DARLINGTON MOWDEN PARK will be hoping to continue a rich vein of recent form when they welcome Blackheath to the Darlington Arena tomorrow afternoon.

The National One game was originally scheduled for mid-January, but was postponed due to a frozen pitch and moved to this weekend. As a result, this marks Mowden’s first home game in more than six weeks, following last weekend’s win at Plymouth Albion.

Mowden's win at Brickfields was their first victory on the south coast since 2015, and marked Plymouth’s first home defeat of the season.

The result followed wins at Sale FC, Richmond and Rams earlier in the season, and DMP full-back Josh Ree was happy to come away with another important away victory.

Ree said: “Saturday was a great feeling. We said from the start that we couldn’t let them get a head of steam up, and after going down 14-0 and finishing the game on top it made the long trip down worth it.”

Kiwi back Ree has quickly established himself as a regular starter since joining the club over the summer, missing just a single game through injury so far this season.

The 23 year-old is one of a host of new young recruits for Mowden, with fellow signings Harry Yates, Oscar Usher, Eoin Harrison and Charlie Smith also appearing regularly for the club this season.

Asked about his time in the North-East so far, Ree said: “⁠I’m loving it. Everyone at the club is very welcoming and have made the season so far very enjoyable.”

Mowden’s emphasis on developing youth was shown again last weekend as 18 year-old Harry Rickard made his debut off the bench against Plymouth, with the former Barnard Castle school student coming on for Garry Law to make his first National One appearance.

Last weekend's result saw Mowden solidify their spot in eighth in the table, closing the gap on those above them and distancing themselves from a competitive relegation battle.

Mowden could climb as high as sixth this weekend, and Ree is relishing his side’s current form.

He said: “I feel like we are in a good place at the moment. After a couple of loses earlier on we feel we should have won, the boys have rallied and everyone is giving their all for each other and the attitude everyone is showing is very exciting.”

The next fortnight sees Mowden face the teams immediately above and below them in the table, starting with Blackheath who six points behind their weekend opponents in ninth.

Ree said: “We know from when we played Blackheath away earlier in the season that they are a good side. They played an expansive game. I’m looking forward to an exciting game with a few good tries and hopefully come away with a win back in the Arena.”

Mowden have named an unchanged line-up for the first time this season, with the replacements also staying the same as last weekend’s trip to Plymouth. Winger Obi Ene makes his first home start for the club, while youngster Harry Rickard is also in line for his first appearance at the Arena as he takes his place on the bench.