This weekend sees our 1st XV travel to league newcomers Seaham RFC for our second away game in a row. I have been back through my archives, and I am struggling to find any previous games between our clubs in recent memory. We look forward to forging new friendships.

In the forwards this week there is one change in the front row as Andrew Stubbs steps up from the bench in place of injured club stalwart Dan Miller who has a well-earned break. Andrew occupying the tighthead position whilst Olly Telfer remains in the loosehead with ever-present club captain Darren Hoare nestling in between the pair. In the row Massimiliano moves to the row from the number 8 position as last week’s double try scorer Colin Rogers isolates. Joined in the row by Chris Anderson, the pair of them offering strong running rugby, solid defence, and a good mix of youth and experience. In the back row 7s convert Xander Brown re-joins the blindside with Steven Carrick making his 8th appearance of the season on the openside. Shoring up the base of the scrum, Matt Short returns from a week off following his Man-of-the-Match efforts in his previous outing against Whitby.

In the backs, last week’s top-points scorer Mark Baldwin is on work duties, so is replaced by our very own Benjamin Button in Dave Andrew. Alex Carnell retains the number 10 shirt, continuing his consistent performances throughout the season. In the centres we revert back to the tried and trusted pairing of Alex Swart at 12 and club vice-captain Sam Hardy at 13, the pair both bringing a rage of direct running and good distribution skills to the side. With 10-tries already this season, Pat Searle is again on the left wing, as he continues his hunt for what must be some form of scoring record. Andy Robinson returns on the right with Adam Smith securing the backline in his favoured full-back position.

On the bench Cameron Smith makes a welcome return to the 1st XV on the back of several impressive outings for our 2nd XV over recent weeks. Tom Denham returns following a busy period of working, Tom is a direct, strong running player who can cover both back row and centres, and in the backs Dan Carter (no, not that one unfortunately) takes the third bench spot following a bit of a break from rugby, a strong tackling player who loves to get on players shoulders and offer support.

2nd XV vs Richmondshire II (H)

Ahead of this week’s visit of Richmondshire to Blackwell Meadows our 2nd XV have been able to name a strong squad as they look to continue their strong start in the Tees Valley League this season.

At front row 2nd XV captain Chris Dargue at hooker is flanked by young prop Adam Jaques at loosehead and experienced veteran Mike Tebbs at tighthead. In the second row Stephen Hall is joined by Jay Graham as both continue their unwavering performances this season. In the back row Sam Ring at 6 adds an element of strong hard running, whilst exciting young openside Jake Bell continues his growth in the game. In the number 8 is powerful back-row Dan Bonham, who returns to rugby after a period of work training keeping him out of action so far this season.

In the backs, Adam Gray continues at scrum half following an impressive outing last time out for the 2s and following his 1st XV exploits last weekend. Aaron McNeilly makes a strong addition in the number 10 shirt, joined by 2 other long-standing players in Ryan Thompson and Andy Harris in the centres, all three well aware of each other’s abilities and style of play. On the wing’s Ste Shepherd will be looking to continue his strong performances for DRFC since making his first appearance in the 2nd XV’s last outing, he is joined on the wing by Shaun Maddison, another who is making a return to rugby after a period of work kept him out of the game for nearly 2-years. At full back is rugby league convert Ben Smith who provides solid tackling in the last line of defence.

On the bench Adam Batley, fresh from his recent boxing exploits is joined by Dave Toft as front row replacements, both capable of coming on and making strong impacts to the front row. Wayne McNulty, and club stalwart Chris Stoddart are joined by our very own godfather of soul, James Brown to provide an array of cover across the park.