WHILE all other rugby in the region falls victim to the weather, Newcastle Falcons are hopeful that tomorrow's match against Harlequins will go ahead at Kingston Park.

A Northampton company employed by English First Division Rugby to make pitches playable in Arctic conditions have brought in hot air blowers.

Coach Steve Bates said last night: "The pitch looked a bit of a mess this afternoon with covers and blowers everywhere and a lot of snow around. But they are pretty optimistic they can get the match on."

Newcastle have delayed selection until tomorrow morning, with several players nursing bumps and bruises as they prepare for their third game in eight days.

Inga Tuigamala has a leg injury and flanker Andrew Mower a twisted ankle, but centre Jamie Noon is back in contention and Liam Botham also trained yesterday after missing Wednesday's win against Bristol.

The Falcons are likely to keep Jonny Wilkinson's deputy David Walder at full back for a third game, with Bates saying: "He has adjusted to it very well. The match at Gloucester was a baptism of fire for him but he coped very well.

"Because of the refereeing problems we have had we are trying to be more pragmatic and play a bit more territorially.

"Referees are awarding penalties anywhere on the pitch and if you give them away in your own half you concede three points.

"We are adjusting to the way the game is developing and it's necessary to have someone else in the backs who can kick consistently well and has the confidence to do it."

Michael Stephenson's suspect kicking is the main reason he has been moved from full back to the wing and Bates added: "It has been a positive move. He has done well in his two games on the wing so far.

"He had a great start to the season, but it's his first full season and he needs to play more rugby without the responsibility of being at the back."

Lock Hugh Vyvyan has not recovered from his ankle injury, but might be fit for next Saturday's Tetley's Bitter Cup semi-final at home to Sale.

While a second trip to Twickenham in three years is a big incentive, the priority is to finish in the top four of the Premiership to ensure a home tie in the play-offs.

So the Falcons will be concentrating on beating second bottom Harlequins by as big a margin as possible before turning their attentions to the semi-final.

lDARLINGTON Mowden Park winger Scott Thompson is back home after a successful operation to repair the arm which was almost severed in an accident involving a plate glass window.

The operation involved micro-surgery and the surgeons are optimistic that 21-year-old Thompson will make a full recovery.

The threat of a lack of wingers is receding, with Steve Jones expected to have recovered from his back problem to play in next Saturday's game at Stockton. Chris Mattison has less chance of being fit because of his recurring calf problem, but either John Stewart or Jonathan Golightly could step in