THE Durham Cup final will be put back 24 hours to Sunday, April 27 unless Blaydon win their National Three North match at Tynedale tomorrow.

Blaydon need to win one of their two remaining games to be sure of avoiding relegation and as they recently lost at home to Tynedale their best bet is to win away to bottom club Scunthorpe next week.

If they have to wait until then to ensure survival the county have granted them permission to delay their cup semi-final at home to Westoe until April 23, with the final being delayed to give them an extra day to recover.

Should they beat Tynedale their semi-final will be next Wednesday with the final going ahead on the scheduled date.

Darlington Mowden Park, who entertain Darlington in the other semi next Wednesday (6.30), have registered Newcastle Falcons Academy centre Sandy Mitchell and hope to play him at Hull Ionians tomorrow.

One game would make him eligible for the county cup, so the other academy centre Nick Wainwright is already qualified, although he is unavailable again tomorrow.

Mitchell, who played in the second half for the Falcons' senior side against the Borders last week, will partner Anthony Elwine at centre, with Matt Howland switching to the wing for Steve Jones.

Mowden could have a problem at fly half. Mark Bedworth had further treatment on his elbow yesterday but remains doubtful, while last week's deputy Iain Dixon has a knee injury and is rated 50/50.

Blaydon have prop Dan Harper back from suspension tomorrow and skipper Dave Guthrie will return to the back row after injury. Nathan Ridd should be fit to play on the wing.

In the Durham Intermediate Cup the first semi-final goes ahead at Gateshead, who face Consett next Wednesday (6.15). Hartlepool and Winlaton Vulcans have yet to agree a date for the other match.