Match Preview

Houghton play host to second in the table, Richmonshire in Durham Northumberland Three this Saturday.

The Dairy Lane men look to defend their clean home sheet as they welcome the North Yorkshire side.

Last week saw the hosts travel away to Prudhoe and Stocksfield to secure their first away win (17-10) in a dominated uphill battle.

Meanwhile, this week’s competitors, Richmondshire have had two weeks without any competitive fixtures which could see them enter the game very relaxed.

Before their break, the visitors rivalled away at Prudhoe and Stocksfield (47-5) securing their fourth win of the season.

Despite a very confident start by Richmonshire, Ryan Pink, Head Coach looks to use Houghton’s own highs to enter the clash with a positive mind set.

Pink added: “They have had some good results which will make it a tough outfit but, over the last few games results have come our way and hopefully the lads spirits are lifted because of that.”

After three consecutive wins and two early defeats, the hosts have settled mid table in sixth place.

To build on previous performances, the Houghton men have worked hard in training with intentions to break down the visitors defence on Saturday.

Pink pointed out the importance for them to try and build consistency throughout the squad.

He said: “We are approaching every game week by week and consistency in the first team squad will enable us to progress as a unit.”

The team to face Richmondshire is as follows:

Allan Scott, Ryan Main, Steve Wilson, Aidan Towers, Allan Widdowfield, Ryan Pink, Adam Reay, Anthony Bolton, Gary Shepherd, Dan Bearn, Marc Wiley, James Ross, B rett Henderson, Greame Bennet, Tom Birtley, Micheal Dixon, Ross McGorman, Ian Turnbull.

To support the lads come down to Dairy Lane for a 3pm KO.

By Clarissa Murphy