DARLINGTON Mowden Park have signed lock Chris Wearmouth from Durham City and he will make his debut in today's EDF Energy Cup tie at home to Cleckheaton.

After playing for Durham Under-20s, the former Barnard Castle player, who comes from a Weardale farming family, joined City before the start of last season.

He was approached by Mowden early this week after they ran into a second-row crisis with Iain Robinson, Anthony Peck and Luke Monument all injured.

They also expected the only lock left standing, South African Naude Pretorius, to be suspended at an RFU hearing. But his sending-off for two yellow card offences against Morley was considered sufficient punishment.

He will partner Wearmouth today, while also making his debut is former Seaton Carew scrum half Martin Lithgo, who has played for British Universities. He joined the club at the start of the season but has been injured.

Newcastle student Rob Kalbraier, who impressed when he joined late last season, is given an outing in the front row, while Matt Barker comes in on the wing as Gareth Kerr switches to centre for the injured Michael Breen.

Blaydon also give three newcomers their first senior starts in their tie at Percy Park, including the hosts' former captain, Marcus Cockburn. He is joined in the front row by dental student Robin Kyle, a powerful hooker, who is one of three with the same surname in the squad.

He is unrelated to brothers Dan and James Kyle, of whom the latter will be on the bench while the former makes his debut at fly half after joining from Durham City at the start of the season.

Gavin Charlton starts at scrum half, Nick Gandy comes in at centre to give Martin Shaw a rest, and Selwyn St Bernard is at blind side.

Skipper Dave Guthrie returns as his deputy last week, Dave Falconer, has been suspended after the first dismissal of his 14-year career. He threw a punch after having his ear bitten in a second-team match.

As last week's other lock, Paul Clark, picked up a shoulder injury, James Houghton will partner Guthrie.

Darlington will have Craig Lee and Alan Brown on the bench in case they run into unexpected difficulties at home to Broadstreet. Simon Crozier switches to partner Ben Snook at centre, with James Beattie coming in on the wing.

Tyldesley yesterday cried off from their Intermediate Cup tie at West Hartlepool, explaining that nine of their squad work for the same engineering company who face a sudden crisis and require them all to work this weekend.

The loss of Wearmouth has added to Durham City's problems for the trip to Broughton Park, and last night they were still not sure what their line-up would be.

With Will Rubie and Chris Mattioson ruled out, they are hoping Richard Stanley can play on the wing after a three-week absence.

Coach Mark McCreaddie will play at scrum half as Ben Stevenson is injured, and Stuart Smithson will switch from the back row to take Wearmouth's place at lock.

Darren McKinnon returns at No 8, but with Howard Johnson injured James Ford is likely to start at blind side.

Newcastle Falcons, who visit French club Brive today in the European Challenge Cup, have announced a formal link-up with National Division One club Otley.

Director of Rugby, John Fletcher, said: "We have been looking to set up a relationship with a National One club for some time and we are delighted that Otley see the benefits to both parties.

"It allows some of our squad members who may not be involved with the first team to get match experience at National One level.

"Otley is a club with an excellent youth policy and once their players are over the age of 18 then there will be the opportunity for them to play for our development team and train with the squad."

The deal does not affect the Falcons' existing relationships with local clubs and universities, Fletcher stating: "We will still work very closely with the teams in our region."