DARLINGTON MOWDEN PARK go in search of their fifth win of the league season tomorrow when they welcome Sedgley Park to the Darlington Arena.
Garry Law’s side will aim to build on last weekend’s away win over league leaders, Rams, in a game which coincides with the club’s Armed Forces Day.
Mowden currently sit tenth in the National One table, but could climb as high as fifth win a win this weekend.
Last weekend saw them run out 41-36 winners at Rams, the home side’s first home defeat in over 12 months. Tries from Harry Yates, Ollie Fletcher, Louie Johnson and Corben Ollivent had seen Mowden lead by 12 points at the break, before a dramatic late comeback from Rams saw the hosts claim two losing bonus points.
The result was Mowden’s third away win of the campaign, leaving them with the best away record in the league. Their home form has been inconsistent however, a record they’ll be looking to improve tomorrow.
Their opponents, Sedgley Park, have made a strong start to life in the third tier after winning promotion from National Two at the end of last season. The North-West side have won six of their opening eight matches, including impressive victories over Chinnor and Richmond.
Sedgley Park’s ranks have been bolstered with the addition of former Mowden fly-half Warren Seals, who leads the league’s points scoring charts after a typically prolific spell off the tee.
“Sedgley have made a great start to this season and have threats right across the board," said Mowden forwards coach Joe Cain. "We would love to follow up the Rams victory with another solid showing.
"The lads have trained well this week and are looking forward to getting back to the arena on Saturday. It should be a great game and hopefully we can come out on the right side of the result.”
Mowden have made four changes, including handing a debut to winger Nathan Greenwood who is on a dual-registration from Newcastle Falcons. The former England Sevens international joins fellow Falcon Oli Spencer in the back three after a standout performance from Spencer in the Rams win.
Josh Ree makes a welcome return from injury to start at fly-half, while Ollie Hodgson and Charlie Smith are promoted from the bench to start in the pack this weekend.
There is also a potential club debut for South African centre Jordan Holgate who joined Mowden from Jersey Reds earlier this week.
* Tickets for tomorrow's 3pm kick-off are available on the door, with free entry for all military personnel and veterans as part of the club’s Armed Forces Day.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here