Match Preview

South Shields Westoe face their biggest test this season when they take on unbeaten Durham City at Wood Terrace on Saturday, 3.00pm.

Durham have been a scoring machine so far this year averaging over 50 points a match; however if the Westoe side hit their defensive best, they will certainly struggle to maintain their high hit rate.

Last season’s fixtures were both victories for the home side, with Westoe disappointed at their loss away from home in a match they dominated in all but the score-line and penalty count; Durham winning by 4 points.

Westoe were clear winners at home in a thrilling match that was closer than the final 50-27 win would suggest.

After a shaky start, Westoe are starting to build on form and few sides can penetrate their steely defence. This match will almost certainly be decided on passion and commitment and one missed tackle or wasted scoring opportunity could make the difference.

Potentially a great game for the neutral spectator and definitely a heart-stopping one for fans of the two sides. Let’s hope the match can live up to the hype.

Yet again, the side will not be confirmed until availability issues are ironed out, a common occurrence this season where the side has struggled to maintain any coherence in selection. Westoe have been plagued by injuries and players unavailable due to work commitments, and seen a huge turnaround in starting squads.

The Development team are due to play Blaydon and are currently trying to pull together a side; the knock-on effect of availabilities having a massive impact on their season so far.

First Team -

1. Ryan Lamb
2. Haydn Richards
3. Raymie Elliott
4. John Younghusband
5. Anthony Rumis
6. Martin Peter Bengston
7. Sean Ramsay
8. Sam Gaff

9 Michael Booth
10 Luke Moffett
11 Paul Evans
12 Joe Mckenzie
13 Sam Hughes
14 Jamie Preston
15 Matt Rannigan

Subs:
16. TBC
17. Alex Wylie
18. TBC