The current Season sees Novos approach it with strong playing numbers and with availability there is optimism of being able to field 4 sides almost every week. The playing membership is now in excess of 100 players and the first team squad is about 40 strong. As always new players are always welcome regardless of ability and we hope to see even more new faces through our doors during the season.

The new coaching setup with ex coach Graeme Cooper as director of rugby and head coach Andy Leonard assisted by Rob Jones and Andy Rickaby has worked well and the players are well prepared for the season.

Novos have welcomed some new signings to compliment the current squad and are anticipating some more when the students return. The new boys include Luke Mitchell who will make his full debut on Saturday, a full back from Winlaton Vulcans, Aussie centre Mitchell Hendricks and student pair Wayne Henaghan and Edward Bowness all three are expected to make their Novos debuts in the 3rd team game next week and it will be interesting to see if they can challenge for a 1st team spot. The only major leavers were prop Paul Middleton Walker leave for working reasons to York and talented senior colts Ben Walker, Choppa Armitage and Guy Holt who will all be going to University, all have committed to return and play during term holidays however and have been registered so as to answer any calls for help we may need.

Aims for this season are for the first team to finish higher than last seasons 9th spot finish and maybe try and aim for a top half finish if possible. The 2nds will be hoping to challenge at the top end of their league and the development squad will be looking to introduce junior players alongside established players such as Steve Gittins and James Desmond and aiming to compete well in their league. The Centurions will be looking to continue improvements and remain a competitive entity in their league.

A look at the opposition-

Ashington:

Home Ground: Ashington Welfare Park

Strips: Blue and Yellow hoops Jersey, Blue Shorts, Blue and Yellow socks

Website:www.pitchero.com/clubs/ashington/

At first team level Ashington provide the first opportunity to test Novos credentials when they visit on 4th September. The links between the two clubs in present day are in the form of the Cooper brothers, Both played for both clubs with distinction and Graeme remains our D.O.R whilst Micky returned to Ashington to be a part of their coaching set up. Generally they have a huge pack of forwards and are a strong scrummaging and set play unit.

Alnwick:

Home Ground: Greensfield

Strips: Blue with Yellow flash Jerseys, White Shorts and Blue Socks

website: www.alnwickrugby.com

Alnwick have always been a strong club within the County, They have a good powerful pack and quick skillful backs, especially strengthened by returning Will Massey who has been playing National League rugby with Tynedale for many years. Alnwick could well be in the promotion mix come the end of the season.

Darlington:

Home Ground: Blackwell Meadows

Strips: Red with black Flash Jerseys, Black Shorts, Red Socks

Website: www.darlingtonrfc.co.uk

Just three years ago Darlington were a National league rugby club with a fearsome reputation for being a strong forward unit with lots of pace and power out wide. A number of successive relegations sees them in Durham and Northumberland One. Whilst not the force they once were Darlington are likely to be a real handful at our level and have to be favourites to return straight back to North One East.

(Durham) Medicals:

Home Ground: Cartington Terrace

Strips: Maroon jerseys with white collars, white shorts, maroon socks with white tops.

Website:www.pitchero.com/clubs/medicals

Novos nearest neighbours and local rivals Medicals make a return to Division One following promotion as runners up from Division Two. Medicals are a great little rugby club with loads of tradition. In the past they have always had electrically quick backs but not always the biggest forwards - a little like Novos! They will certainly be talented and welcome additions to our league.

Gateshead:

Home Ground: Eastwood Gardens

Strips: Red with Dark and Sky Blue Stripe Jersey, White Shorts, Blue Socks

Website: www.pitchero.com/clubs/gatesheadrugbyfootballclub

Gateshead finished bottom of North East One last season but will be looking to bounce straight back by winning promotion this season, they are a strong and mobile pack and will be well organised.

Gosforth:

Home Ground: Druid Park

Strips: Green and white hoop jersey, White shorts, Green and White socks.

Website: www.gosforth-rfc.co.uk

Gosforth need no introduction as Novos oldest rivals, every year we compete for the Ringtons tea cup our mutual sponsors and links through the Smith family who played for both clubs with distinction. Ties between the two sides are often hard fought and entertaining. Novos currently hold the cup but Gosforth will be wanting to exact revenge this year and take it back.

Horden:

Home Ground: Horden Welfare

Website: www.hordenrugbyclub.co.uk/

Another Club who will have a big say in the promotion push this year, Massive pack and strong running backs. Horden won the Ryton Tournament fairly comfortably this year and really looked very strong. They are beatable but only if Novos are on top form when we play them.

Ponteland:

Home Ground: Ponteland Leisure Centre

Strips: Maroon jerseys, white shorts, Maroon Socks

Website:www.pontelandrfc.co.uk/

Pont were promoted as champions to this league and are traditionally very strong up front, coached by John Chappell a hooker with a feisty reputation in his playing days they will of course be well schooled scrummagers the main aim will be to avoid a return to Division two but I can see them doing that comfortably.

Redcar:

Home Ground: Mackinlay Park

Strips: Red and Black hoop Jerseys, Black Shorts, Black Socks

Website: www.pitchero.com/clubs/redcar

Current Novos Chairman Nick Cotterill was schooled in rugby at Redcar and still has fond memories of his time there. Redcar always seem to give Novos a howking at Sutherland Park but Novos seem to win at Mackinlay park, Redcar are a strong side but hopefully Novos can turn the tide at home and continue to win at Redcar.

Ryton:

Home Ground: Barmoor

Strips: Blue Jerseys, White Shorts, Blue Socks

Website:www.rytonrfc.co.uk

Ryton are one of the regions oldest clubs and are linked to Novos through their director of Rugby Billy Mordue who played for Novos in the 90s. Billy has helped restore Ryton's playing fortunes after they nearly relegated a few years ago. Always tough, uncompromising and combative opponents.

Stockton:

Home Ground: Norton Sports and social club

Strips: Red Jerseys, Blue Shorts and Red Socks

Website:www.pitchero.com/clubs/stockton

Stockton are a strong team and will be there or thereabouts for promotion by the end of the Season.

Sunderland:

Home Ground: Ashbrooke

Strips: Red, Black and Amber Hoops Jersey, White Shorts,

Website: www.pitchero.com/clubs/sunderland/

Sunderland are a very useful outfit, strong and organised and always a tough game especially at Ashbrooke.

Wallsend:

Home Ground: Barking Dog

Strips: Green Jerseys, White SHorts, Green Socks

Website:www.wallsendrfc.co.uk

Local club Wallsend have relocated from last Years Benfield School base and will be as tough and uncompromising as ever. Coached by Newcastle Falcon Micky Ward they have a big, hard pack and never take a backward step especially against Novos.