments(0)