Match Preview

Lookers sponsored South Shields Westoe travel to Barnard Castle this week in a match that could determine the finishing spots when the season eventually ends. Castle are currently in second position, one above Westoe, and have a nine point advantage.

A win today would throw open the race for second spot and the promotion play-off. With the weather causing havoc this season, most sides are being forced to play mid-week games to catch up and difficulties with availability and game fatigue could throw up some unusual results.

Recent matches between the two have always been close with never more than 8 points separating the sides. The last fixture saw Castle explode from the start, playing high tempo and big impact running. The Westoe defence worked overtime throughout to thwart the visitors over and over again.

The match saw possession and momentum switch back and forth, with the two defensive lines certainly the stars of the match.

The neutrals will be hoping for a repeat of last season’s fixture, where the lead changed hands a dozen times and eleven tries scored.

Westoe won that encounter 37-34 and with it claimed the promotion play-off and second place league finish. This won’t be decided Saturday, but a win for either side will make things a little clearer.

Westoe a field a powerful pack and a side full of dangerous runners. A strong bench completes the side that are well equipped to take the victory.

1. Lamb
2. Sant
3. Elliot
4. Younghusband
5. Rumis
6. Kirton
7. Ramsay
8. Gaff

9. Judson
10. Moffett
11. Irving
12. Worthington
13. MacKenzie
14. Preston
15. Arnold

16. Scorer
17. Richards
18. Pascoe