Andrew prays for winter thaw

Rob Andrew is praying for a rapid thaw to the big freeze this weekend - to avoid a worrying fixture pile-up.

Andrew had called in renowned pitch doctor, the former Northamptonshire cricketer Nigel Felton, to try and rescue tomorrow's Premiership clash against Harlequins at Kingston Park.

Covers, hot air blowers and some determined manual labour had been used in a vain struggle against the icy weather.

Newcastle must already re-arrange next weekend's league appointment with Wasps due to the Falcon's Tetleys Bitter Cup semi-final tie against Sale.

And if they reach the Cup final, then a February 24 trip to Rotherham will also be off, so a forecast of blizzard conditions for the north east tomorrow is the last thing Newcastle need.

"We cannot afford a fixture pile-up," said Falcons Rugby Director Andrew.

"Every effort is being made to get the Quins game on - we need to pay it this weekend."If the game goes ahead, then centre Jamie Noon could make his comeback from an ankle injury but a similar problems threatens to sideline flanker Andrew Mower.

Quins, who have little chance of reaching the Premierships's end-of-season play-offs are set to call up prop Bruce Starr and local Alex Codling following their comprehensive home defeat by Saracens three days ago.