BLAYDON fly the flag for the North-East in the Powergen Cup tomorrow, when they entertain Wharfedale hoping to reach the third round for the first time.

The Durham Cup holders' only win in the national knockout against a team from a higher league was at Derby in 1996.

But they feel they have a real chance against their Division Two visitors, who have lost three of their last four ties against teams from lower divisions. The winners will be away to Orrell in two weeks.

Flanker Ross Duncan is unavailable for Blaydon, and there are doubts about scrum half Micky Dungait and winger Dave Grand. But Nick Williams, Dave Marwick and Fatu Tulaga return to the squad.

Hayden Cullen, a 17st back row forward from New Zealand, arrives today and could play in tomorrow's second team game at home to Darlington Mowden Park.

Mowden will include their new 19st lock Naude Pretorius, who arrived from South Africa this week. Aged 21, he will be eligible for his senior debut in next week's home game against Bedford Athletic.

Neither Mowden nor Darlington have a first team game tomorrow following their first round Powergen exits, but Mowden will use the second team game to give outings to senior squad men such as Tim Wilks and Jonny Golightly.

Kelekolio Paino had a successful back operation on Monday and will make use of Newcastle Falcons' facilities in a bid to get fit by Christmas.

Stockton entertain West Hartlepool in North Two East with both teams on one win from three games. Lock Mark Skirving fractured an eye socket last week, so Brett Wildridge switches to the second row for Stockton with Phil Austen coming into the back row.

Gary Skirving is free of work commitments and comes into contention for the loose head position, although Russ Alderson made a solid debut there last week.

Another prop in the frame is former Sunderland and Middlesbrough player John Buddington, who is now living nearby.

Skipper Wayne Brown (knee) and utility back Graeme Kell (ankle) face late fitness tests.

With scheduled hosts Chester on Powergen Cup duty, Middlesbrough have arranged a home game against Harrogate seconds and take the opportunity to try Neil Baggett in his favoured position of fly half following his success at full back.

Two more ex-colts in lock Michael Tebbs and centre Richard Metcalfe are given a chance with several players injured.

The latest casualty is centre Martin Featherstone, who broke a thumb last week and will be out for six to eight weeks.

Utility back Ali Little broke his wrist the previous week and faces three months on the sidelines, but it is hoped that full back Simon Moore will be back in two weeks.

* Newcastle Falcons expect tomorrow's Sky Televised match at home to Leicester to be a 10,000 sell-out and urge anyone wanting a ticket to ring the hotline on 0871 226 6060.