TYNEDALE skipper Phil Belgian will make his first appearance for 14 months in today’s National One match at Wharfedale.

The 34-year-old Gateshead product will hope his powerful boot has not deserted him as he seeks to halt a run of four defeats in this battle of the Dalesmen.

Belgian, who also played for West Hartlepool and was briefly with Newcastle, has been selected at full back as James Hoyle was injured in last week’s defeat by Blaydon, who are at home to Blackheath today.

Tynedale have the option to give the kicking duties to young fly half Andrew Hall, who performed well when he replaced Gavin Beasley in the second half last week. Beasley is still not fit, but his brother, Grant, returns to the back row and centre Charlie Ingall is also back in the squad.

In National Three North, Darlington Mowden Park entertain Sheffield Tigers, who are just above them in the table.

Mowden make two changes, with New Zealander Cameron Pearson being given a chance at open side as Graeme Seddon has a shoulder injury and Ian Hodgson returning at centre.

He partners Dean Kelbrick, with Andrew Pugh moving out to the wing at the expense of Alan Jones. Robin Eatough stays on the other wing after scoring three tries in his first two games.

Middlesbrough should be able to stay in touch with the leaders by winning at struggling Cleckheaton, although powerful centre Paul Norris is unavailable.

Callum Campbell moves inside to partner Rob Bellerby, with Tom Bivens coming in on the wing. He is back with the club after a two-year stint with Darlington.

Craig Chapman starts at prop, with Chris Horton dropping to the bench, and Lee Theakston continues at lock with Dave Hinchley unlikely to be fit before Christmas. Fly half Simon O’Farrell will be out for two more weeks.

North One East leaders Billingham are at home to Old Crossleyans, while Darlington entertain bottom club Ilkley.

All three Richardson brothers are selected, with Sean returning at scrum half and Dave fit to partner Lee at centre after retiring with a thigh injury in last week’s defeat at Hartlepool Rovers.

Matt Sellars is on the wing as Sean McCartney is unavailable, and Steve Cook comes into the back row as James Knox struggled last week on his return from injury.

The battle to avoid second bottom place above Ilkley sees Durham City take on Gateshead. City are being captained by veteran back row man Darren McKinnon in the absence of Stuart Smithson, who suffered a knee injury in the second game of the season.

Other key men who have been missing recently are prop Mark Cammiss (ankle) and centre Richard Knowles (work), while the Stevenson brothers were together at half back last week for the first time this season.

Arnie lasted only 20 minutes at fly half, however, before retiring to have eight stitches in a head wound, forcing Ben to switch from scrum half. City fought back well to earn a draw at Driffield two weeks ago, but are desperate for a win today.