TODAY'S two National One matches in the North-East have fallen foul of the freeze.

After a pitch inspection at The Northern Echo Arena at 4pm yesterday it was decided to rearrange the match against second-placed Blackheath for February 27.

The pitch is expected to remain frozen today, as is Blaydon's Crow Trees surface. Their match against Loughborough Students was called off at lunchtime, sparing Shaun English a wasted journey as well as the visitors.

After playing his last game before leaving for London a fortnight ago, English had been persuaded by coach Micky Ward to return for this crucial match in the relegation battle.

England Under 20 lock Will Witty stepped into the breach last week, but is required by Newcastle Falcons for European duty in Russia today.

He is joined by Zach Kibirige, Callum Chick and Andrew Foster, who all played for Blaydon last week and the Crow Trees club will hope to be able to call on at lest some of their dual-registered players when Loughborough return on March 12.

They have already had to re-schedule the visit of Henley, a victim of the snow five weeks ago, for February 27, by which time the Londoners' new recruits will have bedded in.

Tynedale visit Chester in National Two North, hoping to avenge a 29-25 home defeat in September. Next week's home match against Sale FC is again likely to be at Kingston Park, although the Corbridge pitch has passed its toxicity test following the floods.

Billingham have Danny Dixon back at No 8 for the Three North trip to Stockport, who are two places below them in mid-table.

The all-weather surface at Kingston Park continues to be a hive of activity and among the games it will stage today is Northern v West Hartlepool (2.30).

It's third bottom v third top in North One East and West will be glad of the venue switch as they have lost heavily on their last two visits to McCracken Park.

Recent training on the all-weather pitch at Dyke House should pay dividends and they have called on the extra mobility of Aaron Myers in the back row, with Dan Boatman moving up to lock.

Westoe, who have a lot to do to avoid a third relegation in four years, have enlisted the help of former player James Fitzpatrick to coach the backs.

The powerful centre, who went on to play for Blaydon and Newcastle, is now with Yorkshire Carnegie but is currently injured. Westoe are at home to Driffield today.

Durham and Northumberland One front-runners Durham City are at home to Medicals, while joint leaders Middlesbrough face a tough test at Novos.

Boro bring in winger Ben Wood, lock Chris Snaith and flanker James Pennington for Andy Micklewright, James Wardle and Toby Tremlett.

Stockton host third-placed Consett, hoping to avenge a 40-3 away defeat at the end of September, when they finished with 13 players.

Full back Jonny Horner and centre Steve Thornton are unavailable, but Dan Phinn and Dan Taylor return, while Ben Cordiner replaces Saracens skipper Lewy Gray as front row replacement.