MACCLESFIELD RUFC will look to shed their Jekyll and Hyde image when they travel to Darlington Mowden Park at the weekend.

One of this season's promotion favourites, the National League Three North side have struggled for consistency this term.

But, despite having never won at Darlington, the Blues will travel to the North East in high spirits after their impressive display against division two leaders, Esher, in the Powergen National Trophy.

Although Macc lost narrowly in the end, the manner of the performance bodes well for the crucial period leading up to the Christmas break.

And if they can carry that same attitude in to Saturday's clash then a promotion place is not beyond them.

One player eager to make his mark against Mowden Park, who sit one place above Macc in the table, will be Geary Oliver Hewitt. After a spell on the bench in Macclesfield's cup exit, the 24-year-old flanker will be pushing for a starting place.

Hewitt has endured an up and down career, especially after joining Macclesfield. He was an integral part of the promotion-winning side of 2003, but has spent the best part of three years being played out of position in the second row - a position he has unwittingly revelled in.

He said: "I've had to do it and I think I am doing a good job there, but it's a bit of a shame that I only really get noticed when I'm playing well in a position that isn't my own."

After two years of intensive training, pressure and pain, the majority of the many promising young rugby players who manage to force their way into a Premiership club's academy are told they are surplus to requirements.

In Hewitt's case, this message was prompted by a dislocated shoulder, but it proved to be the turning point in his career.

He explained: "I was at college and after being told to leave the Jets I had to make a decision about whether to pursue a career in business or whether to keep living the dream of turning professional. I chose business, and I haven't looked back."

The recruitment consultant is now enjoying the fruits of his labour having recently bought his first house in Edgeley.

The former North of England colt has proved a huge hit at Priory Park since his arrival from Manchester Metropolitan University and has a philosophy on rugby shared by all who pull on the Blue shirt at Priory Park.

He added: "Even though I know professional rugby is now really just a dream, I'm enjoying rugby more than ever and I'm even hungrier for success.

"The lads at Macclesfield are the best bunch of lads you could ever play alongside. That's why the club has the potential to go further than anybody ever felt possible."

The Blues will be further boosted by the return from injury of centre Tony Howcroft and prop Rob Bieniasz, though Andy Rice and Anthony Birley are still missing, as is centre George Browning due to work commitments.