Recent Form: A tough season for the Durham men has seen them battle away bravely despite relegation, try bonus-points secured in recent defeats to Sedgley Park (63-24) and Plymouth Albion (39-26).

Further losses to Birmingham Moseley (69-14), Bishop’s Stortford (41-12), Leicester Lions (75-0), Dings Crusaders (31-24), Blackheath (52-7) and Sale (33-7) came on the back of a tough run following a series of players departing.

DMP pushed Esher (29-22) and champions Richmond (33-17) in defeat at the start of February, having gone down 49-24 at Rosslyn Park to kick off the year on the back of a pre-Christmas 29-14 setback at Titans and a thrilling 37-37 home draw with Sedgley.

Narrow defeats at Plymouth (24-14), home to Moseley (24-7) and on the road in Stortford (33-19) came after DMP’s sole victory of the season, a 36-29 victory against Leicester Lions in Week Nine.

Darlington suffered eight straight defeats in reverse order against Dings (46-20), Sale (38-34), Esher (31-21), Blackheath (40-5), Rosslyn Park (46-13), Richmond (48-7), Titans (45-28) and Rams (41-12).

Players to Watch:

Alfie Barron – Prop joined from Hartpury University ahead of the 2017 campaign and has gone on to rack up more than 150 appearances, including six against Rams. Scored against Sedgley last time out.

Will Jones – Former Wales Under 20s back row has amassed 82 caps for DMP since joining ahead of the 2021/22 campaign. Also an-ex European judo champion, can cause havoc at the breakdown.

Garry Law – Stalwart player-coach is set for his final appearance having worn the shirt at fly-half or centre more than 150 times in the past decade.

The Director of Rugby, who played age group up to Scotland A, joined Darlington from then Championship side Rotherham in 2014.