SCOTLAND lock Stuart Grimes is back in the Newcastle Falcons starting line-up at London Irish tomorrow, with the expected return of skipper Mark Andrews put on hold.

Andrews has served his four-match suspension but is being given time to recover fully from a chest problem.

Grimes was on the bench last week following his return from the World Cup, but now joins Garath Archer, with Hugh Vyvyan reverting to No 8 at the expense of Phil Dowson.

Front row men Marius Hurter, David Wilson and Nick Makin join Dowson and Jon Dunbar on the bench, with forwards coach Andrew Blades explaining: "We want five forwards n the bench because London Irish are a big, physical side."

The two backs replacements are James Grindal and Phil Godman, with Hall Charlton and Dave Walder again starting at half back.

On the subject of Andrews, Blades said: "With Stuart Grimes, Garath Archer and Craig Hamilton we are comfortable with our strength in depth in the second row.

"Mark had to play at the start of the season because we needed him, but now we can afford to give him time to get fully fit."

The predominance of forwards on the bench means there is no place for Martin Shaw, even though the Falcons have retained his registration after recalling him from Darlington Mowden Park.

Their academy boys are also unavailable for Mowden's trip to Dudley Kingswinford, with the exception of Martyn Bray and Gareth Kerr.

They team up at centre with David Richardson and Andy Foreman on the wings, while Chris Blacklock has to settle for a place on the bench on his return from injury.

There is still no sign of Vaha Faleovalu, who is supposed to be on his way from Tonga, but Richard Arnold stays in the back row as his expected one-match ban has not materialised.

His third yellow card of the season last week was deemed to be for a technical offence, and the rules now state that a ban does not come into force until a player has three yellow cards for foul play.

Hooker Tasi Tuhana returns after injury, Tony Irwin is at lock and with Jon Dye's shoulder problem recurring in training Jonny Boatman gets the vacant back-row spot.

Darlington have flanker Del Lewis back for the visit of Kendal following his trip to Australia to watch some World Cup games.

His return allows Mark Butler to revert to the wing, but the rest of the backs stay the same, with Dave Haswell again deputising for injured skipper Paul Lee at fly half.

Matt Dilworth again partners Richard Snowball at lock following Richie Taylor's late withdrawal last week.

Stockton have Jeremy Good back at fly half for their match at home to York in North Two East, allowing Nicki Walters to revert to full back. Centre Graham Kell returns at the expense of Ian Still.

West Hartlepool have recalled lock Andrew Davies for the visit of bottom club Northern. Durham have lifted his ban until his citing by West Park St Helens has been before an RFU hearing.

Another cited player, Longton flanker Paul Sheldon, has been banned for four weeks for the punch which required Blaydon's Jimmy Houghton to have 21 stitches in an eye injury.

While there was some surprise that the ban was not for a longer period, Blaydon chairman Jim Huxley said: "We feel justified in the citing.

"Longton were represented by a solicitor, but we put our own case together and would like to thank those responsible."