Quite how many first team regulars will fancy two games in three days remains to be seen but, as the Stags know, the Tyneside club have strength in depth and it promises to be an entertaining game.
After a dreadful winter many thought the County Cups would be abandoned so Blaydon's willingness to be flexible is commendable and keeps the competition alive.
It also gives us a bit of a chance to enjoy some rugby away from the dogfight that resulted in relegation from the league.
The coaches are waiting on fitness reports from several players including Darren Thomas, Stephen Stockdale and Paul Rudd before selecting the starting XV.
West from:Thomas, Waites, Kerr, Connolly, I Wilson, Hodgson, A Cheslin, Moss, Tighe, Carr, A Dixon, Stockdale, Robinson, T Dixon, Davies, Howard, Bailey, Boatman, Rudd.