Darlington Mowden Park back Callum Mackenzie made his full return from injury last week, playing 80 minutes in the win over Moseley. The 28 year-old marked his comeback in style, scoring a last minute try to secure a dramatic 36-41 win for his side. Saturday’s game was Mackenzie’s first full 80 in over 4 months, having sustained a serious lower leg injury over the summer: “I broke my fibia, and tore the majority of the ligaments in my left ankle. I made my comeback four months post op against Old Elthamians, coming off the bench in that game.”

Mackenzie’s injury meant he missed DMP’s opening 2 games, having missed just 1 in the whole of the previous season. His comeback was ahead of schedule, with the versatile back originally pencilled for a December return: “Full recovery is usually 6 months so 2 months early was a push, but I worked hard with Rob (Rudland) and did all the rehab and more.”

Saturday’s comeback win marked Mackenzie’s first start since last season’s win at Loughborough back in April. His match winning score was his second of the day, having crossed the line on 17 occasions last season. Asked about his late try, Mackenzie added: “The first full 80 in 5 months was hard work. It was great to score the winner but it was a team effort to look after the ball for so long to give me the opportunity to score in the 82nd minute.”

The late win saw DMP climb to 4th in the National One table, just a point behind league leaders Chinnor. Saturday’s game sees 6th placed Sale FC visit the Arena for the first time, and Mackenzie was looking forward to the challenge: “Sale have come up this year and seem to have had a good start. They had a big win against OEs last week so they will be on a high. However this is their first visit to Arena and knowing it’s a hard place to come and win. It will be a hard contest but I’m in no doubt of a DMP win.”

Tickets for Saturday’s National One clash will be available on the day priced at £10 for adults, £8 for concessions and FREE for U16s.