DARLINGTON have suffered a shock with the eight-week suspension of prop Dan Miller following his dismissal for stamping in the EDF Energy Cup win at Altrincham Kersal two weeks ago.

The club felt his sending-off was harsh and hoped it would be deemed sufficient punishment. But rather than attend the Rugby Football Union hearing at Brighouse, in West Yorkshire, Miller pleaded guilty by letter.

At the same hearing Tynedale flanker Grant Rastall received only a three-week ban for the same offence, for which he was sent off at Morley.

Darlington decided not to impose their own ban on Miller, selecting him for last Saturday's National Three North match at Morley, which was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.

Unless they launch a successful appeal he will not be able to play again until they visit neighbours Mowden Park on January 27.

Miller missed most of last season with a knee injury suffered playing for Newcastle Falcons' Development XV. The gap was filled by Paul Shepherd, who has been on the bench for most of this season but is currently recovering from a nose operation.

The only other prop with first team experience is coach Phil Lancaster.

* Blaydon's long-standing skipper Dave Guthrie is to captain the British Police in a match against Buckinghamshire at Marlow today.

With a tough run of games coming up as they chase promotion from National Three North, Blaydon will be hoping the lock forward does not aggravate a neck problem which recently sidelined him.

He toured South Africa with the police squad last May and this is their second match of the current season after beating Glamorgan in September.