Match Preview

Hartlepool Rovers are on the road on Saturday when they visit Barnard Castle (kick off 3pm).

Successive wins against Ponteland (38-5) and Whitby (45-20) have seen the Whites start to climb the Durham Northumberland One table and Rovers will be looking to get a first-ever victory at Parsons Lonnen.

Rovers had a great chance last season to get a result only for three soft tries-at the start; right on half time and on full time- to keep Castle in the lead. The 29-12 defeat was harsh on the Friaragemen who had competed with the high-flying Castle in monsoon-like conditions.

With their hosts not having enjoyed the same start to the season in the last two campaigns, Rovers have the chance to get that win.

Player-coach Steve Smith welcomes back Adam Smith from injury and Billy Lloyd and Dylan Langley who missed last week’s home win over Whitby.

Skipper Callum Whitehead expects to be passed fit to play and is named on the bench.

Rovers: Rochester, S Railton, S Barnefield, Burnside, Maguire, Foreman, Stephenson, I Flounders, T Stead, N Stead, Langley, Lloyd, O’Callaghan, Wood, Little. Subs: Whitehead, Pelser, Gunn