Hodgson becomes captain for Mowden for trip to Hull

The No 8 and centre Ben Frankland are the only North-Easterners in the starting line-up, although Scarborough-born prop Darren Fearn returns in place of skipper Gareth Nesbit.

Lock Rob Conquest, who took over the captaincy when Nesbit pulled out with a neck problem two weeks ago, is also injured and is replaced by Talite Vaioleti.

Mowden were hoping that last Saturday's rest would have allowed some of their injured players to recover, but they also continue to be without winger Peter Homan and flankers Luca Petillo and Ali Bone.

Conquest's place in the England Counties XV, which beat French Federale at Blackheath last Friday, was taken by Ionians' Jim Makin.

The Hull club made a good start following promotion but were on the slide by the time Mowden beat them 43-11 at the Northern Echo Arena and have won only two of their last 14 games.

They have sunk to one place above the relegation zone, but are ten points ahead of Wharfedale, whose tough run-in makes them favourites to join Henley and Cinderford in the drop.

Mowden recall hooker Gaston Demergasso, with fellow Argentinian Santiago Socino reverting to open side. Matt Walsh starts at scrum half and Chris Auld returns at centre with Jake Woodhouse at full back.

It will be another test of Mowden's scrummaging against a side who have 39-year-old Steve Johnson at tight head and have been awarded nine penalty tries this season.

Blaydon, who are catching the 8am train for Esher, hand Guisborough product Joe Whyman his first start at fly half.

As they await the possible return of Brett Connon from Ireland Under 20 duty, Whyman deputises for Andrew Baggett, who suffered a neck injury when hit from behind in his car.

After going on from the bench in the first half for the Falcons at Exeter last week, Tom Penny partners Tom Rock in the centre, with Tom Grimes switching to the wing for the unavailable Zach Kibirige.

Skipper Keith Laughlin and prop Trevor Davison return from England Counties duty, but prop Robbie Kalbraier is unavailable.

Tynedale continue to playe their home games at Kingston Park, where they will kick off at 3pm against National Two North promotion hopefuls Stourbridge.

Falcons Academy lock Harry Snowdon continues to bolster a pack also featuring Matt Charters at blind side after starting the season with Mowden before being injured.

Ash Smith returns from injury but has to settle for the bench, with the goal-kicking duties again entrusted to fly half Rob Parker following his success last week.

No 8 Michael Whinn will captain Billingham in their Three North match at Rossendale. In the absence of star young winger Adam Radwan, Joe Evans reverts to fly half with Luke Wilson going to the wing.

Elliott Husband will inject more pace at outside centre as the youth policy continues to pay dividends with the colts reaching their national semi-final through a 22-16 win at Syston in Leicestershire.

Also giving youth its chance are West Hartlepool, for whom centre Liam Checksfield will make his first start at Wheatley Hills.

He joins fellow 17-year-old Joe Willis, who has become a regular on the wing, but Gavin Painter's comeback from injury has been cut short by a blow on the head.

Zac Southern takes over at fly half, while an injury to Liam Bailey sees Dan Boatman revert to the back row with Chris Atkins coing in at lock.

Durham City should continue their march to the Durham and Northumberland One title by beating Ryton, while Middlesbrough will look to boost their points difference at Darlington.

Skipper Rob Bellerby returns for Boro following their damaging defeat at Novos and has Jack Bircham alongside him with Adam Nolson at full back. Chris Horton comes into the front row.

Stockton will host 130 former players at a reunion lunch before the game against fourth-placed Novos.

Experienced centre Steve Thornton takes over from Dan Taylor, who reverts to the bench. Prop Ben Cordiner is available, allowing skipper Steven Taylor to drop back into the second row at the expense of Lewy Gray.