With just 5 league games remaining this year, Mowden welcome table toppers Ampthill to the Northern Echo Arena on Saturday. DMP have performed well at the Arena against the top sides this season, with bonus point home wins over Rotherham, Rosslyn Park and Old Elthamians who all lie ahead of them in the table. Leaders Ampthill are the latest to travel North, and Mowden Park’s Director of Rugby was looking forward to the challenge ahead: “We know what to expect this Saturday from a very strong Ampthill side who have won their last 8 games on the bounce. Any game against Ampthill is always a tough test and they’ve had a particularly strong campaign this year. They’re probably best known for a big physical set of forwards but they’ve scored freely this year and we’re expecting a tough challenge in all areas of the field.”

Ampthill are perhaps the form team in the league, with notable recent wins over top 4 rivals Blackheath and Old Elthamians. Saturday’s hosts have lost just once at home in 2019, and have also taken the scalps of top sides Old Elthamians and Rosslyn Park. Both sides come into Saturday’s game on the back of a bye week, something Brown was grateful for: “The bye week has come at a good time for us and it’s given the squad a well-earned rest before Saturday’s game. It also came after our longest trip of the season to Plymouth so it’s helped break up two tough physical games for us.”

This weekend’s game will most likely see the return of club stalwart Ralph Appleby who has recovered from a knock, as well as fellow prop Ignas Darkintis. Brown’s side have had their fair share of injuries this campaign, and Mowden’s DoR was pleased to be welcoming back a few key players to his matchday squad. “We’ve obviously had a few injury issues since Christmas, particularly in the front row, so it’s great for us to be able to welcome back Ralph and Iggy this weekend.”

Tickets for Saturday's game are available on the day priced at £10 for adults, £8 for concessions and FREE for U16s.