WITH rugby clubs facing a fourth successive blank Saturday, the situation is becoming critical for Westoe.

They are due to host National Two North leaders Loughborough Students, and have enlisted the help of spade-bearing volunteers to clear the pitch.

But frost is still likely to force a postponement, creating problems for a team who lose their use of the ground to cricketers in late April.

Loughborough have topclass training facilities, while the Westoe squad have had to work out in a hired gym and the clubhouse functions room.

Blaydon have made provisional arrangements to entertain National One chopping blocks Manchester on Sunday if an expected slight rise in temperature proves sufficient for the ground to thaw.

“Manchester have been extremely positive about it and said they would travel up on Sunday morning,” said Blaydon secretary Jim Huxley.

“They have also said they will come on Easter Monday (April 5) if necessary.”

Blaydon won 145-12 in September at Manchester, who conceded more than 100 points in three of their first five games. Despite being on minus two points, they have improved slightly with their most recent game producing a 66-0 defeat at Launceston.

Middlesbrough are hoping to be close to full strength after the lay-off, with three key players being selected to make their comebacks in the second team tomorrow.

The home match against Tynedale is unlikely to be played, but the presence on the team sheet of skipper Peter Wright, Simon O’Farrell and Richard Horton is a big boost for Boro.

The first team can also look forward to the return of utility back Jamie Muncer and flanker Carl Kirwan.