DARLINGTON MOWDEN PARK will be hoping to extend their recent fine run of home form when they welcome Cambridge to the Darlington Arena this afternoon.

Garry Law’s side were unbeaten at home throughout February, recording important wins over Blackheath and Chinnor.

Dave Fisher has been central to their recent success, starting all of Mowden’s last five league games, and the South African lock is delighted to have been part of such a strong home resurgence.

“The boys always love playing at home and always put in a good performance," said Fisher. "We expect nothing less than a win from a home game.”

Last time out, Mowden took two bonus points from a defeat at Old Bath Road against a strong Rams side. Despite trailing by 11 points heading into the final stages, a late Euan McKirdy try ensured Mowden came away with vital league points.

Speaking about his side’s performance in his 90th game for the club, Fisher added: “I think coming away with two points is a great result, although a win would have been better. Rams are a good team and it was a good battle.”

This weekend sees sixth-placed Cambridge make the trip to the North-East, providing another tough test for Garry Law’s side.

“We’ve just been focusing on sticking to our game plan and doing what we do best," said Fisher. "We’ve been fine-tuning everything and being as ready as we can for the weekend.”

Mowden’s opposition boast an impressive record of 12 wins from their 20 games so far this season, with hooker Ben Brownlie scoring a league-leading 21 tries along the way.

DMP supporters will be encouraged by their head-to-head record against Cambridge, having won four and lost two of their eight league meetings, with draws from their two most recent clashes.

“It will be a tough, physical game," added Fisher. "A real big challenge that we are all ready for. Bring it on.”

The Mowden line-up includes three changes to the side that started against Rams last weekend.

Another South African, Josh Crickmay, comes in to start at tight-head prop, while Grayson Maguire returns to the starting pack on the blindside flank.

The backs remain largely unchanged, with the only alteration coming on the wing where Shaun McCartney makes his first league start since returning from Billingham.

Darlington Mowden Park: Jarvis, Asher-Wood, Frankland, Mackenzie, McCartney, Law, McKirdy; Appleby, Shannon, Crickmay, Fisher, Craggs, Maguire, Jones, Hodgson.