DARLINGTON MOWDEN PARK take on Leicester Lions tomorrow in an important game for Garry Law’s side.

After impressive wins over Rams and Sedgley Park in November, Mowden’s form has dipped and a spate of injuries has seen them make seven changes for this weekend’s outing.

One of those changes sees Charlie Smith return to the starting line-up, taking a place in Mowden's back row. The former England Under-18s forward is one of a number of young players in the Mowden squad who are juggling their National One commitments with university rugby, and the 19 year-old has stressed the importance of managing his workload.

"Obviously, it’s been a challenge playing two games a week, and I’m starting to feel it on the body a bit now," said Smith. "I think Joe Cain has done a really good job managing my training load at both Mowden and Northumbria University which is helping keep me as fresh as possible for match days.”

Smith is one of three current Northumbria students named in Mowden’s 20-man squad this weekend, along with fly-half Corben Ollivent and scrum-half Callum Davidson.

Asked how he and his fellow students had found their time with the club so far, the Newcastle Falcons academy graduate said: “I think we’ve all settled in really well and easily to the club.

"It was nice coming down for the first time knowing there’s boys there you already know, and all trying to push into the first team. Also, the team weekend in Redcar in pre-season was a highlight and great for team bonding.”

Mowden will be hoping to halt a run of three defeats this weekend, a sequence that culminated in a narrow loss against Bishop’s Stortford last time out.

This weekend sees Law's side welcome Leicester Lions to the Darlington Arena, with the visitors sitting bottom of the National One table.

"I think in the last two games, we’ve been our own worst enemy," said Smith. "So, we’ve worked on trying to move the ball and give us different points of attack. We’ve also been going back to the basics, just getting into good habits and finishing the chances we’re creating for ourselves.”

Mowden's home form has been mixed this season, with some impressive wins mixed in with a handful of frustrating defeats.

"After a tough game, in tough conditions last weekend, I’m really excited to be back playing at home," said Smith. "We’ve got two very important games before Christmas. With the home fans backing the team, I think it gives us a real boost to get the results we need.”

Smith is one of seven changes to the Mowden starting XV, with fellow forward Carl Guest, Sam Kyle-Clay and Drew Davison all given a start.

In the backs, there’s a welcome return for Liam Checksfield, who makes his first appearance in over a year after an injury against Cinderford last December.

Callum Mackenzie and Harry Yates also come back into the side after their involvement in the Dubai Sevens last weekend.

* Tickets for tomorrow’s 3pm kick off are available on the day priced at £12 for adults and free for Under-16s.