As the league builds to a crescendo, with the top and bottom of National League One still not totally decided. This weekend may be the crucial for those involved in those proceedings, as their fortune or fate may be decided. However, it could even ‘go down to the wire’ and only be decided on the last league weekend.

With Ealing Trailfinders RFC nearly ‘home and hosed’ with a return to the Championship, it is at the wrong end of the table that all eyes will inevitably turn.

With local rivals Tynedale RFC last week joining already relegated Macclesfield RFC in the dreaded drop to National League 2 (North – probably), the third relegation spot is a straight dogfight between Cinderford RFC (49 league points) and our opponents today Old Albanians RFC (48 league points).

Darlington Mowden Park RFC wishes all those clubs involved the best of luck - whatever happens.

In the corresponding fixture at Old Albanians RFC’s Molesey Road HQ back mid-December 2014, DMPRFC only really got going with ten minutes left. By that time, Old Albanians RFC had racked up a 29 – 7 lead. By full time, the score was a respectable 29 – 21, but to be fair, they deserved their win on the day.

Tries from lock Rob CONQUEST and Jamie BARNARD (2), together with a conversion from Tom HODGSON and another two conversions from Grant CONNON were not enough to overhaul their total, even though it was all square at oranges (7 – 7).

Old Albanians RFC’s top point’s scorer is Daniel Watt (1 try, 24 conversions, 14 penalties) and their top try scorer is Billy Johnson with 14 tries to his name.

Last weekend, even though scoring 5 tries at home against in form Hartpury College RFC, this was not enough, as the students replied with 9 tries of their own to record the victory (31 – 59).

Nevertheless, Old Albanians RFC will be a stern test and will not be underestimated, as DMPRFC try to climb the league in our first season of National League One and the visitors try to retain their league status.

A workmanlike team performance at Loughborough Students RFC, paved the way for the victory in Leicestershire (28 – 21). Although the students got off to a fine start scoring a penalty and a converted try before DMPRFC had registered on the scoreboard, the team fought back to record a fine win on the road.

Tries from Callum MACKENZIE, Darren FEARN and front row replacements Ignis DARKNITIS and Tom LARDER, together with 4 conversions from the boot of Garry LAW were enough to seal the bonus point win, against a Loughborough side that were in confident, having won their previous 5 home games.

With this game being the last home game of a very eventful season (so far), on behalf of everyone either on the field playing, or behind the scenes, we sincerely thank all those supporters who have followed the team, whether home or away. Your presence is invaluable and always very much appreciated.

Kick off - 3pm.