Match Preview

This weekend the 1xv welcome Sedgefield to Shields, a game which will either catapult Shields to the lofty heights of mid table or plummet us to just above the drop.

Earlier on in the season Shields took the spoils at “The Wok” in a horrible game by one score.

Sedgefield are tough opponents. Big lads who play direct one out rugby on the whole, with a strong scrum and Lineout.

Earlier on in the season they dominated the set pieces, something Shields are going to have to do better at this time to give our backs a good platform.

No team has battered Sedgefield this season, including the top teams.

As per always this season we have lads missing in Matty Orrick, Nick Brown and Ben Langley, giving other lads a chance to step in and impress.

From where we were at at the end of last season we have recruited very well and it’s great to have a number of these lads getting run outs in the 1’s.
In this last week I’m really pleased to say that Ben Reid is now back at Shields (available January 2024) and we’re hearing that a number of other lads currently at Northern will be heading our way before next season. Tomma Dawson will soon be back in the mix as well, following surgery, as will be Chris Thompson (formerly Novos) who’s just returned following a break.

A huge game for the club. Win or lose it won’t define our season but could act as a springboard if we come out on the right side.