NEWCASTLE Falcons will need all the native cunning of Wales vice-captain Colin Charvis when they open their Heineken Cup campaign against Gwent Dragons at Newport today (1pm).

Capped 71 times, Charvis was one of those players signed in the summer to lend experience to the Falcons in only their second venture into the top tier of European competition.

The first, three years ago, was a flop and they also played Newport then, losing home and away.

They got back in by virtue of winning the Powergen Cup and also have Edinburgh and Perpignan in their group, with the crack French side visiting Kingston Park next Sunday.

Charvis is relishing the match against the team who lie second in the Celtic League, saying: "When I was with Swansea I played against Newport for eight years.

"Of the major cities in Wales it's really the only one that does not have a big soccer background and they are very passionate about their rugby.

"As the Dragons they are a lot stronger than they were before. Over the last few weeks they have beaten some very strong sides.

"They have international standard players in almost every position, led by the very experienced flanker Jason Forster, who I have been up against many times.

"Lock Michael Owen is one of the up-and-coming stars of Welsh rugby, and flanker Jamie Ringer is a very good player with plenty of speed and a good instinct for the game."

Newport also have South African star Percy Montgomery at centre, plus Ceri Sweeney and Gareth Cooper at half back, and former Falcons No 8 Ross Beattie on the bench.

Charvis adds: "We have to be the best we can and it's by no means out of our reach to win the game, while Director of Rugby Rob Andrew says: "Underdogs sometimes win.

"It's a fantastic challenge for us and we know we have to front up. If we do that we have a chance.

"The Dragons have looked a very rounded side but no-one has really put them under pressure. The pool is only six games and we can't afford to lose many. If we win the first away from home we will be ahead of the game."

With Jonny Wilkinson missing for the first time this season, there is a big responsibility on joint captain Ian Peel to inspire the rest of the front five to match their hosts.

Making his first start at centre, the Falcons have 18-year-old Mathew Tait up against Montgomery, with Epi Taione waiting on the bench to beef up the midfield effort if required.

Although Wilkinson will be missed, goal-kicking should not be a problem for the Falcons as they can call on either full back Matt Burke or fly half Dave Walder.

The National Three North fixtures continue to work out unkindly for Darlington, who could not have had tougher opponents than leaders Halifax for only their second home match of the season.

The first was six weeks ago and they have already had four long trips to the Midlands, earning a win and a draw in their last two games, so they are at least better off than at this stage last season.

Next week they have another tough game at third-placed Macclesfield, then entertain Cleckheaton followed by a visit to second-placed Tynedale.

Only two points behind Halifax with a game in hand, Tynedale have been the division's surprise package after losing six first-choice players.

But injuries are starting to kick in and they visit New Brighton without leading try scorer, full back Will Massey, who could be out for some time with an elbow injury, while flanker Grant Rastall is out for the season after having a shoulder pinned.

Darlington Mowden Park have signed former Featherstone Rugby League player Andrew McNally, who is normally a centre but makes his debut on the wing at Fylde.

With Tom Lauriston and Jonny Golightly injured and Gareth Kerr unavailable, Mowden have no cover in the backs and will have to switch flanker Tanginoa Fosita if there is an injury.

With Paul Evans retained at lock, giant South African Naude Pretorius has to settle for a place on the bench with fellow forwards Peni Fakalelu, Tim Wilks and Luke Monument.

Middlesbrough, who entertain North One's bottom club Altrincham Kersal, now have all three Richardson brothers reunited at the club following the return of the youngest, 21-year-old Shaun.

Normally a scrum half, where Boro are well served by Peter Wright, he is expected to play at centre with Dave and Lee either side of him.

Shaun and Dave were both at the Newcastle Falcons Academy, and while the latter spent last season with Mowden Park, Shaun went to Harrogate this season before joining Blaydon on loan, only to be injured in his first match.

It's derby day in North Two East, with Morpeth looking for their first points at home to Alnwick, while the two Hartlepool clubs just above them meet at the Friarage.

West include lock Dan Boatman in their squad after joining his brother Jonny, the former Mowden Park flanker, at the club.

Dan was earmarked to deputise for Carl Miller, who had a boxing match on Thursday night but won inside a minute and is expected to be fit.

Stockton have five players back from injury for the visit of Horden. Wayne Brown and Mark Skirving will bolster the pack while Jamie Hauxwell, Mattie Oates and Graham Kell return in the backs.

* Middlesbrough have been drawn at home to Birkenhead Park, who are five places above them in North One, in the third round of the Powergen Intermediate Cup on November 6.

Durham City face a tough tie at Morley, while Westoe are at home to Penrith and York visit Driffield.

Ties involving North-East clubs in the Junior Vase on the same day are: Gosforth v Richmond, Northallerton v Gateshead, Ripon v Sunderland, Scarborough v North Shields.