Forwards missing for Darlington and Mowden (From The Northern Echo)

Forwards missing for Darlington and Mowden

9:00am Saturday 14th January 2012 in North-East Rugby News By Tim Wellock

THE Darlington clubs are counting the cost of last Saturday's top-of-the-table battles as both are without three key forwards.

The biggest loss is last season's Darlington skipper Andy Hodgkins, whose future is in doubt after he shattered an ankle at Stockton, requiring a major operation.

The talented No 8 had only recently returned from a knee injury, which kept him out of the first three months, and he will not play again this season.

Both clubs will field experimental No 8s today with Darlington opting for David Inman, normally a lock, at home to Ashington, while Mowden have selected prop Danny Dixon for the visit to Birkenhead Park.

While scrummaging is not his strength, Dixon is a powerful ball carrier whose future might well be in the back row.

With James Knox and Liam Riley both injured, Dixon will have Chris Campbell alongside him and another youngster, Pierce Phillips, replaces last week's other victim, lock Neil Young.

Wingers Chris McTurk and Paul Shepherd are also out, but after his return from holiday Matt Lister has to settle for a place in the second team as Fijian flyer Ben Seru is available again. Sean McCartney is selected on the other wing.

Darlington are unable to call on Kris Ward, who occupied the No 8 berth in early season, as he has returned home to Australia after being suspended for eight weeks.

On the basis of the referee's report he was found guilty of gouging in the defeat at Gosforth. Darlington planned to appeal, but were disappointed to find that Gosforth did not follow up initial indications of support.

Back row resources have been further stretched by Richard Snowball suffering a hamstring injury. James Carver and Richard Parker are on the flanks, while Chris Anderson replaces back injury victim Chris Oakley.

In National One, Tynedale could be back to having no recognised fly half after having two to choose from last week.

Joel Hodgson came off the bench to turn the game against Barking but has Newcastle Falcons commitments today, while Gavin Beasley - missing for most of the season with a back problem - now has a hamstring injury.

Full back Chris Harris is also doubtful for the trip to Cambridge, who won 23-15 at Corbridge in September.

Blaydon entertain mid-table Coventry and Director of Rugby Micky Ward has the luxury of being able to name back row man Jason Smithson on the bench on his return from holiday.

"He's been our best forward this season," said Ward. "It will be good to have him coming off the bench. He could have a big impact.

"It's a big game for us. We need to win after two of the teams below us won away from home last week."

Ward is hoping that prolific winger Frazer Wilson will be ready to return for the Tynedale game on February 5. Meanwhile he has Kevin McShane available today and he replaces Tom Jeffery in the only change. Gavin Painter is on the bench after injury.

Westoe, level on points with second-placed Huddersfield in National Two North, visit struggling Nuneaton, while their Yorkshire rivals are at home to leaders Loughborough Students.

The Shieldsmen suffered a 33-17 defeat at Nuneaton last season and skipper Gareth Nesbit said: "It was probably the result I was most disappointed with. We were on a similar run to our current one and we took our eye off the ball. The players know what to expect this time."

West Hartlepool entertain Morley, who are third from the bottom of National Three North. Anth Carr is away so Ross Wood will start in the front row, while Liam Bailey and Michael Taylor return.

In the backs Gareth Foreman and Stu Waites return and Gavin Robinson is fit to replace Luke Watson, who has a neck injury.

North One East leaders Billingham entertain Sheffield, who are unbeaten in their last five game and have moved into fourth place.

Following the defeat at Malton and Norton, .Billingham hand Callum Cranston his full debut in the front row in place of Rob Hamer. Flanker Dave Robinson returns from a long-term ankle injury.

Middlesbrough visit Old Brodleians with vice-captain Rob Bellerby back at centre and last week's replacement, Martin Featherstone, switching to the wing as Jack Bircham is unavailable.

Hooker Richard Horton returns to the starting line-up and ex-colt Matthew John is given a chance at No 8, with Iain Bradford dropping to the bench.

Stockton visit Gosforth and shuffle their resources to adapt to the artificial surface at Druid Park. Coach Craig Lee steps down to allow Jeremy Good to revert to fly half and winger Craig Slaughter switches to full back.

Centre Ritchie Brown moves out to the wing to accommodate former skipper Matty Oates. Up front young flanker Phil Douglas replaces Wayne Brown, who is on the bench.