IT is such a long shot for Newcastle Falcons to clinch fourth place in the Zurich Premiership this weekend that their priority will be the European Shield.

They face Harlequins in the semi-final at Headingley next Sunday knowing that winning the Shield will clinch a place next season in the senior European event, the Heineken Cup.

Rob Andrew is desperate for his men to compete at that level for the first time, and although the Premiership play-off finalists also qualify for the Heineken Cup, the Shield looks a safer bet for the Falcons.

They are already sure of a place in the play-offs - they can finish no lower than sixth - but to earn a home tie by finishing fourth they would have to take maximum points from their final game at Saracens tomorrow and hope that Northampton gained nothing from Monday's trip to Bristol.

The likelihood is that Newcastle and Saracens are scrapping for fifth place, which would earn a play-off trip to Northampton in two weeks rather than Bath or Wasps for the losers.

The play-off semis and final are on the following two weekends, with the European Shield final not until May 19.

With an eye on the Shield, Newcastle will almost certainly rest flanker Andy Mower tomorrow because of a hamstring strain.

Liam Botham is just getting back into training after a similar injury, but is unlikely to be considered as Inga Tuigamala will want another run-out after starting his comeback from an elbow operation at Rotherham on Tuesday.

Andrew will not announce his side until just before kick-off, but Saracens have South African Jannie de Beer making his debut.

The man whose five drop goals knocked England out of the 1999 World Cup is on trial with Saracens after recovering from a knee injury.

In Newcastle's home match against Saracens in November, David Walder played at fly half and scored all 32 points - a Premiership record - in a 32-27 win.

North Division One leaders Darlington Mowden Park visit third-placed Sheffield today with Durham University's John Hodgson at prop.

He replaces Dave Sinclair, who has had an operation on a knee injury suffered at work. Although the damage to Sinclair's medial and cruciate ligaments looks likely to curtail his career, he is determined to be fit for the top-of-the-table match at home to Blaydon.

Mowden will have two more Durham University men in their line-up as Will Green returns at scrum half and flanker Will Mawby is retained after a good performance last week.

After the team was selected both Tony Irwin and Aaron Radaelli declared themselves fit, but while Radaelli is on the bench Irwin will have to wait for next week's rescheduled visit of Hull Ionians.

With the postponed game against Alnwick unlikely to be played, Darlington complete their North Two East programme with a trip to Bridlington.

Irrespective of the result, they will be at home in the promotion play-off, which looks certain to be against Aldwinians.

Despite dropping ten points in North Two West, compared with Darlington's four, Manchester-based Aldwinians need only one point from four games to finish second to West Park.

As one of those four games is against Penrith, who have suspended fixtures, it might be possible to bring the play-off date forward a couple of weeks from May 19.

Either way Darlington will continue to train as normal as they don't want the season to end in anti-climax after their Durham Cup triumph.

"It's always nice to win cups but success is measured in the leagues," said skipper David Andrew. "We have beaten the top two sides in North One this season so there's no reason why we can't continue to progress.

"Some people might think we should settle for North One, but if you don't have ambition and look to create success there's nothing to spur players on."

Rob Goddard was injured in the cup final, and with Brian Baldwin unavailable Rob Jones will be hooking today, while Phil Lancaster drops to the bench to give Joe Osleton a game.

l Newcastle's England A centre Tom May is among the 12 nominations for the first BT Cellnet Award for Excellence in England Rugby. It is the first official award created to recognise uncapped English rugby talent.

Fans can vote for their choice on the BT Cellnet website (www.btcellnet.net) and the winner will be announced at the RFU Charity Awards ceremony on May 17.

l Sale could round-off a successful week with victory over Wasps at Heywood Road this afternoon in their last Premiership match of the season.

The Manchester outfit threw themselves a Zurich Championship lifeline on Tuesday night with a 43-18 mauling of London Irish, one of their rivals for eighth place in the Premiership and the last play-off spot.

Success against Wasps will ensure the Sharks a berth in the play-offs, guaranteeing them a tie at Premiership champions Leicester.

Sale have been buoyed by their midweek exertions and coach Jim Mallinder insists his players are relishing the challenge facing them today.

''We're looking forward to playing Wasps and we'll approach the match with a smile on our faces after Tuesday's game,'' he said.

''It's going to be very difficult to beat them - they are a quality side. Bath, Leicester and Wasps are the teams that are up there at the moment.

''Over the last few weeks Wasps have been playing particularly well, but we are looking forward to the challenge.

"We set out a benchmark on Tuesday night and hopefully we'll improve on that tomorrow.

The Sharks were given an added boost on Tuesday with the news that club captain and England A international Alex Sanderson has signed a one-year contract extension. The highly-rated flanker will play today.