This week sees both senior squads in action in their respective leagues. with the 1st XV welcoming Gateshead RFC and the 2nd XV travelling over to Middlesbrough "A" Team. It has been a few years since our 1st XV has faced Gateshead RFC, with the past showing some close and very competitive games over the years, like us, Gateshead are a team with a long history and it is great to reacquaint ourselves again.

Over to team news, Andrew Stubbs and Dan Miller prop alongside ever-present captain Darren Hoare to provide a solid front row, packing down behind them in the engine room are Gary Dent and Colin Rogers, both experiences players within the club that will provide plenty of go-forward throughout the game. Stephen Carrick, another player who hasn't missed a minute of rugby this season, remains on one flank, joined by Tom Marston on the other and Matt Short at Number 8.

Over to the backs, Dan Sullivan returns in the 9-shirt to add a bit of grit, Alex Carnell joins him in the half backs in the 10-shirt. In the Centres Alex Swart returns from a few weeks off, joined by Adam Smith who reverts back to the 13 shirt from his previous outing at full back. On the wings, free-scoring winger Pat Searle on one wing, with Andy Robinson returning after missing the last 2 games, Ed Hurley remains at 15.

On the bench, young prop Cameron Smith continues as front row support and will be looking to continue to make a strong impact when he enters the field. Chris Anderson adds options to the second and back rows, and supporting the backs is the returning Henry Carver.

As our second team travel over to Middlesbrough looking to maintain their top spot in the league they line up with Adam Jacques, Chris Dargue and Mile Tebbs in the front row, with Neil Scullion and Jay Graham behind them. A front 5 that have started most games together this season and are proving to be a solid force in the league. Jake Bell maintains his position alongside James Brown on the flanks, with Mark McConnell adding some strength at the base of the scrum.

Veteran scrum-half Richard Brown continues to defy his years, joined by young fly-half Oli Schaible as he returns from university for the weekend. The tried and tested centre pairing of Andy Harris and Ryan Thompson continue to add the experience needed in the centre of the park, joined by Mark Taylor and Adam Gray on the wings, with tough tacking full-back Ben Smith as the last line of defence.

In support Shaun Ridgeway returns after a few years out the game, with ever presents Dave Toft, Stephen Hall and Sam Ring. Lee Goulding continues in the backs joined by Taff Clement and Luke Taylor.

Sunday also sees the future of our senior squad in action and our Colts welcome local neighbours Darlington Mowden Park to Blackwell Meadows in a cup fixture, hoping to emulate (or even better) the league result a few weeks ago.