NEWCASTLE Falcons welcome in-form Sale Sharks to Kingston Park tomorrow in what is a must-win game for Rob Andrew's flagging side.

However, manager Andrew is well aware that despite the massive importance of the fixture to Newcastle's Heineken Cup ambitions following three away defeats, the tie is sure to be overshadowed by events that took place during the previous League meeting between the clubs.

Last September, third-placed Sale ran out 37-11 winners at Heywood Park - a defeat that Andrew described at the time in comparative terms to an England football side losing to Albania.

The match was also dominated by the Falcons' decision to cite Sale's Peter Anglesea for allegedly gouging Jon Dunbar.

Flanker Anglesea received a 12-month ban, which was subsequently overturned on appeal.

But manager Andrew is confident that such events will have no bearing on tomorrow's action.

Newcastle, eager to consolidate fifth place in the league following some hefty recent defeats, are again without Dave Walder due to his continuing hamstring problem. The Falcons have now referred him to a specialist for a detailed diagnosis.

Liam Botham will be at full-back with Michael Stephenson returning on the wing.

Jonny Wilkinson will captain the side from fly-half, while changes up front after the defeat against Harlequins last time out include recalls for prop Marius Hurter and back-row man Jon Dunbar.

Meanwhile, Sale coach Jim Mallinder is ''reasonably hopeful'' England star Jason Robinson will take his place in the starting XV. Robinson missed England's Six Nations stroll against Wales last weekend because of an abdominal muscle injury, but features among a 23-man squad.

Fly-half Charlie Hodgson, another England absentee six days ago, has recovered from ankle trouble and will start at Kingston Park.

Falcons: L Botham; G Maclure; J Noon; T May; M Stephenson; J Wilkinson (capt); H Charlton; M Ward; S Brotherstone; M Hurter; H Vyvyan; S Grimes; E Taione; R Arnold; J Dunbar.

Replacements: I Peel; N Makin; D Weir; P Lam; R Devonshire; G Armstrong; V Tuigamala.

The form of Darlington Mowden Park's new scrum half Richard Holborough has been a real kick in the teeth for Richard Woollam.

The 20-year-old medical student, missing from Mowden's quarter-final triumph over Blaydon in the Durham Senior Cup after having some teeth knocked out at Sandal, returns to the starting line-up for the visit of bottom-club West Hartlepool, following the all-clear from his dentist.

Holborough, described as a 'revelation' by first-team secretary Jim Dyson since joining Mowden last month, this afternoon replaces regular number nine Woollam in a dress rehearsal of their cup semi-final due to take place on April 9.

Mowden, buoyed after their cup success, are favourites to beat a side that have won only twice all season.

However, Dyson remains cautious. "West have got some very skilful players and they play with lots of commitment," he said.

"We beat them at our place, but only just, in the last few minutes. It was a very hard game and on the day they deserved to beat us."

James Isaacson has failed a fitness test on his ankle so Dave Sinclair will move across the front row to tight head prop, while Ian Keeligan comes in at loose head.

Matt Hall will play at hooker, which means Danny Brown, who has just returned from a skiing trip, will start the match on the replacements' bench.

Lock Richard Mangles, who missed the Cup win over Blaydon through work commitments, also returns to the starting XV for the rested Steve Sanderson.

Team: M Bedworth; C Mattleson; Steve Jones; C Strong; N Kent; K Oliphant; R Holborough; I Keeligan; M Hall; D Sinclair; J Marston; R Mangles; J Boatman; D McKinnon; T Wilkes.

Replacements' bench: D Brown; D Russell; L Monument; M Wilkinson.

Local pride will sadly be the only thing at stake for Blaydon as they tackle nearest rivals Tynedale in National Division Three North.

After losing to Mowden in the last eight of the Durham Senior Cup last Saturday, mid-table Blaydon have very little to play for except avenging their 19-10 defeat at Tynedale in February.

However, Blaydon chairman Jim Huxley remains confident that the derby will at least attract the biggest home crowd of the season.

For Blaydon, James Lofthouse returns from playing in the Hong Kong Sevens to replace Nick Gandy at fly half, who in turn moves to centre. Phil Ritson takes Tasi Tuhana's place at hooker.

Tynedale field the side that beat second-placed Dudley Kingswinford last weekend.

In North Division One, Darlington are left without a match over Easter after opponents Aspatria pulled out this week due to cup commitments. Darlington, who desperately need to win to revive any lingering hopes of reaching the play-offs, are due to travel to Aspatria next Saturday.

Stockton also have a free weekend as opponents Hartlepool Rovers play a re-arranged Durham and Northumberland League match against Ryton.

Seaton Carew host holders Hartlepool in the Durham Trophy final at Hornby Park today (3pm) in the third consecutive final meeting for the town neighbours