That would be a position which would have suited everyone when we first played Middlesbrough back in September.

We travel for the return fixture [kick off 3.00] without Gareth Kerr and Aaron Myers who are both playing in the Hawick 7s as is Dominic Morrison. Paul Williamson is also unavailable.

Fortunately, we are able to recall Dan Boatman, after his national sailing success with brother Martin last week on Rutland Water, and he will take Myers's place. Peter Hodgson returns in the backs while Darren Thomas is fit to replace Tinker Williamson.

Of course, changes in the firsts impact on the Stags. Stu Waites will be at half back for then second team, with Phil Wallis also unavailable, as they take on a powerful Blaydon side in a CaNDY showdown at Brinkburn [Kick off. 3.00].

One or two of the younger Stags players are also likely to be missing because of the Sunday afternoon Under 18s game against Percy Park at Brinkburn [kick off 2.00]- also something of a title decider.

To secure that seventh position the firsts could well do with only a second away. We are equal on points with Beverley and Stockport and only ahead on points difference by a couple. Our rivals also have hard games [Beverley at home to Westoe and Stockport at Morley] but it would be awful is it came down to who got beaten by the fewest points!

Boro will present a stern task. Their results in the second half of the season have picked up including wins at Stockport and Sheffield Tigers in their last two games.

Firsts : Iain Dixon, Colin Cheslin, Peter Hodgson, Jamie Connolly, Andrew Cheslin, Paul Moss, Darren Thomas, Chris Stewart, Tim Sawyer, Carlo Robinson, Tom Dixon, Iain Robinson, Dan Boatman, Jon Boatman, Paul Vinnicombe [capt.] Reps: Anth Carr, Steve Smart, Neil Howe.

MiddlesbroughJack Bircham Gordon Bland Robert Bellerby Michael Thornburn Peter Homan Simon O'Farrell Peter Whittaker Isa Warsama Richard Horton Craig Chapman Iain Bradford David Hinchley Rory Duff Martin Howe Richie Barker Reps: Chris Horton Matt Wright Callum Campbell