DARLINGTON Mowden Park have recalled former Chester scrum half Matt Walsh in place of Bruno Bravo in the only change for today's visit of Hull Ionians.

After last week's heartening win at Plymouth they are able to name the same pack for a third successive week, bolstered by the return of Callum Mackenzie from holiday. He will be on the bench, along with Bravo.

With only six points covering the top six in National One and four points separating the bottom six, Hull are one of the four teams in the middle.

They have clearly learnt a lot after finishing well adrift at this level two years ago, having pipped Mowden to promotion the previous season, when they beat them by one point home and away.

The second teams also clash on a back pitch at the Northern Echo Arena, kicking off at 12.30 with Mowden hoping to bounce back from their first defeat of the season at Blaydon last week. Largely because of injuries, they had to travel with 14 men and lost 71-15, despite two tries by Talite Vaioleti.

Blaydon will be looking to tighten their defence at home to free-scoring Esher, who have the division's highest number of bonus points.

They were top prior to losing narrowly at home to Rosslyn Park last week, but having to travel up by train from London this morning to what might be a snowy North-East could unsettle them.

The return of first-choice props Robbie Kalbraier and Andrew Foster means Blaydon's pack is at full strength. They keep Tom Bramwell and Tom Grimes, who can both play in the centre, on the wings.

Hopes that Zach Kibirige and Will Whitty might make their comebacks via a couple of games for Blaydon were dashed when both were named in the Newcastle Falcons squad for tomorrow's European game.

Tynedale, fifth from the bottom in Two North, visit former National One rivals Stourbridge, while in Three North mid-table Billingham are unchanged for the trip to third-placed Waterloo.

West Hartlepool welcome back Stu Waites after injury for the North One East match at Pocklington. He slots in at full back with Luke Mallinson switching to replace unavailable winger Scott Butcher.

Pocklington are in mid-table and this is the sort of game West need to win if they are to stay in touch with the leaders.

Durham and Northumberland division one leaders Durham City entertain Horden. Both clubs have recently lost at home to Consett, who host Middlesbrough for the first time in league rugby.

This promises to be a key game in the battle to challenge City for the automatic promotion spot and Boro recall the experienced Iain Bradford at No 8 with Ash Kearney dropping to the bench.

Matthew Todd, injured in early season, returns at fly half with Sam Gaudie reverting to scrum half. Jack Bircham returns at full back in place of Andy Micklewright.

Stockton are without scrum half Brian Thwaites, wing Brian Morris and centre Steve Thornton for the visit of Ryton. Jonny Horner, Dan Phinn and Joe Hargreaves plug the gaps, while No 8 Todd Highfield returns for Jonny Cheetham.