DURHAM are determined to revive their County Championship ambitions this season under the new coaching team of Mowden Park's Pete Taylor and Billingham's Chris Hyndman.

Blaydon player-coach Tom Rock is also keen to be involved, along with a much larger proportion of his squad than in recent seasons.

An initial squad has been selected and 37 players turned out at Durham University's Maiden Castle sports centre on Wednesday night.

"It went really well," said Taylor. "We asked all the clubs to nominate players and every club has bought into what we are trying to do.

"We originally had 70 players nominated, but Westoe have had to withdraw because they will be playing league matches on the first two of the three county dates.

"Durham University also have other commitments, so the squad is dominated by Blaydon, Mowden Park and Billingham, but there is a smattering of players from several other clubs and there are some very promising lads knocking about.

"On April 20 we will announce a squad of around 28, then we'll train on April 27 and on the Thursday before each game."

Durham's first match is against Northumberland at Tynedale on May 7.

Westoe might yet have to play on the third county date if they qualify for a promotion play-off, for which they will be hot favourites if they win away to National Two North leaders Fylde tomorrow.

They were the last team to beat Fylde, winning 23-5 at home in November, since when the Lancashire club have recorded 13 successive wins.

They have the benefit of ex-England winger Jason Robinson turning out for them in home games.

Middlesbrough recall Carl Kirwan at No 8 for tomorrow's visit of Chester, who lie third in National Three North, but will probably have to do without him against Lymm in two weeks.

Both Kirwan and centre Peter Homan are expected to retain their places in the Yorkshire team for the Under 20 Championship semi-final against Gloucestershire at Halifax on April 17.

The two sides have met at Twickenham in the last three finals, Gloucestershire winning the first two and Yorkshire the third.

Kirwan and Homan are in the North team to face the Midlands at Morley on April 6, when they will be joined by the Westoe pair, No 8 Ben Morris and winger Tommy Banks.

Tynedale prop Matt Shields will captain the side an d Blaydon scrum half Matt Mellish is among the replacements.

Stockton visit Ryton on Saturday with half backs Rob Green and Jeremy Good back in the side. Andy Bare is unavailable and coach Craig Lee stands down. Anthony Parkinson returns to the back row with Todd Highfield making way in a reshuffled pack.