Jonny Wilkinson is on course to play at Twickenham this season if Newcastle Falcons reach the Powergen Cup final on April 17.

The fly-half underwent shoulder surgery last month, ruling him out of Six Nations contention.

But if the Falcons win their semi-final at home to Division One club Pertemps Bees on Sunday (2.15) the World Cup hero might feature against against Sale Sharks or Leeds.

''I've a feeling there is still a sting in the tail to come from Jonny this season,'' said Newcastle rugby director Rob Andrew.

''I think he will make his mark. The cup final is within range. But we have to win the semi-final."

* The two Darlington clubs, who have dominated the Durham Cup in recent seasons, are under pressure to make a decision about this year's first round ties.

They have been asked to follow Blaydon's example by playing on Sunday, March 21, the day after they meet each other at Blackwell Meadows in a National Three North fixture.

In the interests of getting the competition moving, Blaydon have agreed to host Hartlepool Rovers the day after visiting Fylde in a league match.

That will enable the winners to entertain West Hartlepool or Horden on the scheduled cup semi-final day of March 27. West are due to play Horden the previous Saturday.

The other half of the draw is facing deadlock, with Darlington visiting Westoe and Mowden Park away to Stockton. The winners at Stockton have home advantage in the semi-finals.

After rearranging their league match at Liverpool St Helens for March 27, Mowden do not have a free Saturday until April 24, the scheduled date for the county cup final.

The Durham Challenge Trophy quarter-final draw is: Jarrovians or Yarm v Sunderland or Bishop Auckland, Hartlepool Athletic v Winlaton, Chester-le-Street v West Amateurs or Hartlepool BBOB, Seaham v South Tyneside College or Wearside.