THE search is on for 13 points. That's what Blaydon believe they need to survive in National One and what West Hartlepool require to make certain of the North One East title.

With six games left, Blaydon will be looking for five of those points at home to Blackheath today and victories in their other home matches against Rosslyn Park and Otley should secure safety.

Tom Rock's side have a game in hand and are two points ahead of Redruth, who occupy the third relegation spot and have a tough match at third-placed Cambridge today.

Blaydon secretary Jim Huxley said: "I have analysed all of the bottom six club's fixtures and I think we need to get to 61 points. Any of those six could still finish in the bottom three and the next two or three weeks will be very interesting.

"Sedgley Park crept ahead of us last week when they scored three converted tries in the last five minutes to win 33-32 at Otley, who now look doomed. Otley were coasting at 32-12 then put their last three subs on."

Blaydon had Dan Kyle on the wing last week following his recovery from injury and the only choice to make today is between him and Kevin McShane, who is available again.

Tynedale hope to have prop Jonny Williams back after a neck problem for their match at Sedgley Park, where victory would do Blaydon a big favour.

West Hartlepool have four games left, starting with a trip to Carlisle, who ran them close in a 36-30 defeat in early season.

Carlisle are still not safe, but gave second-placed Percy Park a hard game last week so West will be hoping fly half Gareth Foreman continues the form which has seen him score nine tries in the last three games.

Winger Adam Larkin and lock Andrew Davies return, but Liam Bailey is still away so Andrew Dixon continues in the front row.

The battle to avoid the drop between the two Teesside clubs in National Three North has brought an impassioned plea from Billingham chairman Mark Armstrong to his players.

While Middlesbrough host third-placed Chester, Billingham go to Rossendale with Armstrong saying: "I don't usually criticise the players but there comes a time when they have to stand up and be counted or move over and let someone who wants to put their body on the line have a go.

"We have four must-win games left, four games to prove to everyone that we deserve to be in this league. We need the Green Army back louder than ever, bigger than ever. All 18 in the squad have to be that Green Army."

Boro have Callum Campbell available after his settling-in period at fly half was interrupted by a two-week absence. Now he has to settle for the wing, replacing Michael Thornburn. Iain Bradford drops to the bench to allow Carl Kirwan to play at No 8.

Darlington Mowden Park switch Charlie Masarella to the wing at Lymm as Matt Lister is ruled out by the hamstring injury he suffered last week.

Ian Hodgson returns at centre and Ralph Appleby will start at prop, with either Dan Miller or Danny Brown dropping to the bench, where 17-year-old Liam Riley will again feature.

Darlington rest skipper Andy Hodgkins for the trip to Redcar, who are 99 points behind them at the foot of Durham and Northumberland One.

It's an opportunity for Darlington to go top as Gateshead are not playing. They finish their season a week after Darlington on April 30, when they entertain Gosforth.

Chris Anderson makes his first start in Darlington's back row while his brother Danny, home from university, is on the bench.