Match Preview

Sedgie open with trip to the seaside!

The Rugby Season official finally kicks off at the weekend with Sedgefield making the trip to Whitby in DN2.

The Opposition

Whitby provide a stern opening test having been relegated from DN 1 last season, Usually sides from relegated from the league above are competing at the top of the league and Whitby will be hoping to bounce straight back up. Whitby are a similar type of club to Sedgefield in that they are a small community club. We are very much looking forward to our visit and hopeful we can come away with more than just fish and chips!

Team News

A positive pre-season has saw Sedgie pick up 15 new signings and prepare well for the season with great numbers at training... However, as with most teams a combination of the great north run, injuries and work committments stretches our squad early. Having said that, we have been able to name a strong squad which in previous years we may have struggled with 50 players not able to play this weekend.

Michael Bishop and Bobby Blackburn prop with Keith Corrigan having a go at hooker! Club Stalwart Paul Wilkinson packs down with Anth Smyth in the second row and Ben Norris comes in for a debut at Blindside, Player coach Paul McCormack captains the side from number 8 and Seb Wilkins is at openside.

In the backs Josh Hetherington stays at 9 after doing well there against Stockton last week, John Pope comes in at ten. Will Johnson vacates the back row to try out the 12 jersey and Jamie Wilson is another debutant outside him wearing 13. The back three has plenty of pace about it with Ryan Towler and Kyle Smith winging it and Danny Wolfe another debutant at full back.

The bench is very strong with Richie Wood covering the front row, Nick Stringer another in line for his 1st XV debut and Gareth Pratt completing the 18.

Chris Lowe and Micheal Reilly are on standby in case anyone gets lost on the way to Whitby!!

Just a reminder that membership is now open. Social memberships are available from behind the bar for just £10. Playing membership is just £20 for the season!

Get your subs paid early!