Darlington Mowden Park try yet another centre combination today when last week's two-try hero Matt Howland is partnered by Durham University's Jonno Wilson.

Among several centres they tried without great success last season was Mark Wilkinson and eyebrows were raised yesterday when they heard that he is in the Newcastle Falcons team to entertain Leeds Tykes tomorrow.

Wilson returns for the trip to Preston Grasshoppers after missing the last two games through injury, replacing Hehea Paino, who hasn't quite shaken off an ankle niggle and is named on the bench.

Paino might have to start at No 8, however, as skipper Aaron Redaelli suffered a rib injury in training on Thursday.

The other Tongan, Kivahanoa Faleovalu, could be out for two more weeks with a knee injury, so Jon Dye retains his place in the back row.

The player Mowden have missed most from their back row, Tony Irwin, is still having trouble with his ankle and went for yet another scan yesterday, while Ian James has a similar problem and is unlikely to play for two months.

Chris Mattison, injured in the pre-match warm-up last week, could be back for the Powergen Cup second round tie at Kendal next week, but his place on the wing today goes to Iain Dixon.

Jonny Golightly has the chance to stake his claim for a lengthy run at fly half, although Kevan Oliphant's injury may not be as serious as first feared.

He has had two hospital checks on the knee he damaged in the cup win against the Grasshoppers and is awaiting the results.

Relegated from National Two, Grasshoppers have lost their first three games in Three North and will be keen to open their account after losing 40-38 to an injury-time try at Yiewsley Drive last week.

Mowden had Falcons' coach Steve Bates to take their training session on Thursday, and while he made a big impression he will be more anxious to get things right back at Kingston Park.

The Falcons beat Leeds home and away last year, but the Tykes are unbeaten in four Premiership matches this season and have a goal-kicker in Braam van Straaten who is the equal of Jonny Wilkinson.

Newcastle are next to the bottom after one win in four games and will not be helped by lock Hugh Vyvyan having to serve a one-match ban for three yellow cards.

He is replaced by Craig Hamilton in an inexperienced pack which has Ian Peel and Micky Ward at prop and Jon Dunbar and Rob Devonshire on the flanks in the absence of knee injury victim Epi Taione.

Rob Andrew has allowed last season's first choice open side, Andrew Mower, to join the new Scottish district side, the Borders, on loan until February 8.

Mower, who won four Scotland caps last season, sees the move as a chance to keep his name in the international frame, although he first has to recover from a knee injury.

Darlington entertain Chester in North One and have Dave Haswell at full back, with Phil Heslop dropping down to the bench.

Hooker Dan Osleton has a shoulder injury, so Rob Goddard returns and Phil Mott keeps his place at blind side, with Bryan Dixon at No 8 and Del Lewis at lock.

Teesside rugby's steady decline will be under the spotlight when Middlesbrough entertain Stockton in North Two East.

Player-coach John Dixon will start for Boro, with Mark O'Halloran on the bench, while Andy Micklewright and Peter Wright will decide between them who takes the kicks.

"We are still looking for a goal-kicker," admitted Dixon. "It's also a problem at restarts, so we are hoping we don't have to do too many kick-offs!

"No doubt Stockton will be fired up for it, but we will just try to play our game and match them in the commitment stakes."

Stockton expect their pack to be at full strength, while centres Steve Thornton and Mattie Oates hope to pass late fitness tests.

Blaydon hand a National Three North debut to South African centre Rock Manuel at Waterloo, while Vinnie Bell comes in at full back and Jason Davies reverts to fly half.

Former British Lion Mike Weston will officially open Billingham's new clubhouse at noon tomorrow, with a game between two teams of club members, male and female, to follow at 2pm.

The Durham and Northumberland Division One club visit Percy Park today, while leaders Hartlepool Rovers are at home to Durham City and there will be a clash of old friends when Acklam's assistant coach Colin White goes back to Gosforth.

l The draw for North-East teams involved in the second round of the Powergen Intermediate Cup on October 19 is as follows: Barnard Castle v Durham City, Consett v Gateshead, Hartlepool v Westoe, Horden v West Hartlepool TDSOB, Percy Park v Gosforth, Winlaton v North Shields