DARLINGTON MOWDEN PARK will tread new ground tomorrow as they take on Sale FC for the first time as part of a double-header that will also see the female Sharks team host Richmond.

Mowden’s men’s side host Sale FC (3pm) following their opponents’ promotion from National Two North last season, and will be looking to maintain the strong start that sees them just one point off top spot in the table.

Sale have also made a decent start, with their 184 points making them the second-highest scorers in the league, and Mowden will be looking to reproduce the fine attacking play that enabled them to claim a last-gasp win at Birmingham Moseley last weekend.

Callum Mackenzie’s dramatic late try settled things in the Midlands, with the centre making an instant impression as he made his first start since April.

“The first full 80 minutes in five months was hard work,” said Mackenzie, who crossed the line on 17 occasions last season. “It was great to score the winner, but it was a team effort to look after the ball for so long to give me the opportunity to score in the 82nd minute.

“Sale have come up this year and seem to have had a good start. They had a big win last week, so they will be on a high. However, this is their first visit to the Arena, knowing it is a hard place to come and win. It will be a hard contest, but I’m in no doubt of a Mowden win.”

Mackenzie retains his place in tomorrow’s starting line-up, with director of rugby Danny Brown having made three changes from the side that won at Moseley. Ollie Walker comes in on the wing, with the dual-registered Jack Payne and Jamie Blamire starting in the front row alongside Alfie Barron.

Once the men’s side have completed their game, the Sharks will take centre-stage for a Tyrells Premier 15 match against Richmond (5pm).

The game will see a potential debut for Scottish prop Lindsey Smith, with the 33-year-old having been named amongst the home side’s replacements.

“We’re thrilled to announce the signing of Lindsey Smith,” said Sharks head of programme Justin Loveridge. “Lindsey is not a newcomer to Sharks, having previously played for the club seven years ago under Jo Hull.

“Bringing a quality international front-row player will only help with competition for places, which is already fierce.

“With 42 caps for Scotland, she will bring that little bit of experience to our young squad as well as a strong competitive edge on the pitch. We’re looking forward to seeing what Lindsey has to offer.”

Darlington Mowden Park: Georgiou, Walker, Law, Mackenzie, Asher-Wood, Seals, Dudman; Barron, Blamire, Payne, Brady, Vaioleti, Duffy, Stokes, Craggs.

Darlington Mowden Park Sharks: Morton, Dewar, Woosey, Thomson, Blount, Blacklock, Roberts; Cockburn, Kerr, Lewis, Cowan, Bell, Nash, Hobson, Manson.