This week we welcome Hartlepool to Axwell view for a DN2 clash which is significant for both clubs at the start of 2019. Old Boys as they are known are in a battle to overhaul North Shields in second spot if they wish to make a return to the top flight, so realistically they can't afford to leave us with anything less than a 5 point victory. We on the other hand are in the midst of a difficult clutch of fixtures that at the start of the season only produced a single win in six and go into the game in need of a boost.

Last week we traveled to Bishop Auckland and left with a bonus point in a narrow 25-20 defeat, games we are currently losing by small margins are the next step in the evolution of the team and the squad and will help them develop further when they can start squeezing wins out rather than gallant losses. Earlier in the season we traveled to Mayfield Park with a much different side to be cut apart and suffer our heaviest defeat of the season 5-55. We can't afford to allow the visitors the same type of ball again and as always they have an abrasive and competitive edge that squeezes every last drop out of any game and they never leave the field without having given their all.

Our Saxon's had a home league double header against local rivals Blaydon Bricks who brought a significantly stronger squad than normal due to no other team apart from their first XV playing that day, defeated but not disgraced they dust themselves off to see what this week brings. The Saxon's travel the short distance to the coast where they will play North Shields Crusaders in a friendly and this is the first meeting between the sides this season. Games between the sides have always been close affairs but last season the Saxon's won 50-12 in the meeting of the sides.

Alas I will not be present at the club this week due to refereeing commitments but do wish all our guests, rivals and every single player the best of luck with a little bit of extra luck for the Vulcans and Saxon's to return two wins #COYV