NEWCASTLE Falcons have their first-choice centre pairing of Jamie Noon and Tom May back in harness for tomorrow's Tetley's Bitter Cup semi-final at home to Sale.

No sooner had Rob Andrew released Scotland's John Leslie than Noon and May were both injured and when Liam Botham switched to centre he damaged a shoulder.

Botham has been back in training this week, but the England A wing, who was an ever-present in the Falcons line-up until injured, has lost out to Michael Stephenson.

''It was probably the most difficult selection we have had this season,'' said director of rugby Andrew.

''With everyone fit except Hugh Vyvyan we knew we would have problems deciding on our back line with Jamie Noon, Epi Taione and Liam Botham all fit again.

''We wanted Noon back in the centre alongside May, but Michael Stephenson has done well on the wing in the last two games and David Walder has also played well at full-back and we have decided to stick with them.

''Liam and Epi will be unhappy, but it's no reflection on their contribution to the club and I have no doubt they will be needed in forthcoming games.''

Botham does not even make the bench with Andrew opting for utility back Ross Cook, who played in the centre against Bristol.

Team: D Walder, M Stephenson, J Noon, T May, V Tuigamala, J Wilkinson, G Armstrong, I Peel, R Nesdale, M Hurter, S Grimes, D Weir, R Arnold, A Mower, R Beattie.

With Sale bringing 15 coachloads for the 1.45 kick-off, Falcons are expecting a crowd of over 6,000 as they attempt to reach Twickenham for the second time in three years.

Also on the Twickenham trail are Blaydon, who should win their fifth round Intermediate Cup tie against their visitors from Rugby, Old Laurentians, who are fifth in Midlands Two West.

Blaydon have a new second row pairing of former Durham School boy Paul Bird and James Houghton, who has rejoined the club after a spell with Harrogate.

Both are 6ft 7in and get their chance as Jason Oakes has a shoulder injury and Dave Guthrie has switched to the back row to cover for other injuries.

Former West Hartlepool TDSOB winger Iain Dixon, normally a speedy winger, is selected at centre as Dean Michniewicz does not return from Australia until next week.

Stockton's player-coach Alan Brown has not yet had clearance to play after his hand operation, so they will entertain Darlington Mowden Park with the side which led until the final minutes of their match at Bradford and Bingley two weeks ago.

Also in North Division One, Middlesbrough visit Hull Ionians with Paul Gaynon making his debut at tight head prop.

With Ben and Chris Horton unavailable, they also draft in Ross Groves at hooker, while Tony Wilkinson continues his comeback in the second row.

Irish flier Wes Henry returns on the wing in place of Danny Poole and Andy Baggett is again at fly half with Ashley Parker on the bench as he awaits a leg operation