BLAYDON and Tynedale were once again forced to postpone their SSE National One derby, with yesterday's Crow Trees encounter being beaten by the weather for the second time this season.

Originally due to be played in December, a final decision was made early yesterday morning as the match went the same was as the entire previous day's league programme.

The two sides will make a third attempt at playing the match on Sunday, March 18.

The only surviving game of the day was on the synthetic surface at Druid Park where Gosforth's second-team, the Phoenix, defeated Morpeth Edwardians 17-12 in the Candy Two league.

The surface will soon be seen in the Aviva Premiership with reigning champions Saracens intending to install it at their new Copthall Barnet Stadium, as Widnes Vikings have done in rugby league’s Super League.

Beyond Gosforth’s one encounter the entire card was wiped out across the North East, with National Three North leaders Darlington Mowden Park finding no better fortune across the Pennines with their trip to Altrincham Kersal frozen off.

That means Mowden's Durham County Cup semi-final against Billingham, originally set for the same date, must wait again, allowing Billingham the chance to play their rearranged game with fellow high-flyers Wheatley Hills this Saturday.

Durham and Northumberland Two's top-of-the-table clash between leaders Blyth and chasers Consett was predictably frozen off while in Division Three, leaders Seaham's trip to Prudhoe and Stocksfield was abandoned.

MARK SMITH