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Dave Pearson will take the reins in the Durham and Northumberland, Division One encounter at Greensfield which kicks-off at 3pm.

His presence is a coup for the blue 'n' golds as Pearson, 41, has refereed seven international matches during his time as a professional rugby ref.

Pearson, from Ashington, made his Six Nations debut in February 2006 and took charge of Scotland's Six Nations meeting with Ireland in March 2007.

His latest International call-up was on February 23 this year when he refereed Wales' 47-8 Six Nations win over Italy at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

Alnwick RFC press officer Terry Owen-Smith said: "Dave wasn't involved in any internationals tomorrow so he very kindly offered to do the Alnwick game."

Alnwick will be trying to stop the visitors completing a double over them as Horden smashed Alnwick 74-10 in the reverse fixture earlier in the season.

But that will be a tall-order for the hosts as they have lost the last five games.

Horden on the other hand have won their last two games and sit nine points ahead of Alnwick.

Saturday's clash is a re-arranged fixture after the February 9 game was postponed due to weather.

Dave Pearson's factfile
Date of Birth: 9th August 1966
Occupation: Full time referee
Referee Society: Northumberland
Year began refereeing: 1992
How became a referee: Worked abroad in previous job so could not train with club. New coach dropped me from 1st XV and didn't enjoy 2nd or 3rd ream rugby. Kids needed referee for Sunday morning - did that and never looked back.

Playing career:
• Northumberland U16 and U18
• North U16
• Seghill RFC 1st XV, 1985 -1991

Refereeing career:
Sept 1997 - joined National Panel. Sep 2000 - full Premiership debut, Harlequins v London Irish. Sep 2002 - became full time referee. Refereed 7 internationals.
First ever match as a referee: Ashington 3rd v Guisborough 3rd
First test match: Apr 2005 - Argentina v Japan

Career highlights:
Feb 2000 - replaced B Campsall for Rotherham v Sale to make Premiership debut.
Sept 2000 - full Premiership debut, Harlequins v London Irish.
Sept 2002 - became full time referee. Mar 2003 - Hong Kong 7s.
Apr 2005 – Powergen Cup final.
Apr 2005 - international debut.
Feb 2006 - Six Nations debut (Ireland v Italy).
May 2006 - Premiership Final.
Nov 2006 - Wales v NZ.
Mar 2007 – Scotland v Ireland. Selection as touch judge for RWC 2007.
Feb 2008 - Wales v Italy.

Other interests:
• Golf (7 handicap)
• Cooking

Factfile courtesy of The Guiness Premiership website