DARLINGTON are to delay their appeal against Dan Miller's eight-week suspension because they have not yet received official notification of it from Twickenham.

The shockwaves around the club over the severity of his punishment after being sent off at Altrincham Kersal, allegedly for stamping, have prompted questions about why he was advised to plead guilty by letter.

Miller was apparently keen to attend last Monday night's hearing at Brighouse, West Yorkshire, but acted on the advice of club secretary Peter Sanderson, who saw both the incident and the referee's report.

"I thought there would be no benefit in attending, but subsequent discussions with the disciplinary people have suggested otherwise," said Sanderson.

"We have not yet received the details of how they came to their decision and until we do we will not make any decision about an appeal."

The prop may not have been helped by the fact that it was a cup tie and no video evidence was available, unlike the case of Tynedale's Grant Rastall, who received a three-week ban for the same offence.

If and when the appeal goes in Miller will be free to play until it is heard, but he misses today's visit of Macclesfield, whose powerful pack will ensure a tough debut for Lee Hoggart.

Mowden Park, in contrast, are able to leave long-serving prop Ian Keeligan on the bench as Robbie Kalbraier keeps his place at home to Tynedale.

Andrew Dixon will start at hooker, but as he normally has to understudy impressive Kiwi Shaun Buckley he is believed to be considering a move to West Hartlepool.

The return of Michael Breen and Peter Phelan to the threequarters means there will be an interesting selection dilemma when Gareth Kerr and and Anthony Mellalieu return from the Dubai Sevens.

They are playing for a squad put together by Mowden's Director of Rugby, Andy Howells, who has also taken four from Tynedale, plus Blaydon's prolific try scorer Andy Fenby and scrum half James Kyle.

For the visit of Cleckheaton, Kyle's place in the Blaydon side goes to 19-year-old debutant Duncan Pollock, the son of former Scotland winger Jim Pollock, as the usual deputy, Gavin Charlton, is at a North Under 18s trial.

Prop Paul Winter and full back Ralph Smith return, with Nick Gandy switching to the wing. Flanker Duncan Brown, absent last week with a groin injury, returns for Pat Segi, who is again troubled by his shoulder.

North Two East leaders Middlesbrough entertain Old Crossleyans with Richie Barker back at No 8 and Ben Pattinson at blind side.

Martin Howe is on the bench after his three-week absence with concussion, but Paul Lee is still unfit so Lee Rust continues at fly half.

Newcastle Falcons lock Mark Sorenson hopes to start with a bang today as he makes his debut at home to NEC Harlequins in the EDF Energy Cup at Kingston Park (2.30).

The 27-year-old former Bay of Plenty lock has arrived fresh from his wedding, revealing: "I got here last Thursday after marrying Sarah in Fiji, so our honeymoon is basically in Newcastle!

"Sarah's father was born in Kent and brought up in Cardiff, so that's how the British passport comes about. It wasn't an arranged marriage or anything, we've been together for six years!"

Having switched from their regular Sunday afternoon slot to Friday evenings for home games this season, this rare Saturday outing for the Falcons comes about because all the final group games have to start at the same time.

With a semi-final place up for grabs, Sorenson said: "There has been a huge emphasis this week on just getting the win and the bonus point we need to stand a chance of going through.

"We've been told to go all-out for the four tries and to have a real blast in attack, and with Harlequins having won up here only three weeks ago it adds a bit of spice to the whole thing."

Sorenson has a few old acquaintances in the Newcastle squad, saying: "I've played with Loki Crichton for the Chiefs back home, and I've come up against Joe McDonnell for Wellington and the Hurricanes.

"Both of them are real quality players and it's nice to see a few familiar faces when you make such a big move. Having spoken to both of them they're really enjoying things here and hopefully I can have the same sort of experience."

The Falcons are skippered for the first time by former All Black prop McDonnell on his maiden home outing as regular captain Matt Burke is given a rest, along with Jamie Noon.

"Joe is captain and I think that's just reward for the start he's made with us," explained forwards coach Peter Walton.

"Right from day one he was getting stuck into the boys in training and leading by example out on the field, which is all you can ask for. He leads from the front, and we've perhaps lacked that a little since Phil Dowson's injury."