THE battle of the Dalesmen comes to Corbridge, when fourth meets fifth in National One in today’s top match in the North-East (3pm).

Tynedale face a Wharfedale side who are one point behind them and have lost only to the top two, Esher and London Scottish, since the turn of the year.

Wharfedale enjoyed a 100 per cent home record until they lost 21-15 to Tynedale in November, despite the visitors finishing the game with 13 men, following a flurry of yellow cards.

Of the 14 yellows handed out to Tynedale this season Jamie and Andrew Murray have picked up three each and Andrew also received the one red card.

Despite Sunday’s derby defeat at Blaydon, if they win today Tynedale should quickly consolidate fourth place as next week’s trip to bottom club Manchester is followed by home games against two other strugglers, Cinderford and Otley.

Front row men Johnny Williams and skipper Joe Graham could be rested after playing for the English Counties XV last Friday, followed by the Blaydon match.

Blaydon have named an unchanged starting line-up for the trip to Blackheath.

Mark Wilson, Man of the Match for England Students last Friday night, will again start at No 8 for Blaydon, but will shortly come under pressure from Jason Smithson.

After being out for six months, the ex-Falcon makes his comeback in the second team today away to his previous club, Darlington Mowden Park. A bulging disc in his neck, which was impinging on a nerve, has been replaced.

Mowden make two changes for the visit to Sheffield Tigers, who are one place above them in National Three North. Coach Pete Taylor steps down to allow Matt Wood to return in the second row and Andrew Tonkin replaces Cameron Pearson at blind side.

West Hartlepool face a tough test at Rossendale, who lost only 11-8 at Middlesbrough last week. West have Gareth Kerr back on the wing and try Colin Cheslin at full back. Paul Rudd continues at No 8 with Adam Howard staying at prop.

Unchanged Boro are again at home, against Cleckheaton.

North Two East leaders Billingham visit Old Crossleyans, while the third and fourth teams clash when Hartlepool Rovers host Driffield. Andrew Foreman is on the bench for Rovers and will make his first appearance since November.

Darlington visit Ilkley, who remain bottom despite shock wins at Blackwell Meadows and at home to Billingham.

With hooker Michael Stowe injured, Rob Goddard reverts to the front row with Andy Hodgkins returning at No 8.

Coach Lee Richardson, who has been out for three months, is on the bench and younger brother Sean returns at scrum half.