Darlington Preview

Taunton Titans return to the scene of one of their most famous victories on Saturday when they head to their most distant National League One opponents, Darlington Mowden Park. The County Durham side was Titans’ second opponents last season when Tony Yapp’s newly-promoted charges prevailed at the Darlington Arena by32-38.

Formed in 1946after the war, Darlington Mowden Park has been in National League One since 2014. The impressive Darlington Arena has a 25,000 capacity and is also home to the Allianz Premier 15s side Darlington Mowden Park Sharks. The stadium is located on Neasham Road, just off the A66 and 1.5 miles to the South-East of the town centre. Don’t be confused by the existence of Darlington RFC which is not far away at the much smaller Blackwell Meadows ground.

DMP find themselves one place and two points above Titans on the table heading into the fixture, having suffered a defeat in the West Country in Round 9 at Plymouth Albion. Their coach, Garry Law, is assisted by former Northampton Saints scrum-half Lee Dickson and the squad includes Taunton-born tighthead Carl Guest, Tongan international lock Talite Vaioleti and in the backs Callum McKenzie who will be making his 220^th appearance for DMP. Fly-half Ali Ledingham is a German international but the current incumbent at 10 is Matt Minogue, whilst on the left-wing Morgan Passman used to play for Newcastle Falcons and has already scored a dozen tries this term.

It's a long old coach trip to the North-East for the boys but spare a thought for Titans’ stalwart, Brett Harvey. The second-row, the senior man in the squad, celebrates his birthday at the weekend. Let’s hope that it’s a good journey home to Somerset for Brett and everyone else.

Entrance to the Northern Echo Arena is £12 per adult whilst Under 16s, members of the Armed Forces and Veterans get in free of charge with proof of identity. A £35two-course pre-match carvery with treacle pudding and custard for dessert can be booked by contacting Holly Campbell (email info@mowdenpark.com) with numbers. Free parking is available at the Darlington Arena. Kick-off is at 3pmand, as it is the club’s annual Armed Forces Day, please be in position early ready for the on-field ceremonies.

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If You are not taking the trip up to Darlington then the Taunton Warriors are in action at home this weekend where they play Tor. 15:00 Kick Off, Free entry to the game and once again we will have a hot buffet available for £10 per person in the bar.

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