Blaydon's Chilean duo to turn heat on derby rivals

The National Three North leaders have selected lock forward Patricio Desmond and fly half Juan Pablo Guzman, who have both arrived on six-month holiday visas.

They were recommended by their club coach, who is a former college friend of Blaydon's Director of Rugby, Nick Gandy.

He believes there are several players in Chile capable of performing at National One level in this country.

Guzman, who has already played for Blaydon seconds, was in the Chile team which faced Argentina in the Pumas' warm-up game before their recent win against England.

He also played against the England Counties XV which went to South America three years ago, when ex-Blaydon lock Jason Oakes, now with Newcastle Falcons, was in the touring squad.

Guzman is a goal-kicker and his arrival is not good news for Richard Windle and Dan Kyle, who have contested the No 10 jersey recently. Windle is the division's fourth highest points scorer with 107, just ahead of Darlington Mowden Park's Anthony Mellalieu.

Blaydon may not play both Chileans on a regular basis, however, as they are allowed only two overseas players and Australian Peter Altona will have to stand down today, with skipper Dave Guthrie returning at No 8, having played at lock prior to his neck injury.

They are also able to include Tongan newcomer Sami Soanoe as Pacific Islanders do not have to be considered overseas players because of an EU trade agreement.

Soanoe was on the wing when he scored a try on his debut last week, but he switches to the centre as Martin Shaw has a groin strain. Andy Fenby reverts to the wing from full back as Ralph Smith returns.

Lock Jimmy Houghton is ruled out by a head wound which required six stitches, while Liam Gumbrill, who played in the cup defeat at Nuneaton, comes in at prop with both Justin Clarke and Marcus Cockburn injured.

The referee is travelling from the Wirral and a decision on whether the match goes ahead is likely to be left until he arrives.

Darlington are holding a pitch inspection at 9am, when it is likely to be a tough decision over whether to stop Hull Ionians travelling. In recent days the ground has been unplayable in the mornings but there has been some thaw by the afternoon.

Darlington are keen to play, especially as there is now some doubt about their postponed match at Morley going ahead next week, when the hosts will have a few players missing.

Darlington eventually decided against imposing their own ban on prop Dan Miller, and having lodged an appeal against his eight-week RFU suspension they were awaiting clearance last night for him to play today.

He has already served three weeks, which was the length of suspension received by Tynedale flanker Grant Rastall for the same offence.

The registration of fly half Rory Wood has not come through, so Craig Lee continues at No 10 with Simon Crozier returning at outside centre and Alex Lineton dropping to the bench.

After winning their last two league games by one point, Darlington will be hoping for something a little more comfortable against visitors they beat by the same margin in October.

Alan Brown's two tries last week took his total to eight, and lifted him to fifth place in the league, although he is seven behind the leader, Fylde's Nick Royle.

Mowden Park have granted Jason Smithson's wish to play at West Park St Helens, despite his adductor muscle problem.

Chris Dodd also comes into the back row, with Chris Wearmouth and Tim Wilks dropping to the bench, where they are joined by Newcastle Development XV winger James Hamer.

If he is to be regularly available he will add to the selection difficulties, especially when Michael Breen returns from a Christmas break in Australia. There appears to be no way back into the frame for Ben Allerton, who had established himself at centre prior to an injury.

After going on for only ten minutes when among the replacements at Leicester Lions last week, Ian Keeligan has asked for 80 minutes in the second team, so Robbie Kalbraier is the front-row replacement.