FOUR North-East rugby clubs face the cut and thrust of early season derby matches today, with Tynedale hosting Blaydon while Billingham entertain Middlesbrough.

In the National One clash, Blaydon will be out to avenge two narrow defeats by the Corbridge men last season but will be without all their dual-registered Newcastle Falcons players.

The latest to be recalled to Kingston Park because of injuries is lock Glen Townson, so Gavin Jones moves forward to the second row with ex-Westoe player Ben Morris making his debut at blind side.

Also making his bow is prop Rhys Quinn, a product of the club's youth section, in place of Robbie Kalbraier, who is at a wedding. Centre Matt Clarke is on the bench after being unavailable last week.

Among several new faces who have appeared at Blaydon since the start of the seaso is John Coutts, a full back who has been playing in Italy and is expected to push for a place in the first team squad.

Tynedale will be without Phil Dawson, the highly-rated back row man who has played for both Darlington clubs. Prior to last season he was out for 18 months with a shoulder problem and has now been sidelined again.

The Teesside derby in North One East is a battle between two clubs determined to go straight back up following last season's relegation.

That's the brief for Boro's coaching duo of Paul Lee and Martin Howe and it is hoped it can be achieved without either of them pulling on their boots.

After missing last week's win against Durham City, skipper Richie Barker and vice-captain Ross Bellerby return. Barker goes into the second row with Iain Bradford switching to No 8 for the unavailable Jack Aldus. Bellerby replaces the injured Martin Featherstone.

In National Three North, Darlington Mowden Park visit Sandal, who opened up with a home win against West Hartlepool. West are at home to Harrogate today.

Three Mowden forwards were injured last week - lock Andy Wilson, and back row men Luke Wishnowsky and James Merton. So former Guisborough and Falcons Academy product Pierce Phillips comes in, along with Graeme Seddon and 18-year-old Liam Riley.

Paul Shepherd, an ex-Vale of Lune man who has been playing in Australia, makes his debut at centre and Martyn Lithgo replaces Ian Wilson on the wing.

Dan Miller starts at tight head, with Ralph Appleby dropping to the bench, where he is joined by No 8 James Knox, returning after injury.

Darlington travel to face Guisborough for the first time in league combat, aware that their hosts won their first game at this level against Ryton.

With Joe Oselton unavailable, Luke Mensfeld will be at prop and will have Rob Goddard alongside him as George McManus broke an ankle last week. Centre Andy Pugh comes into the starting line-up.

Stockton visit Ryton with Dan Phinn at full back as Luke Tinkler has suffered a leg injury. Shaun McLaren and Simon Crozier are on the wings with Steve Thornton coming in at centre.

James Herring replaces unavailable lock Matt Doherty and in the back row Todd Highfield starts instead of Lewy Gray.